Here’s Why You Should be Wearing Sunscreen This Winter
I went most of my life without wearing sunscreen. I thought it was for the less melanated people, whose skin was more “sensitive” and prone to sunburn. Boy, was I wrong. Sunscreen is for everyone, regardless of one’s skin hue. Sunscreen should be worn to protect one’s skin from the ultraviolet (UV) rays that are emitted from the sun. Sun rays break down the skin cells which can lead to skin damage and even skin cancer. 
I began wearing sunscreen three summers, at the start of the hottest month of the year. I was partially startled into giving it a try after seeing TikTok videos of people urging others to protect their skin from one of the most debilitating diseases known to mankind. I began using sunscreen shortly after but noticed a stubborn white cast on my skin that came with each application. No matter how much or how little of the sunscreen I applied, there was some semblance of what looked like white paint stuck to my skin. This frustrated me so much. I wanted to protect my skin but the sun lotion left me feeling like I looked like the entertainment my mom hired for my sister’s 3rd birthday.
I tried mixing the sunscreen with different lotions and moisturizers and none of them were able to dilute the sunscreen’s cast. For some time, I stopped wearing sunscreen altogether.
Two years later, I started seeing videos and ads about a particular brand that was Black-girl-friendly and just knew that I had to try it. I wanted to do all I could to keep my skin healthy, and I had been given the tools to do so, so, I went to my local Target and gave this new sunscreen a try. 
This sunscreen not only protected my skin without leaving a white cast but also improved the appearance of my skin. I’d spend hours playing outside in the beaming sun, and over time I noticed fine lines that developed on my forehead and neck. With time, they grew more noticeable but I did not know what to do about it. Since I began using this sunscreen, those lines have nearly vanished. The sunscreen had not only begun protecting my skin but also healing it.
Another myth I believed was that sunscreen was just to be worn during the warmest months of the year and that there was no need to wear it during winter months. Again, I was wrong. While the sun’s rays may not be as warm in the winter months, they are still present and can damage the skin. It is important to note that a person’s skin can be damaged without visible sunburn. Sun rays can be reflected off the snow and ice, damaging the skin exposed to the ray’s harsh effects.
Sun damage weakens collagen, also causing the skin to age prematurely. Constant exposure to UV rays makes the skin more susceptible to other forms of damage such as wrinkles, spots, bruises, and tears. While the sun’s rays may be warmer in the summer, this is not the only time to wear sunscreen. Harsh weather, free radicals, and rays are present year-round. Some sunscreens work well with moisturizing and protecting the skin without leaving a white or greasy residue.
Even if you have not been wearing sunscreen up until this point, it is not too late.
Since I began prioritizing my skin’s health and wearing sunscreen, I have gotten compliments on my skin’s appearance. I have a glow. But most importantly, I can tell a difference in my skin. The fine lines are not apparent and I know that with time, they will only fade more and more. 
