Suncreen is Needed Even in the Winter Months to Prevent Wrinkles and Have Youthful Skin

Just because you've put away your bathing suit and beach chair does NOT mean you can take a vacation from sunscreen. With the drop in temperature, you might not feel like you're being exposed to harmful rays but don't be fooled! You need to wear sunscreen all 12 months of the year to prevent the damage caused by the sun.

By applying sunscreen you're protecting yourself against the source that accounts for 90% of your skin's premature aging including wrinkling. You don't have to be at the pool or by the beach to need sunscreen. Everyday you're exposed to the sun's harmful rays even if it's just running errands. The damage from the sun is cumulative, so 5 minutes here and 10 minutes there of exposure all add up. Most people think that if they don't see themselves tan or get red from the sun that no harm was done - that's not true. You can't always see the damage and if you do, you really know you've hurt yourself. This also means that those of you with dark skin complexions aren't off the hook. Even though you never burn, you still need to apply sunscreen to prevent premature aging as well as skin cancer.

Which sunscreens are the best?

Not all sunscreens are created equal. Look at the list of active ingredients for titanium dioxide, avobenzone or zinc oxide. If a sunscreen doesn't contain one of these ingredients don't get it. The sunscreen should also state on its label "broad spectrum UVA/UVB". Again, don't buy it if it doesn't.

For my face, my favorite brands are Obagi Nu-Derm Healthy Skin Protection SPF 35 and SkinCeuticals Ultimate UV Defense and Sport Defense (these are available on my store web page at www.TodaysUltimateMom.com). If you need one that's a little more price friendly, Neutrogena Healthy Defense Oil-Free SPF 45 is a great choice. I use this brand on my arms and hands and save the more expensive brands for my face and neck. These sunscreens don't leave you feeling like you have on a layer of grease and you don't smell like you should be at the beach. For the kids and days by the pool, I have found Banana Boat Baby, Kids and Sport to be the best at keeping the sun away.

How to get the most out of your sunscreen:

1. Make sure you apply enough to get a white film initially when rubbing it in.
2. Apply 30 minutes before going out in the sun.
3. Reapply 2-4 hours if you'll be in the sun a long time.
4. Put sunscreen on your face as the last step of your daily routine. Foundations and moisturizers weaken its effect if you put it on top of the sunscreen.
5. Always use SPF of 15 or higher.
6. Wear sunscreen on your face, neck and hands everyday(the last two tend to get overlooked.)

Making it a habit to put on sunscreen everyday will protect your skin and minimize wrinkles. It's also the best way to prevent skin cancer. It's easy for busy moms to neglect this aspect of skin care but, you'll benefit tremendously if you make it a part of your morning routine. We moms have a enough wrinkle-causing stress trying to keep up with the demands placed on us in raising kids and managing our households, we don't need to add to the the aging process by forgoing this important part of skincare. Down the road, you'll be so glad you did!