UVA rays will stalk you all winter

There are two types of damaging UV rays. UVB rays (think of the B as “burning”), which are stronger in summer and on sunny days, and UVA rays (think of the A as “ageing”). UVA rays make up 95% of the rays that hit the earth, and penetrate through clouds and windows to damage our skin much deeper than UVB rays. The trouble is, they don’t feel hot and burning like the UVB rays, yet UVA rays are responsible for premature wrinkles and pigmentation. If you’re struggling to find a non-greasy daily sunscreen that your skin loves, try O COSMEDICS Mineral Pro SPF 30+, a lightweight, fast-absorbing moisturiser and zinc SPF 30+ protection.

Winter conditions make your skin more sensitive

Dry air, cold temperatures and wind all contribute to more sensitive skin, redness, dryness and sometimes even peeling (especially around the nose and lips!). This means your skin will be even more exposed and at risk to sun damage. Sensitive and dry skins will love Dp Dermaceuticals Cover Recover, which contains healing and nourishing ingredients, specifically made to to soothe red and inflamed skin, all while providing mineral SPF 30+ protection.

The snow will give you a double dose of UV rays

Unfortunately, white snow is highly reflective, and can reflect up to 90% of UV rays. What does this mean? Your skin is going to be exposed to the sun hitting your face, and also the sun bouncing of the snow to hit your face again. Another thing to remember is that the ozone layer is even thinner at a higher altitude, meaning UV radiation increases by around 10% for every 1000 metres! Get glowing and protected skin on the slopes with Suntegrity 5-In-1 Tinted Sunscreen Moisturiser SPF 30, which acts as SPF 30+ sun protection, a tinted BB cream and a moisturiser in one. The formula uses 20% zinc oxide mineral protection, combined with nourishing antioxidants and aloe vera.

Every day of protection counts if you want youthful skin

It’s easy to think skipping a day here and there won’t make a difference, but sun damage won’t wait for anyone, and the effects are lasting. If you want to look younger for longer, daily protection is essential. In 20 years, would you rather look ten years older, or ten years younger than you actually are? SPF is the easiest and quickest way to prevent ageing, not to mention it’s much cheaper than trying to correct it in the future! Opt for a sunscreen you love applying daily that won’t clog your pores. Suntegrity Moisturising Mineral Face Sunscreen & Primer SPF 30 is a nutrient-dense formula that also contains youth-promoting antioxidants and Hyaluronic Acid, all while it protects with SPF 30+ from zinc oxide. Forever young? Yes please.

It could save your life

Probably the most important reason to wear sunscreen daily is due to the risk of skin cancer, particularly here in New Zealand where our ozone layer is thinner. Even during winter, UVB rays are still prominent on a sunny winters’ day, and are even stronger up a mountain where there’s reflective snow. Every single sunburn (and even general exposure without burning) increases your risk of skin cancer, as it causes cellular damage.