The sun is finally shining! You are ready to go outside and enjoy the beautiful day, but you quickly realize that the temperature is well below freezing. It might seem counterintuitive, but it can be just as important to wear SPF when it's cold out as when it's warm out.
Humanery has put together a quick guide on how you can find the right SPF for your skin type and why it's so important to continue wearing protection in all weather conditions.
What is SPF?
SPF stands for "sun protection factor" and measures how effective your sunscreen will be in providing sunburn protection.
SPFs are generally rated between 2-50, and now you can also buy 50+ SPF. It's essential to choose a sunscreen with SPF of at least 30, like the LifeJack Skin SPF 30 Sun Gel, as anything under that will unlikely provide adequate protection (even when the sun is not bright, your skin still need this protection!).
However, some dermatologists recommend protection up to 50+ for extended periods spent in the sun. The higher the SPF you are using, the more your skin will be protected from harmful rays that can damage or even kill skin cells. In fact, LifeJacket Skin also has a SPF 50+ Sun Gel that we can highly recommend for added protection.
Bonus Tip: Be sure to check the expiration date of your sunscreen, as it may lose its effectiveness over time.
How to Apply SPF Properly
Sunscreen should be applied 15-30 minutes before going outside and reapplied every two hours if you're not wearing water-resistant clothing. It's also essential to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen, such as the Saltee SPF 30 Sun Lotion, as it protects against UVA and UVB rays.
You need to apply sunscreen liberally on your face, neck, ears, hands, and feet before going outside for the day. If you have long hair that covers part of your face, be sure to apply sunscreen on the back of your neck and ears, where it is often neglected. (Plus, many people forget that their scalp can burn as well!)
Keep in mind that sweating can wash away sunscreen, so make sure to reapply after exercising.
Additionally, it's important to remember that SPF doesn't measure water resistance, so even if you've applied a higher number like 50+, don't think you can get away without reapplication!
How To Find The Right SPF For Your Skin Type
There are five basic skin types: oily, normal, combination, dry and sensitive. It's important to know which category you fall into because each skin type needs different ingredients to absorb effectively.
Oily Skin - look for sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide listed as the first ingredient
Normal Skin - your best bet is to use a sunscreen with avobenzone, homosalate, or octisalate listed as the first ingredient.
Combination Skin - you will most likely find that you need a sunscreen with both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, as well as avobenzone or octisalate
Dry Skin - you will most likely find your best protection with sunscreens containing titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide
Sensitive Skin - try and avoid any scented products (even if they claim to be hypoallergenic), including perfumes, essential oils, and dyes. Look for products labelled "fragrance-free" or without parabens.
Why SPF Is Important All Year Round, Even In The Cold
Even though the temperature might be chilly, it doesn't mean you should skip applying sunscreen - even if you are wearing clothing that covers most of your body!
Why? Because even when it is cold outside, the sun's rays can be damaging. They are just as strong during the winter months and even on cloudy days. When you're out enjoying the snow or ice skating with friends and family this holiday season, protect your skin with SPF to prevent any future skin damage that can lead to wrinkles or worse!
Even though the temperature might be chilly, it doesn't mean you should skip applying sunscreen - even if you are wearing clothing that covers most of your body!
So, don't forget the sunscreen and keep an eye on the Humans of Humanery Journal for more tips on properly protecting yourself in all weather conditions.
