Yvonne Glasgow
You apply sunscreen on sunny days during the warm months, but what about during the winter? Your skin deserves protection all year long.
It’s easy to think using moisturizer or makeup with an SPF rating isn’t important in the winter on account of the clouds and time spent indoors. But cloudy days aren’t even protection since clouds block only around 20% of the sun’s rays, and you’re exposed to UV more than you realize. Instead of using sunscreen only during sunny days on the beach, start using products with SPF every single day.
You do want to pick the right moisturizer, though. And, there’s more to selecting the right moisturizer for skin protection than just looking at the SPF on the bottle. To be sure you get the most out of your moisturizer, you want to get the right one for your skin. There are facial moisturizers, ones for sensitive or dry skin, and even lotions with SPF.
Some things to consider while shopping for moisturizers:
Your skin type: If you have sensitive skin, be sure to invest in a moisturizer that won’t cause itching or a rash. You’re planning to apply this daily as part of your skincare routine, so you want something good for your personal skin issues. For dry skin, get a moisturizer created especially for that skin type.
Which SPF you need is somewhat determined by your skin tone. If you have pale skin that burns easily, you’ll want to use a higher SPF for the best protection. The higher the SPF, the longer it will last. Note, however, that you also need to reapply more often if you’re sweating and after swimming.
Where you’re applying: If you want to use your moisturizer all over, don’t just buy one made for your face. You may need to buy a facial moisturizer and a body moisturizer unless you’re using a foundation with SPF daily, as well. For wintertime use in a chilly climate, you’ll likely be focused on just your hands, face, and neck.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s ideal to reapply at least every two hours. Applying moisturizer more than once a day in the winter might seem like overkill, but winter weather is usually quite dry, so it certainly won’t hurt to keep your skin extra hydrated.
