DO I NEED TO USE A SUNSCREEN IN WINTER

UV rays are present all year round. There is no link between how hot or cold the temperature is and the levels of UV exposure so it is highly recommended to use a quality mineral sunscreen all year round. There are differences in UV levels during Summer and Winter, but this is mostly due to the angle of the sun in the sky. During winter months, the sun is lower in the sky than in summer, and the length of the day is shorter, hence UV is less intense.

UV levels still peak in the middle of the day, but sometimes these levels can still be reaching their maximum in the afternoon.                                                                          

It is also advisable to check that your sunscreen will protect you from UVB and UVA as many chemical sunscreens only protect you from UVB.

Here are some facts about UV rays that everyone should know:

• Did you know that UVA presents itself on earth more than UVB and UVC? UVA is responsible for the ageing of the skin. UVA does not tan the skin, it is a silent collagen destructor that causes premature ageing. Anyone concerned with ageing should add a mineral sunscreen to their daily routine.  

• UVA is NOT filtered by the ozone layer, and damages our skins immune system.

• UVB is very harmful and is the ray that causes us to tan. Fortunately though some is filtered through our ozone layer (note: the ozone above Australia and NZ is depleted so this added protection is not as relevant for us aussies and NewZealanders)

• Skin cancer is 10 times higher in Australia than America and 20 times higher than the UK.  

• More than 60% of Australians will be treated for skin cancer at some point in their lifetime.  

Skin Care Companies are now adding antioxidants to sunscreen formulations to not only protect the skin but to reverse the damage incurred by UV damage. This would not only shelter the skin from UV rays but target the inflammation and cellular damage incurred from sun exposure. This is a great advancement in the cosmetic world, there is still a long way to go I believe but we are heading in the right direction.  

If you would like any information on the right sunscreen for you, please email our team.  

View our sunscreens here

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ref: http://www.bom.gov.au/uv/faq.shtml