HYPHEN DIARIES

Why SPF Is A Winter Essential!

Temperature Drop Does Not Mean UV Drop!

One of the most searched questions in winter skincare is ‘Do I need to wear sunscreen in winter?’. Well, while it is a general presumption that the chilly temperatures and cloudy skies can shield you against the harsh sun, but, did you know that clouds block only up to 10-20% of the UV rays? So we think, the importance of SPF all around the year should not be compromised in any way, as wearing it in winter or monsoon is as important as in summer. So let us delve into the basics and bust the myth.

You Cannot Escape the UV Rays In Winter!

Winter does bring a drop in temperature and a much-needed relief from the scorching heat. However, it doesn’t mean a decrease in UV radiation (Yes, you read that right). SPF is a necessity irrespective of where you live, be it in the plains, tropics, or cold regions. (A good thing to know stuff, snow & ice reflect 90% of these rays onto the skin and increase the damage). Moreover, UV rays can also cause damage even when you are indoors. Wondering how? The blue light from your phone and computer screens is the culprit.

Sunscreen is a year-round necessity and not just a summer staple. Prolonged exposure to UV radiation can lead to premature ageing, sunburn, and an increased risk of skin cancer. It is a known fact that up to 80% of UVA & UVB rays are responsible for ageing and skin cancer. To elaborate, UVA rays penetrate deeply into your skin and make it age faster while UVB rays leave those pesky sunburns on your skin. Hence, integrating sunscreen into your daily routine is a must for healthy & protected skin.

Sunscreen - Also Your Barrier Protector!

The cold season often accompanies dry and harsh climatic conditions that directly take a toll on your skin’s moisture levels. This means your skin is more dull & dry in the winter. Moreover, for those with sensitive skin, there are high chances of redness and inflammation. A sunscreen is your personal bouncer, it does more than just guard your skin from the sun. It locks in the skin’s moisture and helps protect the skin barrier (your skin’s first layer of defense).

The skin barrier made from cells that are glued with fats such as Ceramides, Cholesterol and Fatty Acids, fights against environmental stressors. UV radiation can disturb this barrier’s structure, opening doors to concerns such as increased sensitivity, redness, and inflammation. A Sunscreen with Ceramides safeguards and rebuilds the skin barrier’s structure. By incorporating SPF into your winter skincare routine, you're not only preventing sun damage but also fortifying your skin against harsh elements.

Sunscreen Checklist:

Selecting the right all-season sunscreen can get tedious considering the “n” number of products we have in the market today. One needs to consider a moisturizing formula, with the following properties and ingredients.

Broad-Spectrum Protection: A sunscreen should protect against both UVA & UVB rays.

SPF Ratings: Always opt for a sunscreen with a higher Sun Protection Factor. Sunscreens with SPF 30 and above must be under your radar. SPF 50, to be precise, to date provides the highest UVB protection of up to 98%. We suggest you keep a tab on the PA ratings too. While a higher SPF rating signifies higher UVB protection. A higher PA rating means extra protection against UVA Rays.

Non-Comedogenic: Always opt for a non-comedogenic sunscreen, to avoid clogging pores and acne breakouts.

Hyaluronic Acid: Hydrating agents in sunscreens help prevent loss of moisture from the skin. Ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid helps hydrate the skin.

Lightweight: Make sure that your sunscreen is as light as your second skin (Because we know you don’t want to bother yourself about your skin feeling heavy).

Ceramides: Ceramides in the skin provide strength & support to the skin barrier. And also helps retain the skin’s moisture. Sunscreens powered with ceramides help rebuild the skin barrier.

Niacinamide: Niacinamide with its anti-inflammatory properties is a boon for sensitive & acne-prone skin. It not only soothes the skin but also reduces pigmentation.

Vitamin E: Rich in antioxidants, Vitamin E protects from UV damage and prevents premature ageing.

SPF To-Do’s:

Hydrate: Make sure you hydrate your skin with a moisturizer, before wearing a SPF. This ensures optimal protection against environmental damage.

2-3 Finger Rule: Apply 2-3 finger lengths of sunscreen every day, 15 minutes before sun exposure. (Yep, that's an ideal amount!) Depending on the consistency of your sunscreen.

Reapply: Remember to reapply your SPF every 3-4 hours, as the cold weather can wear off sunscreen easily.

Lip Protection: Hydrate your lips with lip balms to protect them from getting dry and chappy.

Sun Protect with Hyphen:

One of Hyphen’s most loved products is the All I Need Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++. It is a lightweight broad-spectrum moisturizing sunscreen that is non-comedogenic. This sunscreen not only protects against UV radiation but also against blue light damage. It includes all the right ingredients like skin brightening Kakadu Plum, Niacinamide which reduces pigmentation, Kojic Acid to fade sun spots, Ceramides which rebuild and strengthens the skin barrier, Hydrating agent Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E which protects from UV damage and Aloe Vera Extracts which prevents water loss from the skin. It does all this without leaving any white cast (Yes, all the annoying things out!!).

While you are guarding your face, why leave your lips uncovered. Hyphen’s growing range includes All I Need Lipscreen SPF 30 - A lip balm that does more than just moisturize. Packed with ingredients such as Vitamin C, Vitamin E 1%, Kojic Acid 2%, Avocado Oil and Pomegranate Oil, it protects your lips against sun & UV damage and reduces pigmentation. That’s not all you can pair up Hyphen’s Barrier Care Creams in your regime to moisturize and fortify your skin barrier.

Now that you have the checklist in place, it is time you embrace the season with Hyphen’s high-performance solution made with the potency of nature & science.

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