Going out for a long walk on a crisp winter day, snuggling under a blanket to watch your favourite film – we all know ways to care take of ourselves during the dark days of the year. But what are these activities doing to our skin?

Winter walks – great for health, tough on skin

Winter walks can show us nature at its most dramatic and beautiful – especially when the sun is shining. But we all know those bright sunny days are rare, so it’s easy to forget about applying SPF in your day-to-day life. The reality is, even when the sun is nowhere to be found, it can damage your skin.

It’s true that UVB rays (which cause sunburn) are less powerful in the winter. But UVB isn’t the only type of light. UVA, visible light, and infrared-A radiation are present even on cold and cloudy days. They may not cause an immediate reaction, but they penetrate further into the skin than UVB, and can cause long-term damage. Exposure to these types of light contributes to:

• wrinkles
• pigmentation
• loss of firmness
• skin cancer

And it’s not just the sun that can harm our skin in winter. Cold air and windy conditions can break down your skin’s protective barrier, causing dryness, a dull texture, and increased sensitivity, which can lead to redness and irritation.

Should I just stay inside then?

No! Getting outside is great for your physical and mental health. And the truth is that even staying indoors won’t fully protect your skin from damage (sorry). UVA, visible light and infrared-A can penetrate glass, so they can be harmful to your skin even when you are inside.

There are other sources of light to consider, too. We’re all spending more and more time in front of screens these days. The blue light they emit is another type of high energy visible light (HEVL) that can cause harm just like radiation from the sun, breaking down collagen and decreasing skin elasticity.

So how can I keep my skin healthy in winter?

• Make sure you’re drinking lots of water (try warming up with different herbal teas and infusions).
• Avoid very hot baths and showers, as hot water dries out the skin.
• If your skin does get dry, stay away from harsh cleansers, exfoliants, and heavily perfumed products, as they can lead to further irritation.
• Moisturise, moisturise, moisturise.
• And most importantly, don’t forget sun protection – inside and out.

Give your skin year-round protection

When you change up your skin care routine in winter, one thing should stay constant – sun protection. Heliocare goes beyond standard UVA/UVB protection, blocking your skin from absorbing visible light and infrared-A. Its unique Fernblock extract delivers a powerful dose of anti-oxidants that can repair and protect fibroblasts (the cells that produce collagen in your skin) and protect against free radicals.

The Heliocare 360° range offers sun protection as well as great hydration – and has a variety of formulations for different skin types, so it’s easy to find exactly what you’re looking for.

Heliocare 360° Water Gel is alcohol free and great for sensitive skin. It offers intense hydration and absorbs easily, leaving a barely there matte finish that creates a great base for makeup. And it’s water resistant, so it’s ideal for outdoor workouts.

Our Heliocare 360° Fluid Cream is perfect for creating a dewy look. Designed for drier and more mature skin, this rich cream offers intense and long-lasting hydration, which is perfect for the winter months – but like all Heliocare products, it won’t clog your pores. And its natural tint evens out your skin without adding colour.

For those looking for an all-in-one product, Heliocare 360° Color Oil Free Gels deliver. Available in 3 shades, Beige, Bronze and Pearl, they give you great coverage and glow (especially important in winter!) while also giving you an extra few minutes under the duvet in the morning.

No matter which topical application you use, pairing it with Heliocare 360° Oral Supplements will give you even better protection. In addition to Fernblock, these capsules also contain vitamins B3, C and E and pre-biotics that nurture you and your skin from the inside out.

Care for your skin, and yourself, by making good sun protection part of your daily routine in every season – whether you are facing down an outdoor run or another day of nonstop video calls.