If you mostly think about using sunscreen during the summer, you’re not alone. Many people skimp on their UV protection during the cold winter months – but that’s a mistake.
Although you might be outside more during the warm parts of the year, the winter actually has some of the strongest ultraviolet exposure. If you live somewhere with ice and snow, you may feel the reflection of up to 80% of UV rays. That’s more reflection than at the beach!
The bottom line: daily SPF protection is crucial year-round. If you’re not convinced, here are four other reasons to keep applying your favorite non-toxic sunscreen during every season.
✓ Protection Against Skin Cancer
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, approximately 9,500 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Even more notable is the estimate that one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime.
These staggering statistics underscore the immense importance of sun protection measures, including the daily use of SPF year-round.
UV radiation from the sun is a major risk factor for skin cancer development. SPF acts as a barrier, blocking a significant portion of these harmful rays from penetrating the skin.
By applying SPF daily, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, which is the deadliest form of the disease. Studies have shown that regular use of sunscreen with a high SPF can decrease the incidence of melanoma by as much as 50%.
Furthermore, SPF also plays a crucial role in reducing the risk of recurrence in individuals who have previously been diagnosed with the disease. If you’ve experienced skin cancer yourself, or if you have a family history of the disease, dermatologists often recommend diligent use of SPF as part of a comprehensive sun protection strategy.
✓ Maintaining Overall Skin Health
Applying SPF year-round is an essential aspect of maintaining overall skin health beyond preventing skin cancer. UV radiation from the sun does increase the risk of skin cancer, but it also contributes to various other skin issues that can impact its health and appearance.
One significant benefit of using SPF daily is its role in preventing premature aging of the skin. UV rays accelerate the breakdown of collagen and elastin fibers in the skin, leading to the formation of wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin.
By applying SPF consistently, you can minimize the damaging effects of UV radiation on collagen and elastin, which in turn helps you preserve your skin's firmness and elasticity as you get older.
Additionally, SPF protects the skin from sunburn and inflammation, which can compromise its barrier function and contribute to dryness, redness, and irritation. By maintaining the skin's natural moisture barrier, SPF helps keep the skin hydrated and healthy, reducing the risk of issues such as eczema and dermatitis.
✓ Preventing Hyperpigmentation
Daily SPF application, even during the winter months, also helps prevent hyperpigmentation – the darkening of certain areas of the skin due to an overproduction of melanin.
UV radiation from the sun is a primary trigger for hyperpigmentation. It stimulates the melanocytes in the skin to produce more melanin in response to sun exposure. This increased melanin production can lead to the formation of dark spots, age spots, and uneven skin tone.
By applying your trusted non-toxic sunscreen consistently, you can help create a protective barrier that shields your skin from harmful UV rays. Furthermore, SPF helps to prevent the worsening of existing hyperpigmentation, contributing to a more even complexion over time.
This is particularly important for individuals with conditions such as melasma, a common form of hyperpigmentation that can be triggered or worsened by sun exposure.
✓ Avoiding Cumulative Damage
It doesn’t matter what kind of UV skin damage you’re talking about – it worsens over time. The more you expose your skin (particularly your face, hands, neck, and ears) to UV rays, the more skin damage will build up and destroy your skin’s natural barriers.
By wearing SPF daily, you can help protect your skin’s structural proteins from UV-induced damage, preserving the skin's firmness and elasticity and keeping it looking youthful for many years to come.
Think of it this way: one day of exposure to UV rays might have a minimal impact on your skin, but 365 days every year can cause long-lasting damage. Make SPF a part of your healthy daily routine, even during the cold months!
Find a Safe SPF Product for Daily Use
Not all sunscreens are created equally. In fact, some may be ineffective or contain unsafe ingredients, such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and homosalate. All of these are found to be associated with potential hormone disruption and other negative health effects.
That’s why, at Original Sprout, we’ve launched a Face & Body Sunscreen you can actually trust. This trusty SPF product provides safe, gentle sun protection without exposing users to toxic chemicals. It’s also vegan and safe for acne-prone or sensitive skin of all ages.
Even if you aren’t using our safe non-toxic sunscreen, make sure you’re researching what you do use. Your skin deserves adequate sun protection every day of the year.
Looking for more non-toxic skin products? Check out our entire Worry-Free Collection today.