Best believe I have sunscreen on here!
This one is going to be pretty short and to the point because I talk about sunscreen A LOT around these parts—I even filmed a video on the importance of sunscreen with tips on how to properly use it. But when the temperatures start to take a dip, sometimes people forget that you still need to slather on that sunscreen. I mean, I come across people who don’t wear sunscreen at all no matter the time of year, but even among those who wear it somewhat regularly, they also forget about the winter.
So here’s the thing about the winter: the sun still comes out! It may not be out as long as it is when it’s warmer out, but it’s still there and its rays can be just as intense in the winter as it is in the summer. Another thing: sun exposure is cumulative. For all you people who think “oh, I’m just out in the sun for 15 minutes,” all those 15 minute episodes add up. People also seem to think they’re protected by windows in the office, home, and the car. NOPE. The sun’s rays can penetrate glass, too. And one thing I often have to reiterate is that having dark skin alone is not a good sun protector. Even the darkest of skins only provides enough protection for maybe like 10 minutes of exposure.
The sun’s harmful rays can make the skin more prone to wrinkling and it breaks down collagen (collagen is what keeps the skin looking taut and snatched) over time. Wrinkles are of course not a curse, but you want to get them from things like laughing or smiling—not from sitting out in the sun. Another thing? Dark spots. Don’t wear sunscreen and you can be making those dark spots even darker and ruining any work you’ve been doing to treat them. Speaking of treatments, here’s another reason to wear sunscreen: some skincare treatments can make the skin more sensitive to the sun–go out without sunscreen and you could cause immediate damage to your skin. Talk about OUCH to both your face and maybe your wallet because that type of damage might cost $$$ to treat. And most importantly, the sun’s harmful rays can cause a number of skin cancers. While those of us with darker skin may not get skin cancers as often as those with lighter complexions might, when we do get it, it’s harder to detect and can be more aggressive.
SO PUT SUNSCREEN ON PLEASE!!!!
Even in the winter. The sun is still out even if it doesn’t feel like it in below zero degrees.
Oh, and before you start to say sunscreens make you ashy or they’re too greasy or whatever, I have taken the liberty of trying a BUNCH at varying price points and they will NOT make you ashy. Sunscreens come in many forms now so even if your favorite daytime moisturizer doesn’t include sunscreen, you can still get coverage. Also make sure you’re properly using sunscreen and applying it liberally. You want about a dime-sized amount for the face and about a shot glass full amount for the body. If you apply less, you won’t be getting the full SPF as listed on the bottle. Head over to the suncare archives to read my past reviews and posts.
Hi Danielle… how do you reapply sunscreen over makeup?
Author
Hey Tracy!
There are sunscreens that come in mineral powder form so you can reapply and also touch-up your makeup. There are also sunscreen sprays. The thing with both is you want to be careful you’re not inhaling the particles (cover your mouth & nose when you apply) and you also need to make sure you apply enough to get the level of protection listed on the packaging.