This story was updated in January 2019.
Just because it’s getting chilly doesn’t mean that you can skip sunscreen. As twisted as it sounds, the sun is harsher on the skin during winters than in summers. Neglecting your skin especially during winters can cause dryness, spots, wrinkles and pigmentation in years to come. Don’t believe us? We’ve got Mumbai-based Dermatologist, Dr Apratim Goel on board to help you make the right skin care choices this winter.
Top 5 Favourite Sunscreen Lotions
Reasons To Wear Sunscreen Everyday – Do Not Ignore
Are we ready to roll? Good! Here are 5 reasons to apply sunscreen this chilly season.
1. The Ozone Layer Is Thinner In Colder Months
Did you know that the ozone layer acts as the Earth’s natural sunscreen? In fact, it filters out and protects us from UV rays. However, during winter, the ozone levels drop. Even though it’s chilly outside, there’s actually a higher chance of the sun damaging your skin.“I think the misunderstanding about not using sunscreen in winters is because it is called ‘sunscreen’, says Goel. Hence, to avoid getting that cold-weather burn, it’s best to apply a decent amount of SPF 30. Try VLCC Matte Look Sun Screen Gel Cream (Rs 195).
Also Read Reef Safe Sunscreens To Buy This Summer
2. UV Rays Can Seep Through Glass!
Even if you play it safe and decide to stay indoors, UV rays can still seep in through the window! “More than 80% of UV rays can penetrate through your window,” confirms Goel. Not just UV but the infrared light also causes skin damage. So don’t skip a sunscreen even when you’re at home or in your office—use a face cream with a minimum of SPF 15 like Neutrogena Oil-Free Moisturiser SPF 15 (Rs 432).
3. Carry It With You This Season
For all of the adventure junkies out there, listen up! We know you may be planning on going skiing this holiday season. However, if you’re not wearing sunscreen while you’re at it, you will expose your skin to harmful UV rays. In a nutshell, the higher you rise above sea level, the greater your exposure to sun rays will be. “So carry a broad-spectrum sunscreen and make sure you re-apply it if you’re spending more than four hours in the sun,” says Goel. We recommend you re-apply Lakme Sun Expert Fairness + UV Lotion SPF 50 PA ++ when out in the sun for hours altogether.
4. You May Need To Re-Apply A Sunscreen More Often
Many people are under the assumption that in winter, you don’t really need to apply sunscreen because you don’t sweat too often — that’s where you’re wrong. “Winter’s harsh conditions not only erode your sunscreen faster but also reduces its effectiveness,” says Goel. We recommend that you reapply the sunscreen especially if you’re sweating or spending many hours outside. We recommend you to apply Organic Harvest Sunscreen For Oily Skin SPF 30 if you have an oily skin.
5. Lack Of Sun Protection Can Sometimes Lead To Skin Cancer
Skin cancer can happen to anyone at any time. Since your skin is prone to damage during winter, it’s important to act fast and apply sunscreen daily. This is how it works — constant exposure to UV rays results in free radical formation. Once that happens, your DNA gets damaged resulting in a mutation. To avoid this, “ use a sunscreen every day,” advises Goel.
We recommend you to apply Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ (Rs. 549).
A few more ways to protect yourself from sun radiation!
1. Load Up On Green Tea
Turns out, green tea is not just good for your metabolism. With catechins and antioxidants, green tea cancels out oxidative damage and hence is an oral sunscreen. Have 1-2 cups of Organic India Tulsi Green Tea (Rs 174) or apply The Face Shop Real Nature Green Tea Face Mask (Rs 100) to make the best of this superfood.
2. Layer Your Make-Up Right
As far as layering make-up with sunscreen during winter, start by washing your face first. After that, apply your normal moisturiser and then your sunscreen soon after. Once your face is dry, apply your make-up. Don’t forget to use a sunscreen!
3. You can go for spray sunscreen too
Instead of using sunscreen creams you can choose spray sunscreen which are highly durable and water resistant. So even after your swimming sessions these will protect you from the harmful rays of sun. the best part is it need not to be applied again and again which is the case with some of the sunscreen creams. For better results and to be on a safer side you can apply a thin layer of sunscreen below the spray sunscreen. It will prevent your skin from damage, premature ageing or tanning.
POPxo Recommends Our Top 5 Fave Sunscreen Lotions!
1. Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+
Want a sunblock that makes your skin smooth too? Well here it is. This sunscreen from Neutrogena blends well with the skin to bring the best results.
Buy here: Neutrogena UltraSheer Dry Touch Sunblock SPF 50+ (Rs 190)
2. Avene Very High Protection Spray SPF 50+
This Avene spray offers protection from all types of sun radiation. It is user friendly, paraben free and water resistant. What else do you ask for?
Buy here: Avene Very High Protection Spray SPF 50+ (Rs 2,400)
3. Aroma Magic Sunblock Lotion SPF++30 UVA/UVB
This totally herbal sunblock made without the use of any harmful ingredients for skin has got the best reviews from customers. It leaves no cast and is a blessing for people who have oily skin.
Buy here: Aroma Magic Sunblock Lotion SPF++30 UVA/UVB (Rs 180)
4. Nivea Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 50
This sun lotion from Nivea helps to prevent skin wrinkles too with its collagen protection formula. Want to avoid premature aging? Well, grab this lotion and be carefree.
Buy here: Nivea Moisturising Sun Lotion SPF 50 (Rs 360)
5. Khadi Natural Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 UVB PA++
Khadi products are prepared with natural ingredients hence you can trust this lotion for being chemical free. It also comes with an affordable price which will not make a hole in your pocket.
Buy here: Khadi Natural Moisturising Sunscreen Lotion SPF 30 UVB PA++ (Rs 225)
Internal Images: Shutterstock