5 Reasons to Never Forget Sunscreen in Winter

It’s already a challenge remembering to apply SPF during warmer months, so it’s understandable if you disregard it during the current freezing season. However, it’s not completely excusable as sunscreen usage shouldn’t just equate to sunny days. Your skin is more vulnerable to the stronger UV rays in winter, requiring protection all year round. Ahead, 5 reasons why you should never downplay daily SPF use even when there is no sign of sun.

1. UV Rays Can Penetrate Through Clouds

Just because it’s not sunny outside doesn’t mean you’re off the hook. Up to 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through sans brightness, so it’s important to protect yourself even if it’s gloomy outside

2. Your Skin Becomes More Sensitive To UV Rays During Winter

Compared to the summer, your skin in the winter produces less melanin, a protective umbrella for the skin responsible for pigmentation.

3. Sunscreen Can Decrease Your Aging Process By 24%

A study has shown that those who wore SPF regularly had no detectable anti-aging signs after 4.5 years compared to those who did not. Moral of the story: wear SPF all year long, no matter the season

4. Your Lips Need More Protection In Winter

Frigid temperatures cause our delicate lips to become sensitive and dry, making them more vulnerable to sun exposure. Apply a moisturizing lip balm with SPF for protection, hydration and to combat cold sores, which can be triggered by UV rays

5. Snow Causes More UV Exposure

Because snow intensifies sunlight and reflects up to 80% of UV radiation, it amounts to double the exposure compared to summer. Plus, increased elevation (we’re talking to you ski lodgers!) equates to higher UV susceptibility.

Read More

Premium hatchbacks, compact UVs to drive in fast lane

The Indian passenger vehicle market is likely to see more action in the premium hatchback and compact UV (utility vehicle) categories over the next couple of years with pricing emerging as a key factor in the choice of vehicles, according to industry analysts.

“Pricing has emerged as the key differentiator among the passenger vehicle segments rather than old school definition of segmental classification based on length,” according to Subrata Ray, Group Vice President – Corporate Ratings, ICRA Ltd.

The sub-4 metre premium hatchbacks and compact SUVs have emerged as the fastest growing segments and they will remain flavour of the season as carmakers have the advantage of pricing such models competitively due to lower excise duty benefits.

Post introduction of Hyundai Elite i20, the premium hatchback segment has gained stronger momentum. This was further supported by roll out of Honda Jazz and Maruti Baleno. These cars are similar in length to their siblings (compact sedans), but offer more comfort and legroom.

Premium hatchbacks are priced at par or sometimes higher than their compact sedan siblings owing to superior features and comfort. Among the premium hatchbacks, i20 as well as Jazz are priced at premium as compared to compact sedans (ie, Xcent and Amaze respectively despite lower boot space). However, Baleno is an exception. It is positioned as a premium product with ABS (anti-braking systems), airbags as standard offerings and has more boot space but priced lower than Dzire.

The major growth drivers of premium hatchbacks are rising disposable incomes and increasing customer awareness on comfort and safety, among others.

Similarly, compact UVs have been seeing better growth than bigger UVs due to shift in customer preferences. During 2015, UV segment reported total sales exceeding five lakh units of which compact UVs accounted for almost half.

Given the tax advantages and growing preference among the buyers, this segment is expected to witness more introductions in the coming weeks as companies such as Mahindra, Honda, Maruti, Hyundai and Tata, among others, are lining up their new compact UVs. Also, there will be facelifts of existing products. In this calendar year, Mahindra & Mahindra is expected to be the first company to introduce a new compact UV, KUV100, which will be unveiled shortly.

“Automakers would continue to identify profitable niches and introduce exciting new models, offer improved customer experience and invest in localisation, among others to be able to quickly respond to changes in the demand mix,” said Vinay Raghunath, Partner - Automotive Practice, EY India.

Read More