Is SPF Still Important in the Fall and Winter?
- Posted on: Oct 25 2013
Yes! SPF is still important in the Fall and Winter!
The change in seasons from Summer to Fall can lead you to believe that the sun’s rays are less harmful. That is simply not true. Yes, we may spend less time outdoors in the Fall and Winter than we do in the summer, but the sun’s rays can still be damaging when we are exposed.
Sun Protection Facts to Remember:
Use Sunscreen throughout the Fall and Winter!
- Even on Cloudy Days up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can pass through the clouds.
- Repeated exposure to UVA and UVB rays causes damage to the cells of the epidermis resulting in the production of wrinkles, age spots and actual skin cancers.
- Cumulative sun damage leads to the loss of subcutaneous fat causing the skin to lose tone and sag.
- Physical Sun blocks (Zinc Oxide & Titanium Dioxide) provide broad spectrum protection blocking both UVA and UVB rays and are gentle enough for daily use. Try DermaSpaRx Sun Protection System SPF 30 or SPF 45.
- Sunblocks are only effective if you use them appropriately.
- Apply 15-20 minutes before sun exposure to allow a protective film to develop. Re-apply every 2 hours.
Read more about getting your skin ready for the changing seasons with Dr. Asarch below…
Dr. Asarch’s Article published in Always New You: “For many of us, the shorter days of autumn and winter bring more than just cooler temperatures. They also bring unwelcome dryness to our skin and a need to revisit our skin care regimen. Fall has just arrived and Winter is not yet here, but the increasingly dry air and cooler temperatures are telling your skin otherwise. For those of us who live in naturally arid climates, we are accustomed to dealing with dry, flaky skin. During the winter months much of the rest of the country joins us and our changing weather makes skin conditions even worse.
Stick with your routine of cleansing, nourishing, moisturizing and protecting your skin but add some additional steps to prevent damage.
Your skin may feel the effects of both the outside temperatures and elements, along with the introduction of the new warm air circulating from your heating vent. As soon as you turn the heat on indoors, the skin starts to dry out. This effect increases as we go from warm house, to cold outdoors, to warm cars and so on. The quick change in temperature is difficult for our skin to regulate. When moisture in the skin is reduced, it appear less full, less toned, flaky and dull. Water is the skin’s main source of moisture. Most treatments for dry skin add water or retain water already existing in the skin. Both excessive humidity (above 90%) and low humidity (less than 10%) break down your outer skin barrier. For the skin to appear and feel normal, the water content of this outer layer must be above 10%, ideally between 20 and 35%.
Cleanse your skin without removing all of its natural moisturizers and then apply a topical skin nutrition product to help you retain moisture. Use a moisturizing or gentle enzyme cleanser that won’t dry out already compromised skin. You may want to switch to a sensitive skin formula if dryness worsens. See your Dermatologist if your skin becomes red or flaky.
Next, use a maximum hydrating agent utilizing a naturally occurring ingredient like Hyaluronic Acid. Found in our bodies, HA helps keep our joints lubricated and using it on your skin topically is like giving your skin a drink of water. In addition, switch from the lighter lotion you used in the summer to a heavier cream formulated for your skin type. Thicker creams are slower to absorb and will add an additional layer of protection for your skin.
Here are some other tips for the dry season to keep your total body hydrated:
- Protect Your Hands– It is difficult to keep your hands moist in cold, dry weather because the skin on your hands is thinner and has fewer oil glands than on most other parts of your body. This can lead to itchy, cracked skin. Be sure to use hand cream and wear gloves when you go outside-avoid wool if possible as it can be irritating.
- Avoid Wet Socks and Gloves-Wearing wet socks and gloves can irritate your skin increasing the chance for itching, cracking, and sores. The gloves and socks are not the problem themselves, but rather what we do when we take them off. You need to moisturize your skin to replenish the oils. Otherwise, it will dry out and become chapped.
- Humidify the Air– Central heating systems and heaters push hot, dry air through our homes and offices where we spend most of our time. Humidifiers will put moisture in the air and help prevent your skin from drying out.
- Take a Break from Peels-If your facial skin is extremely dry or sensitive this time of year, avoid using harsh peels, masks, and any alcohol-based toners or astringents-these products can strip essential oils and moisture from your skin. Instead opt for a hydrating facial at the spa.
Finally, continue to use your sunblock. The sun’s rays can be damaging year round, even on a cloudy day. Use a sun protection product with an SPF of at least 30 and re-apply often to all exposed areas. Physical sunblocks such as zinc oxide are ideal because they offer full spectrum UVA & UVB protection.”
To your skin health,
Dermatologist Dr. Richard Asarch, M.D., the Asarch Dermatology and Laser, Denver, CO
Posted in: Blog Post