UV rays from the UV spectrum are always present and everywhere, equally powerful in winter as in summer. They penetrate even through the densest clouds, causing damage to the skin even when we're unaware of it. Furthermore, UVA rays pass through window glass, and, incidentally, they constitute as much as 95 percent of the UV spectrum.

PREJUDICES ABOUT SUN DANGER

When it comes to using sunscreen, it's necessary to break the prejudice that the sun is only dangerous in the summer when extreme heat occurs and to remind ourselves what UV spectrum rays do to the skin. In the summer, the sun is strongest, and few people haven't experienced the sensation of burned skin, with its fiery redness accompanied by painful blisters and peeling layers of scorched epidermis that can last for days...

However, besides sunburn from uncontrolled exposure to intense sunlight, there are a variety of other skin issues caused by UV spectrum rays – from oxidative stress due to the action of free radicals to various allergies, skin inflammation, and hyperpigmentation problems, accelerated skin aging and wrinkle formation to melanoma...

And these dangers from UV rays do not depend on weather conditions or the season. Just because we won't get sunburned in the fall and winter doesn't mean that UV rays are less dangerous or that they have disappeared. Therefore, it's important to protect the skin, especially the facial skin which is always exposed, daily throughout the year. In winter, the skin is much more delicate, so attention should be paid to it even during skiing holidays, protecting the face (especially the nose and ears) and hands from the effects of the cold, biting sun, as well as from the reflection of sunlight from the snow surface. Equip yourself with moisturizing creams, lotions, and balms, which will continuously nourish your skin while simultaneously fighting against UV radiation.

WHAT IS SPF?

What is sunscreen, actually? And which factor provides optimal protection? Sun Protection Factor, or SPF, is, in short, the degree of protection the skin receives from the harmful effects of the sun. There are low, medium, and high levels of protection, and people often find themselves in doubt about which factor is sufficient for protection. Optimal, dermatologists claim, is SPF30.

Why? Because SPF30 protects against 97.6 percent of UV radiation, and SPF50 protects against 98 percent of radiation. Therefore, the difference is minimal, meaning that creams with SPF30 provide an extremely high level of protection, and there is no need to opt for higher protection factors, which is why dermatologists worldwide recommend using SPF30 sunscreen.

5 RISKS FROM UV RAYS AND HOW SUNSCREEN PROTECTS FACIAL SKIN

UV spectrum rays pose both health and aesthetic threats to facial skin. That's precisely why daily use of a daytime cream with sun protection factor is a prerequisite for both beautiful and healthy skin! Below are five of the most prevalent issues caused by UV radiation that can be effectively prevented with quality care that includes a protective factor (SPF).

1. Sunscreen helps prevent skin cancer. Melanoma is a life-threatening consequence of neglecting warnings about the dangers of UV radiation. Dermatologists advise regular skin checks, analysis of suspicious spots and moles, and for preventive action, it's important not to omit quality cream with UV protection factor SPF30 from your daily skincare routine.

2. Sunscreen prevents premature aging. UVA rays are the main culprits for so-called photoaging, i.e., the formation of wrinkles. When you notice wrinkles rapidly appearing on your forehead, around your eyes, and lips, don't just blame genetics and your age, but consider how you protect yourself from the adverse effects of UV rays and whether you do it only in summer or also during winter.

3. Sunscreen reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation. Hyperpigmentation changes on the skin are light to dark brown spots, which most often appear above the lips, on the cheeks, and forehead, often also on the décolleté, neck, and even on the hands. They occur due to excessive melanin production, which is, in turn, a consequence of excessive skin exposure to UV radiation. Facial skin produces too much melanin to defend itself from damage caused by UV radiation. Help it with additional protection, especially in the winter months.

4. Sunscreen prevents skin inflammation. The sun damages all types and conditions of skin because it can cause inflammation and redness, dehydrate the skin, and lead to new skin problems. Quality protective cream will be a faithful ally to your skin.

5. Sunscreen prevents sun sensitivity. Cold, dry winter air can damage the skin barrier, dry it out, and make it more sensitive to UV rays from the sun. Therefore, it's even more important to use sunscreen in autumn and winter to protect the skin from damage.

NIKEL RECOMMENDATION

Sun protection creams from the NiKEL SUN PROTECTION line are light, rich, moisturizing face creams with SPF30. They protect and nurture, even out the complexion, smooth existing wrinkles, and renew the skin's radiance. Whether it's the version with vitamin C or without it, the facial skin will be protected from the adverse effects of UV radiation. NiKEL SUN PROTECT face creams contain the most advanced photostable UVA and UVB filters, as well as extremely advanced protective active ingredients that protect the skin from photoaging, premature wrinkle formation, pigmentation spots, and dehydration.

In the SUN PROTECT + C vitamin SPF30 UVA+UVB+C Vitamin Face Cream variant, there are microcapsules of vitamin C, retained in liposome microspheres made of pure ceramides. Vitamin C is released only upon contact with the skin and is confirmed as a powerful antioxidant that neutralizes free radicals. It's effective against UVA and UVB rays and successfully limits chronic skin damage. In addition, vitamin C promotes collagen production, reduces hyperpigmentation, strengthens the skin barrier function, and reduces transepidermal water loss. In laboratory conditions, it has been shown that the application of vitamin C to the skin reduces UVB-induced erythema by 52 percent and sunburns by 40 to 60 percent.

The SUN PROTECT SPF30 UVA+UVB Face Cream with protective factor has beneficial effects in various specific situations – it doesn't clog pores, doesn't dry out the skin, intensely moisturizes, and protects against UV rays… It's applied simply – by evenly applying it to the entire face and neck as the last step of your daily skincare routine.

In conclusion, let's reiterate that SPF is an important step in daily skincare, even during winter months, because UV spectrum rays are not weaker, especially not gone just because it's cold outside. Therefore, it's important, even in winter months, to apply UV protective cream as the last step of your daily beauty routine.