The Secret Behind Winter Suncare

The topic of suncare always seems to heat up in the warmer months, as people are spending more time outdoors. But suncare should be a hot topic year-round, as the sun’s rays can damage skin even on cloudy winter days. With skin cancer rates on the rise, now is the time to ensure clients are protected no matter what the season or weather.

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, it’s estimated that the number of new melanoma cases diagnosed in 2019 will increase by 7.7 percent. In addition, about 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. While these statistics are gloomy, the bright side is that people are more aware than ever that protecting their skin from the sun’s harmful rays is of the utmost importance when it comes to preventing skin cancer and keeping their skin looking younger and healthier. 

There are many ways people can incorporate suncare into their daily routines. Many skincare and cosmetics products include sun protection in them, and sunscreen itself has evolved over the years to become lightweight and effective with healthier ingredients. For these reasons and more, your spa is the perfect place to help educate clients on the importance of suncare and offer them an array of products to help them make it a part of their daily routine.

“Ultraviolet rays are invisible, so on the days we don’t see or feel the sun as much—particularly during the colder months—a very high percentage of ultraviolet rays still penetrate through the clouds,” says Shannon Esau, CEO of Rhonda Allison Cosmeceuticals. “Making a habit of incorporating suncare in your daily regimen is essential for slowing down the skin’s aging process and decreasing the risk of skin cancers. Although some exposure to the sun is good for our health, skin should always have a protective barrier when exposed to rays to decrease the chances of sunburn and effects of photo-damage.”

But not all sunscreen formulations are the same, so it’s important that clients do their research and choose a sunscreen that suits their specific needs and lifestyle. We asked some suncare experts about what factors clients should consider when choosing a sunscreen, and here’s what they had to say:

“Considerations should be what works better with your skin: mineral, chemical, or a combination of both? Does it protect from both UVA and UVB rays? What activities will you be participating in? Do you need water-resistant? If it is for daily use, an SPF with tint may take the place of a foundation for some individuals, and the SPF factor required depends on the Fitzpatrick type. The actual difference in the percentage of protection between an SPF 30 and an SPF 60 is quite insignifiant. Therefore, the proper re-application is often more important than a higher SPF factor.” —Karen Asquith, national director of education, G.M. Collin

“Check for parabens, fragrances, and other harmful or toxic ingredients, which are oftentimes the ingredients you won’t be able to pronounce. Formulas that use these ingredients could potentially do more harm than good to your skin, particularly if you have skin sensitivities or a compromised barrier.”—Shannon Esau, CEO, Rhonda Allison Cosmeceuticals

“It depends on your skin type and type of activity. An SPF 15 is sufficient for everyday use. However, when spending time at the beach or doing any outdoor activity, an SPF 30 is recommended.” —Salvatore Piazzolla, founder and owner, Hampton Sun
 

RELATED STORIES

Five Things Your Clients Want in a Sunscreen

This New Wearable Device Will Monitor Your Sun Exposure

Three Tips for Choosing the Right Suncare Products