Do You Still Need Sun Protection During Overcast Days?
Other than chronological aging itself, sun exposure is believed to be the main cause of premature aging. Although skin resurfacing techniques like dermal fillers help New Jersey patients minimize wrinkles such as laugh lines around the mouth that are linked to sun damage, it’s difficult to completely reverse damage that has already occurred. With that in mind, the best way of maintaining youthful skin is to prevent your skin from being harmed in the first place.
Many patients wonder whether sun protection is even necessary in overcast conditions. The answer is yes! Although your skin is most susceptible to damage during the early part of the year, sun protection is still critical during any time you go outside. In fact, on bright, cloudless days, it’s possible for snow to reflect up to 90 percent of radiation from sunlight, which can also pierce through clouds to impact your skin.
We tend to mostly make sun protection a priority during the heart of the summer months ,but don’t forget about all the sneakier situations in which UV radiation can potentially damage our skin. Reducing cumulative sun exposure by following these simple tips can help you look significantly younger later in your life.
Put on Sunscreen Daily
When it’s cool outside, and the skies are cloudy, you might feel like it’s weird to wear sunscreen. Don’t let the weather fool you. UV radiation has a way of getting to you, so wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher on all sun-exposed areas is beneficial, whether you’re indoors, walking through the snow, sitting in your car, or enjoying outdoor activities.
Cover Up
During cool weather, it’s easier to guard against overexposure to sunlight because you’re already wearing layers, but don’t forget to protect your head and scalp with sunglasses and hats.
Stay Away from Tanning Beds
You might hate the look of being pale and washed out during the cooler months, but just remember that just one indoor tanning session can increase your risk of skin cancer significantly. If you want a golden, healthy looking glow, stick to self-tanners and moisturizers instead.
Please contact South Jersey Skin Care & Laser Center by calling us at (856) 810-9888 if you’re interested in knowing more about addressing signs of aging and sun damage at our practice, as well as other ways of reducing wrinkles. You can also submit a contact form to get started.