While we all know that sunscreen needs to be used when the sun it’s at its strongest, there’s the common misconception that this is the only time it needs to be used. And sadly, this is not true. UV rays are present throughout the year, every single day. As such, they affect the skin all year round, even when it’s the colder months. For those looking to keep their skin hydrated and healthy, it’s important to apply sunscreen all year round, whenever you are outdoors. The importance of daily sun protection cannot be understated. And, there are always dangers for those who have unprotected skin, even when it’s cloudy.
How Sunscreen Protects the Skin
Sunscreen is important when it comes to blocking harmful UVA and UVB rays. Preventing these rays from accessing the skin means avoiding sunburn, premature skin ageing and also prevents skin cancer. UV rays can cause skin cell damage and genetic mutations. While many people assume that UV rays are mostly present during strong bouts of sun, this is not true. UV rays are present on cloudy or snowy days too. So, people can still get burnt when its overcast if there is no sun protection in place on the skin. In fact, when it comes to snowy days, the issue can actually be worsened, with scientific studies showing that 80% of UV rays are reflected back up off snow and ice, increasing the chance of sun damage in winter months.
The Long-Term Dangers of UV Exposure
Over-exposure to, and lack of protection from UV rays results in a number of skin issues. One of these is premature ageing. This is where you see wrinkles, fine lines or even hyperpigmentation occur. While there are steps you can take to mitigate these issues after the fact, applying sunscreen can help prevent them in the first place. However, as many dermatologists clearly warn, not protecting yourself from UV rays can also lead to an increased chance of skin cancer. This is because the rays can cause genetic mutations in the skin. You can also develop damage to your eyes too, which can lead to cataracts and other vision conditions.
Year-Round Sun Protection: Foundations and SPF Makeup
What’s really great to know is that you don’t just have to wear sunscreen to protect your skin. SPF is found in a variety of different products these days, all of which can be used to help protect your skin. Nowadays, you can find SPF in foundation, powders and moisturisers. So, with all this inbuilt sun protection, there are multiple ways to look after your skin. Better still, you find tinted sunscreen that actually offers double the protection of a regular one. This is because it blocks both UV rays as well as blue light from screens. Wearing SPF makeup is therefore a very convenient option for those who often forget to remember to apply sunscreen on a daily basis. No one is forgetting their foundation before leaving the house.
Affordability: How to Save on SPF Products
While sunscreen is often quite pricey, many SPF products are not. Foundations, powders and sunscreens can all be found at reasonable, affordable prices if you know how and where to look. Yes, some brands are still expensive, and these are usually the top-quality ones, but even these brands have options for saving when it comes to shopping online. This can be done via the very handy discount codes and online promotions that are commonly found. Using such promotions is a great way to get quality products at a fraction of their original price.
For instance, this trustworthy website offers discount codes for a variety of beauty and skincare brands. By taking advantage of such deals, you can invest in better sun protection without overspending. This means that you can look your best and protect your skin and bank balance all at the same time.
At the end of the day, sunscreen is a daily necessity, not something only used in strong sun or hot weather. It’s not a seasonal product and should not be used as such. Make daily SPF application a routine, and invest in the right SPF products for your skincare routine, regardless of the weather.