Get Gorgeous: Say Yes to Winter SPF
Its no secret SPF is essential during the summer months. But did you know it's equally important during the wintertime? Oh, what's that? You work inside all day so you don't need sunscreen? Not so fast; it's important for you too!
UV rays are just as harmful during the winter as they are in the summertime... even if you spend your days working indoors, hidden from the sunshine. UVA rays penetrate window glass, which means you are exposed during your commute and if your office is filled with natural light. UV rays are especially harmful in snowy conditions since rays are strengthened due to the reflective nature of snow. The same goes for cloudy days. So lather up ladies!
All of these forms of exposure contribute to something called "photoaging." Photoaging is a process of aging caused by UVA and UVB exposure. Major symptoms of photoaging include spider veins on the face or neck, loss of color and fullness in lips and wrinkle formations on the face, neck, ears, hands or chest. No thank you! (Note: You may want to think twice about those hands on the sunny steering wheel too because hands and necks show the symptoms of photoaging the most.) Since even the slightest bits of exposure add up quickly, it's important to protect any uncovered skin with a broad spectrum UVA and UVB lotion with a minimum SPF of 15.
I use SPF 40 every morning (I use Josie Maran Protect Daily SPF 40+). I apply it to my face, neck and hands. If you're looking for a quality SPF, I suggest buying something with one or more of the following ingredients:
- B3: It aids in skin renewal and helps to improve your skins natural moisture barrier.
- Lycopene: Helps improve your skin's natural protection against ultraviolet radiation.
- Hyaluronic Acid: Restores water content, elasticity and firmness to your skin.
- Vitamin C: This antioxidant helps reduce the appearance of sun damage and increases skin's moisture.
- Katafray Bark: This ingredient is full of natural moisturizing properties.
- Argan Oil: Repairs sun damage and keeps skin looking radiant and smooth.
What's your favorite SPF?
XO Lauren
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148 comments
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What am I to do if all SPF's I've ever put on my face make me break out? I had to call L'Oreal to find a facial moisturizer with NO SPF because EVERYTHING out there now has it in it. Now on my body, it's fine...no problems. But my face... blackhead and pimple center within ONE day! Please help! -
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These are all great ingredients to look for but it's just as important to have your eye out for ingredients to avoid! SPF can be extremely irritating, especially chemical sunscreens. Watch out for Oxybenzone, which has been called a "hormone-disrupting" compound. Mineral is always a safe bet. Hate the ghost look? Try tinted matte COOLA which also acts as a primer. For more beauty advice visit: www.mybeautybinge.com -
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My favorite is http://www.laroche-posay.us/_us/_en/consumer/catalog/ByType/Sensitive/anthelios-50-mineral-ultra-light-sunscreen-fluid.htm
It has no grease at all! so leaves your skin ready to put make up on (after 10 mins or so obviously), it will absorb completely so it's perfect for every type of skin and no pimps-friendly! -
I always wear sunscreen NO MATTER WHAT! I've been using Kate Sommerville's for a while now because it's super light but I want to try the one you recommended, all the active ingredients sound good!! Thanks for the tip!
For more tips and tricks check out my online magazine: http://www.liveitmag.com/ -
As a pale danish girl SPF is my friend! There is SPF 30 in my BB cream and in the summer months I might add additional sunscreen to my regiment :) -
I use Aveeno Positively Calming SPF 15 in the winter/spring and then the same product but with SPF 30 once it gets hotter outside. I have a dark complexion so I don't need too much SPF but I still want to protect myself from photoaging and UVA rays. Sometimes I will also use MaryKay TimeWise Day Solution SPF 25 (It dries very quickly and is so light) when I'm in a rush.
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I use Keihl's since 1851 Super fluid SPF 50. Its oil free and doesnt make me breakout or clog pores it also sits really well under my makeup. Many people do not understand how useful SPF can be. I always recommend it to all of my friends.
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Hi Lauren,
I really look after my skin and always cleanse tone moisturise morning and night, but cannot seem to find a really good SPF oil/cream to wear on top of my moisturiser. The Josie Maran you mention looks perfect but as Im from the UK, I cannot buy it ! Do you know of any great UK equivalents? Or does anybody else know!?
Thanks
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the only sunscreen i would ever use would be if it was passed by european standards. skin cancer rocketed during the 50's when sunscreen was introduced-- it doubled the chances of getting cancer! so if you are going to put anything on your skin, really read up on the ingredients. better to know and be knowledgable than to just think it's expensive so it must be good for you.
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I'm always panicking about sun damage. I use nothing less the SPF 50 everyday come rain or shine. I'm so glad you've posted about it's damage. Something interesting : an old lady I know has always driven with gloves on and today her hands look not a day older than mine.
Love from South Africa
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SPF is so important!~ Do you know the difference between SPF and PA? Read what I learned about it.
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I always wear sunscreen, though I forget about wearing it on my hands and other places :( I wrote a beauty post about Hazardous Makeup and Suncreen in the sigma coupon section on my beauty blog once. It's really scary - all the rays and even chemicals out there we are exposed to! :/
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SPF is great, and smells amazing. i've been using a new lipstick recently which is a gorgeous colour, but not sure it has SPF. www.mediamarmalade.com UK Style Blog
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I agree with Brie-Anne Masson clean and clear Morning moisturiser with SPF is absolutely great, plus if you have acne it is not going to clog up your pores as it is a pimple prevention product.
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SPF is important but it's shown if you use sunscreen with a SPF over 30 it doesn't work well...
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So everyone is only answering to the blog post? Weird. Don't you read the posts here? I wrote a controversial No to SPF some time ago, but all I read is how the blog post is awesome. I find it weird. I am used to debate in such places :-/
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I remember when I was about 16 or 17 tanning beds were a must about 3 or 4 times a week.. It kind of disgusts me now I think about it !! Sunscreen is the way to go and same with Bronzer if you want that sunkissed look with out the side of Cancer!!!
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Hey Lauren, I wasnt sure where to post but I have a couple questions for you if you have time!
I was wondering how you get your skin so clear and with such a great glow.
What foundation do you use and powder/blush?
Also, whats your favorite make-up brand what you use?
Thanks so much! :)
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I have very light skin, and I definitely practice using SPF on my face and hands, and in the summer I use a body lotion with SPF too! Just because you don't get burned doesn't mean you're not damaging your skin. I try to encourage my friends to use SPF daily, but some don't even lather up at the beach! Thanks for this post Lauren! Hopefully some of my friends are reading.
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