Do I really need to wear sunscreen in winter?

Hey, skincare enthusiasts! Winter is here, and while you might be tempted to ditch the sunscreen, think again. The chilly weather doesn't mean you're off the hook regarding sun protection. Dive into this Jess Beauty article and discover why sunscreen is your skin's best friend, even in winter! 

Winter's charm brings cozy highs of hot cocoa, snug clothes, and snowy strolls; however, just as we bundle up to face the cold, our skin requires some shielding, too. Even though the sun feels less intense in winter, its harmful UV rays don't take a break. In fact, the winter sun can be sneakier, accelerating photoaging and increasing the risk of skin cancer. And if you're braving freezing weather, watch out! Snow and ice can reflect up to 90% of these rays, making it even more crucial to protect your skin.

Remember, sunscreen isn't reserved for sunny beach days; those UV rays are always at play, so get your sun game going and start adding sunscreen to your daily routine today!

How does sunscreen work?

Sunscreen is like your skin's superhero against those sneaky UV rays. The SPF number, or Sun Protection Factor, indicates the fraction of UV radiation that can slip through the product's shield. Take SPF 50, for instance – only 1/50th of the UV light gets a pass.

But hey, that SPF 15 in your daily skincare or makeup routine? It's cute, but not enough for a day in the sun. When you're serious about sun defense, reach for dedicated sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. It's like a 97% block against those UV villains. And if you’re an outdoor enthusiast, especially snow bunnies hitting the slopes, go for the heavy-duty stuff: water- and sweat-resistant sunscreen options, with SPF 50 or higher, are ideal for showing those reflected rays who's boss!

Whether catching waves or hitting the mountain peaks, make sure your SPF game is on point. Let your skin vibe as high as your adventures! 

What does not wearing sunscreen do to your skin?

Skipping sunscreen is like fast-tracking your skin to premature aging. Fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots – you name it. Worse, it amplifies your risk of skin cancer, especially in winter when the ozone layer is thinner, and sun exposure tends to slip under the radar. Remember, UVA and UVB rays are the year-round party crashers, so don’t hesitate to rely on sunscreen as your 24/7 guard.

#JessBeautyTips to keep your skin safe this winter:

• Apply sunscreen to all exposed skin, including often-forgotten areas like your lips, the underside of your chin, and the bottom of your nose. Modern sunscreen formulas are nothing like the greasy ones of the past. Think of them as a spa day for your skin, easily combating winter dryness!

• Put on sunscreen at least 20 minutes before heading outside. The cold and winds can be sneaky, and that morning sunscreen layer might not cut it. Reapply every two hours and after sweating for bulletproof protection.

4 easy steps to add to your winter sunscreen routine

1. Drink your water: Start your day with hydration, especially before your morning coffee or tea. Water flushes out toxins, leaving your skin plump and radiant!

1. Use a soft cleanser: During winter, opt for a moisturizing cleanser to hydrate and support your skin's barrier and protect it from the damaging effects of the cold weather. Jess Beauty’s Face Reset Cleanser is a gentle option that won't strip your skin of its natural oils while calming redness and inflammation.

1. Don’t forget to moisturize: Before applying your daily dose of SPF 30, make sure to moisturize your skin with our C Bomb Vitamin C Moisturizer, which helps retain that long-lasting moisture while defending it against everyday stressors. 

1. Add Niacinamide to your skincare routine: Niacinamide is a derivative of vitamin B3 that plays an important role in energy metabolism and cell health. Boasting this potent ingredient, our Shine Bright Serum helps moisturize your skin, calming redness and reducing inflammation. It is also good for our pigmentation, helping to boost collagen production and resulting in a brighter complexion.