The winter sun burns too: Using sunscreen in every season is a must!

Drawing attention to the importance of choosing sunscreen according to different skin types, Özgen said, "For oily and acne-prone skin, I recommend non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging), non-greasy, water-based sunscreens, while for sensitive skin, I advise preferring mineral-filtered sunscreens."

SUNSCREEN PROTECTS THE SKIN FROM THE SUN'S HARMFUL RAYS

Stating that sunscreen protects the skin from the sun's harmful rays, Özgen said, "Sun rays are a significant factor in both skin aging and the formation of skin cancers. Currently, our most effective protective weapon is sunscreen. That is why its use is of vital importance."

IT IS NECESSARY TO USE SUNSCREEN EVERY SEASON

"It is necessary to use sunscreen every season. Even though the intensity is lower in winter months compared to summer, the radiation caused by sun rays, which we call UV radiation, is still present. Therefore, it is necessary to apply it in winter and even at home, as UV rays pass through windows," said Özgen, adding the following:

"Sunscreen should be applied to the face, neck, and hands in the summer in daily life, but at the seaside, it should also be applied to the body where it is exposed. In winter months, an SPF 25 found in daily moisturizers may be sufficient, but since this protection will not be enough in summer months, sunscreen should be used on top of moisturizer."

BABIES UNDER 6 MONTHS SHOULD BE KEPT PHYSICALLY AWAY FROM THE SUN

Noting that they do not recommend the use of sunscreen for babies under 6 months old, Özgen stated, "Babies should be kept physically away from the sun; for babies older than 6 months, they should be protected from the sun at the seaside."

SENSITIVE SKIN SHOULD USE MINERAL-FILTERED SUNSCREENS

Drawing attention to the importance of choosing sunscreen according to different skin types, Özgen stated, "For oily and acne-prone skin, I recommend non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging), non-greasy, water-based sunscreens, while for sensitive skin, I advise preferring mineral-filtered sunscreens."

SUNSCREENS PURCHASED FROM PHARMACIES ARE SAFER

Issuing warnings about harmful substances that should not be in the ingredients of sunscreens and counterfeit products, Özgen concluded her words as follows:

"One should pay attention to the absence of chemical filters such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, octocrylene, avobenzone, homosalate, and octisalate, as well as substances like parabens and phthalates in the ingredients of sunscreens. The probability of encountering counterfeit products is higher, especially in products sold online. For this reason, it is safer to purchase sunscreens from pharmacies. It can be difficult to distinguish counterfeit products, so shopping from reliable sources is of great importance."