Don't forget your sunscreen

We all know about the importance of using sunscreen in the summer, but did you know that it should form a vital part of your routine during winter as well? No? Us neither. It’s easy to assume that the grey, miserable weather means sunscreen is unnecessary but in fact even the weakest sunlight can still damage your skin—ultraviolet rays can penetrate even thick cloud cover, and if you don’t protect yourself accordingly you skin will be continually exposed to these damaging rays.

But, this doesn’t mean you need to slather on the sunscreen every morning—just look for a moisturiser that contains SPF instead. Many beauty brands are able to offer products of this nature so you’re getting moisture and protection in one, and with many primers and even foundations containing SPF you won’t have to do too much to protect your skin. You’ll want to remember your lips as well so again look for lip balms that contain SPF, and the same applies when you’re looking for hand creams.

Your face, hands and lips will all be exposed to the elements, and considering these are the areas that often show the first signs of ageing (signs which are only amplified by sun damage) it makes sense to be prepared. Of course, it makes sense on a more general level as well—you’ll need to take extra care of your skin during these winter months in order to prevent dryness and the sun’s rays can be a major cause of that, but with SPF-containing moisturisers you’ll be getting double the benefit.

Who’d have thought it? It makes sense when you think about it but it’s all-too easy to overlook it, but now you know—you should never get complacent with sunscreen no matter what time of year it is, and checking the ingredients could be all it takes to keep sun damage at bay.