So do you need to wear SPF during the winter? The answer to that is a flat yes, says editor Trudi Brewer. Just because the temperature changes, those skin destroying UV rays are still around. Here’s why applying sunscreen all year round should be a top priority.
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Protecting your skin against UV damage is a year-round commitment. According to dermatologist Dendy Engelman, recent data indicates that pigment cells can be stimulated not only by the sun’s bright UV rays but even by lower doses of ambient and infrared light emitted by your computer screen or overhead lamps. “People used to think, what’s the point of wearing sunblock in winter, when we may never see the sun.
We now know that even your office lighting and your phone screen can be harmful.”
The secret to keeping your complexion looking youthful for longer is using an SPF that offers broad-spectrum protection to shield against all types of UV rays. Here are our fab finds for keeping your skin safe event in the winter.
AVÈNE SUNSCREEN AQUA FLUID SPF50+, $28
With a natural-looking matte finish, this SPF is made with a blend of five active SPF ingredients. The mineral screen titanium dioxide, a potent photostable vitamin E, coconut oil and nourishing glycerin, and like all Avène skincare it has a base of soothing thermal spring water, which makes it ideal for sensitive or reactive skin types. Finally, it is also paraben, alcohol and fragrance-free - It’s a team favourite.
Just because it's cloudy and chilly outside doesn't mean your skin is safe from the sun. Those harmful UVA (ageing rays) while not burning the skin (that’s what UVB rays do) still penetrate clouds and will wreak havoc on your skin if you're not protected. UVA rays are a constant factor to protect your skin against all year round.
Bondi Sands Hydra UV Protect SPF 50+ Face Fluid, $25.
Our style director is a fan of this lightweight, yet super-hydrating formula. Invisible, on the skin, it won’t leave a greasy finish, which makes it ideal under makeup.
This sunscreen is suitable for all skin types even sensitive skin. It’s Fragrance, paraben and cruelty-free.
Studies repeatedly show we tend to under-apply sunscreen the level of protection is much weaker than the number on the bottle. Consider this: you should apply at least half a teaspoon of sun cream to cover your face and reapply every two hours. So in winter layer on SPF, sunscreen first and then an SPF laden moisturiser and foundations.
NAKED SUNDAYS SPF50+ COLLAGEN GLOW CRÈME, $37.
A four-in-one SPF, your skin primer, moisturiser, sunscreen with an antioxidant plant-based collagen-boost, as well. Your skin will benefit from the amino acids, glycine, proline and lysine that promote collagen synthesis in the skin, while watermelon loaded with vitamin C, vitamin E helps to combat the free radicals from those damaging UV rays. Finally, it’s vegan, and parabens, mineral oil, sulfate-free.
Incidental sun exposure, like walking to work or sitting outside for lunch has a cumulative effect and results in brown spots, fine lines and sagging skin. Research suggests that a thick layer of SPF may be just as important for those who work inside, as those that hit the slopes during winter weekends. It’s what you do daily that has the biggest effect on how your skin looks as you age.
Elizabeth Arden Advanced Ceramide Lift & Firm Day Cream SPF15, $155.
For firming and hydrating the skin this new SPF boosted day cream is so luxurious to use. Ideal under your sunscreen it contains Arden’s famous skin firming ceramides as well as an age-defying 3D FIT technology to firm, including edelweiss extract a powerful antioxidant to keep skin supple and firm. This cream comes in a recyclable glass jar and a cap that comes from post-consumer recycled packaging - we like that.
During the winter months, our skin’s barrier is more vulnerable to environmental changes, and it’s often dry an sensitive, so it’s already working harder to stay balanced and healthy. Wearing sunscreen during the day means your skin cells have less damage to try to repair overnight, which long term can help protect your skin from premature ageing.
EltaMD UV Elements Broad-Spectrum SPF 44, $88.
The 100 per cent mineral sunscreen, a blend of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide in a tinted moisturising formula, allows you to use this as your SPF and foundation. The addition of ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid means this SPF protects and hydrates the skin at the same time.
Look out for mineral-based sunscreens that contain zinc oxide or titanium oxide that together provide great SPF protection as well as moisturising benefits. Also look for SPF laden moisturisers that contain ‘water-grabbing’ ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and lactic acids.
Clinique Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation SPF20, $76.
Not only is this a fab oil-free, foundation that offers medium-to-full coverage, but it’s stacked with skincare ingredients. First up, hyaluronic acid hydrates to give skin a dewy glow. Salicylic acid smooths the texture of your skin by gently exfoliating. Finally, the combination of the potent antioxidant vitamin C, a brightening superstar, and an SPF 20 makes it the perfect multi-tasking beauty buy.
Ideal for Christmas gifting.