Sun protection is not just for your beach bag! Your skin needs protecting all the time. Here are 5 reasons to wear SPF in all seasons, whatever the weather… 

#1 – UV Rays Are 10x More Intense In Spring vs. Winter

By the time spring rolls around, we’ve all had enough of wet wintery days so we’re eager to spend more time outdoors. But the relatively mild temperatures can be misleading because UV rays are still a potential risk for skin—in fact, UV rays are already almost 10x more intense than in winter. Cloud cover reduces mainly infrared and visible light, which causes a decrease in heat and light intensity but not in UV strength—up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds.

An effective way to prevent accidental damage and an increased risk of premature aging to your skin is to incorporate SPF into your skincare routine. A tinted sunscreen with high SPF provides even, natural-looking coverage while also protecting your skin. For dehydrated skin, a moisturizing face cream with added SPF can provide intense, targeted rehydration with high level daily UVA/UVB protection. 

#2 – UV Rays Are Strongest In Summer

For most of us, summer means vacation time! It’s also the most important season to wear powerful sun protection, as UV rays are stronger due to our proximity to the sun, and we are most likely to spend more time outdoors.

If you enjoy jumping around in the waves or regular dips in the pool, make sure to use a sun cream formulated using water resistant technology. Remember to always reapply your sun protection every 2 hours, and stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day (11am-4pm). By protecting your skin during the summer months, you’ll avoid the consequences of dry, damaged skin come autumn.

 #3 – Long-Wave UVA Rays Are Still Around Come Fall

Summer’s over, and it’s time to get back to our daily lives. Are you hitting the road for a post-vacation run or outdoor activity? UV intensity may have dropped, but long-wave UVA rays are still present, and are a risk to your skin’s health.

And if autumn is when you choose to go on holiday (fewer crowds, lower rates), the same care should be taken for your skin as in the summer months, so don’t forget sun protection!

#4 – Sunscreen Is Needed On The Slopes, Too!

Are you escaping on a skiing holiday this winter? The intensity of UV rays increases with altitude—around 10% every kilometer—so avoid skin damage by carrying a sun care stick with a high SPF in your pocket. The wind and cold on mountains can be particularly misleading as you might not realize how much sun exposure you’re actually getting! And snow is the most reflective of all surfaces, reflecting between 60-80% of UVA and UVB rays.

Reapply regularly to the areas most exposed to the sun, such as the nose, forehead, ears and cheeks.

#5 – Glass Windows Won’t Protect You

Even indoors, your skin needs protection. While your skin won’t tan or burn from behind glass since UVB rays are blocked, UVA rays penetrate through with the visible light. Prolonged exposure to UVA rays can cause profound cellular damage, even to DNA, and photo-aging, which means you’ll look far older than you are.

Since long-wave UVA rays are present all-year-round, it’s better to be safe than sorry when it comes to taking care of your skin. Incorporate sun protection into your daily beauty routine, whatever the season.

What to Look for When Choosing a Sunscreen

Look for a sun protection that is broad spectrum, meaning that it protects from both UVB and UVA rays.

Keeping in mind that SPF only covers the UVB protection in a product, you should choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 to 60 to use all year round. Anything higher than SPF 60 is unnecessary as it only provides a very minimal increase in UVB protection.

To ensure you’re getting the best in UVA protection, La Roche-Posay Anthelios products have a UVA logo which indicates that they have minimum UVA protection equal to 1/3 of the SPF.

Try La Roche-Posay Anthelios Sun Protection Creams and Lotions

With more than 40 years of research, La Roche-Posay has developed a range of non-toxic sunscreens for sensitive skin.

While most face sunscreens leave your face feeling weighed down, Anthelios face sunscreens have a lightweight texture that’s ideal for daily SPF protection. And they’re safe for anyone suffering from sensitive skin or atopic dermatitis. For everyday protection, try adding the tinted sunscreen primer to your beauty routine. For combined hydration and UVA protection, try the non-greasy Ultra-Fluid Lotion. And to address aging concerns, use La Roche-Posay’s anti-aging serum, called Hyalu B5, in combination with a sunscreen.