Autumn has bid goodbye and winter is here. While you might be enjoying the warmth of the winter sun, did you know that exposure to UV rays in winters too can harm your skin? Yes, you read it right. One of the most common misconceptions is that only the summer sun can damage your skin. Winter sun is equally harmful and can have long-lasting effects on your skin. Your skin needs protection from UV rays at all times, regardless of the season.
But are you wondering why is this necessary? Well, we’ll share some nuggets of wisdom with you.
UV rays emitted from the sun travel a long distance and reach us after penetrating through different layers of the atmosphere. There are two types of UV rays i.e., UVA rays and UVB rays. It is important to understand the difference between these two types of rays to give maximum protection to your skin. Around 95% of the sun rays reaching the earth are UVA rays as they can penetrate through the ozone layer. UVA rays are constant throughout the year and can penetrate through fog, clouds and even glass. These rays can deeply penetrate your skin causing premature ageing, fine lines and wrinkles. It is, therefore, important to shield your skin from the ill effects of UVA rays.
The remaining 5% of sun rays that reach the earth are UVB rays. They have higher energy than UVA rays and can damage the surface of your skin. Prolonged exposure to UVB rays can cause sunburns. The thickness of the ozone layer is thinnest during winters and therefore, most UVB rays pass through ozone and reach the earth’s surface. These rays can directly damage DNA and are one of the leading reasons for skin cancer. If you stay in snow-clad regions, UV rays are even more damaging as the sun rays get reflected from the surface of snow and ice.
It is essential to keep your skin covered as much as possible. Wearing sunscreen on the exposed parts of your skin can mitigate the harmful effects of UV rays to a large extent. Sun rays are the strongest from 10 AM to 4 PM and this is the time you are most likely to spend outdoors. A sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 is likely to block around 97% of harmful UV rays. The Spawake UV range is packed with SPF that keeps your skin moisturised and protected from the harmful effects of the sun. For medium skin protection, the Spawake UV Protect Aqua Gel is your best bet. Packed with SPF 30/PA++, its fast-absorbing oleic surfactants leave your skin fresh and smooth, without any residue. Made with an aqua enriched formula, this sunscreen easily blends into your skin giving it a natural finish. The Spawake UV Cut Silky Milk, with SPF 50/PA++++, is your ideal sun protection companion. Its lightweight and water-resistant formula keeps your skin hydrated and protected against harmful UV rays.
Protecting your skin from UV rays can maintain your skin’s natural glow and enhance your natural beauty. So before stepping out in the winter sun, don’t forget to slather your skin with sunscreen and make the most of this season.
