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.
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.
You 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 Lancome Bienfait UV SPF 50+ Super Fluid Facial Sunscreen every morning. I apply it to my face, neck and hands. Lauren Conrad suggests 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.
via laurenconrad.com
