Are you thinking about sun protection in the cold winter months? Sunlight, specifically UV radiation, is the number one cause of skin cancer as well as unsightly wrinkles, age spots, thinning, more fragile skin, in short... dreaded premature aging? It is easy to forget about the dangers of Ultraviolet (UV) radiation when it's grey and dreary outside, but the winter months are not the time to let down your guard against premature aging and skin cancer.
With you and your family's sun safety in mind, here are 5 things to keep in mind about winter sun protection:
UVA radiation is high in the winter doing damage: UVB radiation decreases during the winter months but dangerous UVA radiation is still in full force ... and for the whole day. Both UVA and UVB contribute to skin cancer however UVA is thought to play a more dramatic role in premature aging.
Sun damage is cumulative. Many people do not realize that the worst areas for skin cancer and premature aging are those areas exposed day-in and day-out

throughout the year, not just in the summertime. Over the years, small doses of ultraviolet light that never cause overt skin damage cause a collection of micro-scars that damage the skin.
Cloudy weather does not offer much protection - up to 80% of UV radiation can penetrate this deceptive cover and cause harm to your skin.
Higher altitudes mean dramatically more UV radiation - For every 1,000 feet you climb in altitude, UV radiation increase 4%. This fact is especially important to all you skiers and snow boarders wearing just a knit stocking cap. Both a brimmed winter sun hat & broad spectrum sunblock are crucial to your sun safety.
Beware! Medications can mean unexpected sun sensitivity - Protecting your skin from the sun's rays is always important, but it becomes even more so when your medication causes photosensitivity. Hundreds of medications, (including everyday antibiotics, hormones & diuretics) may cause you to be extra

sun sensitive.
With this in mind, keep your skin protected during the entire day, wearing at least an SPF 25 and reapply during the day—especially when exposed to UV for more than 2 hours!
This month pick up Healthy Skin SPF 35, Journee SPF 30 with PSP, that helps build collagen or Hi Intensity SPF 30 with antioxidants that repair damaged cells so that they can reproduce healthy cells once again. What ever your choice, we can help!