Why You Still Need Sun Protection in the Winter — Tips from a Dermatologist
With winter weather finally upon us, it’s easy to believe that the sun’s rays have lost their potency. Oftentimes, people underestimate the need for sun protection during the winter months, assuming chilly weather somehow shields them from harmful UV rays.
Before you hide away your trusty sun-protective apparel, let’s discuss why sun protection remains crucial, even in the winter.
Skin Health in the Winter
Winter weather brings its own set of challenges to the skin, including dryness and increased sensitivity. The combination of cold temperatures, low humidity, and UV exposure can lead to adverse effects on the skin, making sun protection a vital component of winter skincare.
Furthermore, there is a common misconception that the sun is harmless in the winter. In reality, UV rays can be just as damaging in cold weather. We'll debunk the winter sun myth and shed light on how UV rays can penetrate clouds and snow, posing a risk to unprotected skin.
The Role of UV Rays in the Winter
UVA and UVB rays can cause premature aging and sunburn, and increase the risk of skin cancer. On top of this, common winter weather conditions like snow, water, and ice can amplify the sun’s impact on your skin as these elements work as a powerful reflector of UV rays.
In fact, freshly fallen snow reflects 80 to 90 percent of incoming sunlight. On the contrary, other surfaces such as soil and plants have a less significant effect, only reflecting 10 to 30 percent of sunlight. This explains why protecting your skin against these rays is a year-round necessity, especially when enjoying winter activities like hiking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Choosing the Right Winter Sun Protection
Every skin type has its unique needs, therefore a winter sun protection routine should be tailored accordingly. Sunscreen and sun-protective clothing are two common options for winter sun protection.
Sunscreen
Not all sunscreens are created equal, and finding the right one for winter conditions is essential. There are several key things to look for in a winter sunscreen.
Broad-Spectrum Protection — The first is to search for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection. Broad-spectrum protection ensures your skin receives optimal protection from both UVA and UVB rays. This means it is not only protecting against skin aging but also against sunburn and the adverse effects of unprotected sun exposure.
Water and Sweat Resistance — While selecting a water-resistant sunscreen is pivotal in the summer months, it plays an important role in winter sun protection, too. Anytime you are active and sweating, there is potential for the product to wash away and no longer protect your skin. While there are no 100% water or sweat-proof products, there are products that have greater staying power.
Adequate SPF Rating — The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum protection with an SPF of 30 or higher for daily use. However, Dr. Aleksandra Brown of River Ridge Dermatology also notes on the Ultraviolet Tide Podcast that the “best sunscreen is the one that you’ll actually wear.”
With these three things in mind, you’re on the right track to selecting the best sunscreen to protect your skin this winter.
Sun Protective Clothing
While sunscreen is a crucial element of winter sun protection, it's not the only defense. Additional measures you can take include wearing protective clothing to fortify your skin against winter UV exposure.
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, apparel rated UPF 50 blocks 98 percent of the sun’s rays. This rating offers excellent sun protection and only allows 1/50th of the sun’s rays are able to sneak through the fabric. In turn, this gives melanoma and skin cancer survivors and those adverse to premature aging peace of mind that their sun exposure and risk are both significantly reduced.
UPF 50+ gaiters offer a sun-safe way to protect your face, neck, or scalp while hiking, running, or skiing this winter. Plus, they provide added warmth that doesn’t compromise breathability or performance.
The Long-Term Benefits of Winter Sun Protection
The need for sun protection doesn't take a winter break. It is important to understand the year-round risks of UV exposure and implement a comprehensive winter sun protection routine, complete with daily sunscreen.
Beyond preventing immediate damage, consistent winter sun protection offers long-term benefits for your skin, including fewer wrinkles as you age and a decreased risk of developing skin cancer.
Knowledge is power. By knowing your risks and taking charge of your overall skin health, the winter sun becomes a source of joy rather than a potential threat to your skin.