DO YOU REALLY NEED SUNSCREEN ALL YEAR AROUND?



Protect your eyes from  UV glare off of snow



Does it make sense to wear sunscreen all year round, even in winter? Yes! And a lightweight sunscreen like coconut oil may not be enough.

Certain medications, snow, winter vacations in tropical locales, aging and medications can all make wearing a broad spectrum higher SPF rated sunscreen vital.

PRESCRIPTION MEDICATIONS

Certain medications, like Hydrochlorathiazide prescribed for high blood pressure, can leave many individuals’ skin, including black skin, very vulnerable to SEVERE sun damage. Read the package insert of any medications you have been prescribed to determine if sun protection is recommended.

SNOWY AND SUNNY PLACES

In snowy cities like Chicago and Denver, ultraviolet radiation in sunshine reflected off of snow can be very intense and very damaging to skin. Sunshine glare can damage your eyes.  I wear sunglasses on all sunny days in winter.

If you will be taking a winter vacation to a sundrenched, tropical latitude like Jamaica, don’t forget sunscreen because spotty sun damaged skin is just not pretty even if you still look good in a bikini.

WORKING CONDITIONS

If you work in a sun-filled locale like Las Vegas, sunscreen would be advisable.  Tennis champion Serena Williams will be playing in the upcoming Australian Open. That locale is notorious for its intensely sunny conditions that make vulnerable individuals likely to develop skin cancers like melanoma. Williams has been quoted as saying that she doesn’t go anywhere without sun protection.

SKIN TONE BECOMING PALER

Simply living, that is normal aging, will result in a less rich skin tone.  If you have recently changed foundation make-up because your skin-tone is paler, assess whether you need to increase the SPF of your sunscreen as well.

Check with your physician for the SPF rated product you should use.  Bear in mind, coconut oil has a SPF rating between 6 and 8, and that may not be enough under certain conditions.