Winter is a time when people are distracted by cold weather. There are many men who think, “I don’t need UV protection in winter! Many men may be thinking, “I don’t need UV protection! In fact, ultraviolet rays fall even in winter, and the use of sunscreen is essential for beautiful skin throughout the year. In this issue, we will thoroughly explain why you should take UV protection even in winter, and introduce UV-blocking items perfect for this season!
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Why should we take UV protection even in winter?
Regardless of the temperature, climate, or season, UV protection should be taken all year round. First, we will explain why.
Reasons for Winter UV Protection (1) “Winter UV levels drop to only about half of summer levels!”
Ultraviolet rays are divided into two types: UV-A and UV-B. UV-B is short-wavelength ultraviolet rays that damage the skin’s surface and cause skin problems immediately after exposure. In summer, UV-B rays are about five times stronger than those in winter, resulting in dark skin tanning in summer. UV-A, on the other hand, is ultraviolet rays with long wavelengths, and its greatest feature is that it damages the skin’s depths. UV-A stimulates melanocytes deep within the skin to produce melanin pigment, which causes spots and freckles, and also destroys collagen and elastin, reducing the skin’s elasticity and firmness. In addition, the damage accumulates gradually in the skin, so it is not uncommon for skin problems to appear several years later rather than immediately. If you want to look young forever, it is especially important to protect your skin from UV-A.
Reason #2 for Winter UV Protection: “Dryness Accelerates UV Damage”
It is said that skin becomes even drier when the temperature falls below 10°C, and the barrier function is easily disrupted. When the barrier function is disrupted, the skin is more susceptible to damage from sunlight, and even a small amount of UV rays can cause significant damage. Even with careful skincare, skin often dries out during this season, so do not let your guard down just because you have moisturized your skin. Take proper measures against ultraviolet rays to prevent aging such as spots, sagging, and wrinkles.
Reason #3 for Winter UV Protection: “Be Careful of UV Reflections”
Did you know that the power of ultraviolet rays increases when they are reflected? The most familiar items, smartphones and tablets, reflect ultraviolet rays. Therefore, if you often look at screens outside, UV protection is a must. Snow also reflects UV rays, so men in snowy regions should be careful. It is said that fresh snow reflects 80% of UV rays, making it extremely dangerous to spend time on bare skin. The UV rays are reflected so much that they penetrate through sunglasses, so it is a good idea to take extra precautionary measures against UV rays on snowy days.
Reason #4 for Winter UV Protection: “UV rays also fall indoors!
Ultraviolet rays pass through glass surfaces and fall into rooms. Therefore, for more beautiful skin, it is a good idea to apply UV rays even on days when you are at home all day. Of course, be careful not only in the house, but also in cars, airplanes, and offices because of the sun’s rays. It is impossible to avoid ultraviolet rays during the hours when the sun is out, so it would be safe to always take sun protection.
What are the key points of UV countermeasures in winter?
Unlike summer, when sebum and stickiness are a concern, many men may suffer from dry skin in winter. Using the same sunscreen as in the summer is likely to worsen the dryness, so it is important to choose the right item to protect against UV rays in winter. Here are three key points to keep in mind as you work toward blemish- and sagging-free skin.
Points to keep away from ultraviolet rays in winter (1) “SPF20 PA++ or higher is ideal.
Although UV protection is essential in winter as well, SPF/PA, which indicates UV protection, does not have to be the highest value; the higher the SPF/PA, the more stressful and dry the skin feels, so it is recommended to choose a sunscreen with SPF20 PA++ or higher in winter, when UV rays are less intense than in summer. On the other hand, for UV protection in summer, SPF40 PA+++ is what you want. If you are going to use different items, we recommend a value for winter, but if you plan to use the same item throughout the year, choose a sunscreen with SPF40 PA+++ or higher.
Key Points for Winter UV Protection (2) “Good moisturizing ability is also important!
Since dryness is one of the causes of accelerated UV damage, be sure to choose UV care items with excellent moisturizing properties. Beauty ingredients such as ceramide and hyaluronic acid are highly moisturizing and recommended for winter. These days, many men’s skin is dry even in summer due to air conditioning, so many items with excellent moisturizing power are available even in summer products. It would be a relief to know that they are moisturizing enough to use as if they were skincare products.
Point 3) “Short-time items are the key to continuation of UV countermeasures in winter.
Many men may feel that “I don’t have time to carefully apply sunscreen after skincare. Recently, there are items that combine skincare and UV protection in one package, as well as cosmetics that can be used as both sunscreen and foundation in a single bottle. Even if you purchase good cosmetics, it is meaningless if you cannot continue to use them. Even on mornings when you are short on time, UV-protection items that can be used in an instant should be stress-free every day.
