Sun protection all-year-round

Sun protection is not just for your beach bag! Your skin needs protecting all the time. Here are 5 reasons to wear SPF in all seasons, whatever the weather...

The joys of spring


By the time spring comes around, we've all had enough of wet wintery days, and tend to head outdoors the minute the sun shows its face. Longer days and nicer weather see us staying out more, but the relatively mild temperatures can be misleading: UV rays are still a potential risk for skin. By springtime, UV rays are already almost 10 times more intense than in winter
. Cloud cover reduces mainly infrared and visible light, which causes a decrease in heat and light intensity, but not in UV strength: up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds.

An effective way to prevent accidental damage and an increased risk of premature aging to your skin is to incorporate SPF into your skincare routine. A BB-tinted face cream with SPF 50 provides even, natural-looking coverage while also protecting your skin. For complexions prone to breakouts, a mattifying face cream with added SPF keeps the skin oil-free, preventing tell-tale shine around problem areas such as the T-zone and forehead.




Summer fun


For most of us, summer means vacation time! It's also the most important season to wear powerful sun protection, as UV rays are stronger due to our proximity to the sun, and we are likely to spend more time exposed outdoors.

If you enjoy jumping around in the waves or regular dips in the pool, make sure to use a sun cream formulated using Wet Technology to provide extra water resistance. Remember to always reapply your sun protection every two hours, and stay out of direct sunlight during the hottest parts of the day (11am-4pm). By protecting your skin during the summer months, you'll avoid the consequences of dry, damaged skin come autumn.

Autumn


Summer's over, and it's time to get back to our daily lives. Are you hitting the road for a post-vacation run or outdoor activity? UV intensity may have dropped, but long-wave UVA rays are still present, and represent a risk to your skin's health. If autumn is when you choose to go on holiday (fewer crowds, lower rates), the same care should be taken for your skin as in the summer months, so don't forget sun protection!

Sporty types can avoid the greasy feeling caused by many suncare creams when combined with sweat and motion by trying the Vichy Invisible Hydrating Mist. It settles delicately onto the skin, giving you a delicate floral fragrance and fresh sensation without leaving any white marks or sliding off the skin.

Winter


Are you escaping on a skiing holiday this winter? The intensity of UV rays increase with altitude - around 10% every kilometer - so ensure you don't accidentally damage your skin by wearing SPF 50+, and carrying a suncare stick in your pocket. Reapply regularly to the areas most exposed to the sun, such as the nose, forehead, ears and cheeks.

Why are mountains particularly hazardous for skin? The wind and cold can be misleading, and may cause you not to notice your exposure to the sun. Also, snow is the most reflective of all surfaces, reflecting between 60-80% of UVA and UVB rays.

Sun protection at all times


Even indoors, your skin needs protection, as glass windows are misleading. While you can't tan behind glass, UVA rays, not the UVB rays responsible for burning, penetrate through with the visible light. Consequences of prolonged exposure without protection can be profound cellular damage, even to the DNA, and photo-aging - when you look far older than your years.

As long-wave UVA rays are present all-year-round, it's better to be safe than sorry when it comes to taking care of your skin. Incorporate sun protection into your daily beauty routine, whatever the season.

La Rédaction

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