Most of us are used to the idea that we need to wear (and re-apply) sunscreen in the summer to avoid nasty sunburns and keep the chances of skin damage to a minimum. However, what most people don’t realize is that sunblock should be worn every day. You may have been told this with the caveat that you can use lower SPF sunscreens in winter but this is not always true!
And, if you have been following this advice without using your brains, then congrats, the damage is done! Sun damage is cumulative and the effects can be seen even after years of exposure. Don’t freak out now. It is better late than never. Incorporate SPF in your skincare routine from now. Additionally, to reverse the damage, you can consult a dermatologist (sites similar to https://mydoctorlori.com/ could be helpful in this regard) for the most suitable solution. Apparently, there are various non-invasive treatments just as botox, chemical peels, and laser treatments that can help reduce the appearance of sun damage.
SPF 50 is Nifty
If you want to get a significant amount of protection from your sunblock, you should wear no less than SPF 50 throughout the year. While it is true that any sun protection is better than nothing, only factor 50 or more will give you significant protection – especially if you are outside for a significant amount of time each day.
Children are particularly at risk of sunburn. For young children and anyone that takes medication that thins the skin, SPF 85 or higher will be the most effective kind of sunblock no matter the season. Remember that you will need to re-apply it if you go swimming (even if it is water resistant).
Sunblock Expires!
If you are using your sunblock every day you will find that you need to buy a new bottle semi-regularly, but it is still a good idea to check the expiration date. If a bottle empties sooner than expected, that old one at the back of your bathroom cabinet may not be the answer! It is far better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the sun and taking care of your skin.
Generally speaking, most chemical or mineral sunscreens should have a shelf life of 3 years, but this can depend on a number of factors. Check the bottle to make sure that you’re getting the right level of protection.
Heat Doesn’t Equal Sunburn
While it is true that instances of sunburn can be more frequent in the summer, the volume of UV rays is not actually impacted by the temperature in an area. In fact, you can get a pretty nasty sunburn in winter – especially if you are out skiing or undertaking winter sports. This is because light reflects on snow the same way it does on water.
As such, it is best to change your SPF to a higher level of protection when you are planning on spending more time outside rather than changing it seasonally. You will also need to reapply your sunblock regularly, especially when you are spending a lot of time outside in bright sunshine.
So, if you have an Ulta coupon or discount code to hand, a high-quality, SPF 50 sunblock is a clever investment in terms of health and beauty! Using sunblock regularly will not only reduce visible signs of aging, it will minimize the risk of skin cancer.