Recommended items for winter UV protection! Selected picks for sunscreen and BB cream
Here we introduce a selection of items that are perfect for winter UV protection. In addition to sunscreens, we have selected a wide range of products, including all-in-one types and BB creams, so we hope you will find the right item for your skin to achieve beautiful skin.
Recommended winter sunscreen (1) “SHISEIDO MEN Clear Stick UV Protector
The biggest advantage of this sunscreen is that you can apply it directly on the stick without getting your hands dirty. This is perfect for daily use, as it can be used quickly even in the morning when there is no time to spare. Since the product is colorless and transparent, it is also recommended for men who do not like the whiteness caused by sunscreen. With SPF50+ PA++++, the UV protection rate is sufficient even in summer. It can be reapplied quickly, making it ideal for carrying around. The formula is resistant to sweat, sebum, and heat, making it safe for men who are often involved in leisure activities and sales.
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Winter UV Protection Recommendation #2: UL-OS Plus Sunscreen
As the brand name suggests, this is an item for dry skin that excels at ” moisturizing. Moisturizing ingredient AMP regulates the skin’s moisture content, keeping it in ideal condition at all times. The texture does not feel dry but not sticky, making it easy to use even for men with a lot of sebum. It is also colorant, synthetic fragrance, and paraben-free, making it perfect for sensitive or acne-prone skin. In addition to its excellent moisturizing power, the SPF50+ PA+++ sunscreen is perfect for midsummer use. Since it is made for both the face and body, it can be used on the neck and hands, which tend to show their age, to maintain a youthful image.
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Winter UV Protection Recommendation 3: WELEDA Edelweiss UV Protect
The sunscreen from organic cosmetics brand Weleda is UV absorber-free and so gentle on the skin that even babies can use it. It is also gentle enough to be used on rough skin or razor burn from shaving. The soft, milky texture blends well with the skin, leaving it moderately moist and comfortable to use, and the SPF38 PA++ rating provides a moderate UV protection rate that can be used throughout the year. It contains ingredients from key plants that have high moisturizing power, leaving the skin fresh and hydrated.
For details and purchase, click here.
Winter UV Protection Recommendation (4): “LAB SERIES All-in-One Defense Lotion
This bottle is a reliable ally for men who find daily care troublesome. It is an all-in-one skincare product that provides lotion, milky lotion, and sunscreen with just one bottle after cleansing the face. It is recommended for men who want to thoroughly prevent problems caused by photoaging, as it provides complete UV protection even in winter. It is perfect for those who want to focus on anti-aging care, as it minimizes the lack of elasticity, spots, and freckles caused by UV rays.
For details and purchase, click here.
Winter UV Protection Recommendation #5: “Magnifiqu All-in-One Gel UV
Nature Science Care “Magnifique” is a genderless concept. The company offers an excellent skincare product that fulfills six functions in a single product: lotion, essence, milky lotion, UV care, and tone enhancement. Plant-derived ingredients improve skin texture and make it smooth. Since it provides full-fledged care, there is no problem even in winter, when the skin tends to dry out. Since UV protection is completed just by taking care of your skin, it would be ideal for UV care on days when you are at home.SPF50+ PA++++, so it is also recommended for summer. Despite its high performance, its reasonable price of 2,200 yen is also attractive.
For details and purchase, click here.
Winter UV Protection Recommendation #6: “LA ROCHE POSAY UV Idea XL Protection Tone Up
This makeup base is attracting attention among beauty-sensitive people as a skincare item that provides moisturizing care while protecting against UV rays. 2 colors are available, and the white color we picked up covers dullness and makes skin look one tone brighter and healthier. It has a unique multi-protection technology that protects the skin from P.M2.5 and pollen, and prevents redness and inflammation caused by external stimuli. Moreover, the high cut rate of SPF50+ PA++++ is not to be overlooked. It is recommended for use in winter as well as indoors in summer when dryness caused by air conditioning is a concern. It can be removed with soap, so even men who do not wear makeup should give it a try.
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Winter UV Protection Recommendation 7: “RETOUCH BB Cream
Retouch, a men’s cosmetics and hair care brand based on the concept of “grooming for adult men,” has introduced a BB cream with plenty of beauty ingredients. It combines the effects of a sunscreen, makeup base, and foundation, and is lightweight despite its high coverage. With SPF32 PA++ and moderate UV protection, it is best used outside of summer. It is a soap-removing cosmetic that requires no cleansing, so it can be used daily without stress.
