Cream with SPF in winter — a mistake or a necessity?

Annotation

• Do you need sunscreen in winter?
• What are ultraviolet filters?

Creams with protection from ultraviolet radiation are associated primarily with the sunny period - late spring, summer, early autumn. At the same time, the skin is exposed to ultraviolet radiation throughout the year, including the winter period.

Of course, the intensity of UV rays varies throughout the year, so sunscreen creams should also be used taking into account the specifics every season.

Do you need sunscreen in winter?

Solar radiation is not only a beautiful tan. Rays of types A and B are largely responsible for photoaging of the skin. Many women know this, so they use sunscreen at any UV index to make sure they protect their skin. However, in some cases, protection is not needed: indices from 0 to 3 suggest minimal exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

To accurately know the UV index before going outside, you can install the application of the same name on your smartphone or check the weather forecast. The index itself indicates the intensity of radiation:

• Values ​​from 0 to 3 suggest that you can go without sunscreen for up to half an hour when outdoors in clear weather. Values ​​below 2 indicate that the cream is not needed at all, even if you will be outside for more than half an hour;
• indexes from 4 to 6 indicate the need to use a sunscreen with an SPF factor of 20 or 25. This is enough to protect the skin if you plan to be in direct sunlight for more than fifteen minutes. On the other hand, if you need to go out for five to ten minutes, you can do without SPF cream;
• indices of 7 and more require the mandatory use of sunscreen with an SPF factor of 25-30. Even if you go outside for a short time or sit near a window in direct sunlight, you need protection.

SPF factor on creams indicates the degree of sun protection. This number corresponds to the intensity of radiation that the filters in the composition can absorb. Products with protection SPF 20-25 block up to 97-98 percent of rays, SPF 30-50 - up to 99 percent. Factor 50 is generally only recommended for use by people with photosensitive skin (for example, after a peel or on a tattooed area). Numbers above this value do not differ in the degree of protection.

The constant use of products that protect against ultraviolet rays does not make sense - the compositions of such creams are more focused on filters than on active or therapeutic components. There is no need to apply these products at night or in the evening - there will be no benefit from them.

What are ultraviolet filters?

Solar radiation can either be absorbed and neutralized, or reflected and scattered. These principles are the basis for two main groups of filters used in protective cream formulations:

1. Physical filters. The most commonly used are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide - their action is based on the reflection and scattering of radiation. Essentially, these minerals work as a physical shield, blocking the rays from reaching the skin. Physical filters are considered safer, but their constant presence on the skin can be harmful - this slows down its natural regeneration, because it is more difficult for dead cells of the stratum corneum to exfoliate. After such products you need a good cleansing of the skin.
2. Chemical filters. The most commonly used are benzophenone and oxybenzone. These compounds, when exposed to UV rays, trigger a chemical reaction, as a result of which this radiation is converted into heat. Such filters have a shorter effect than physical ones due to oxidation in air and other chemical reactions. In addition, oxybenzone and benzophenone may cause irritation in some people, especially after being on the skin for a long time.

Sun protection is an important part of care, especially during long daylight hours. Even in winter there may be a need to use such products. However, the best option is to apply sunscreen only when needed and according to the current UV index. This approach will provide good protection against photoaging and does not “overload” the skin with care.

Moreover, our body also has its own, albeit weak, UV protection mechanisms - they are definitely enough to go out to the store or walk to the subway in the summer.