Winter Sun Safety: What to Know About Protecting Yourself This Winter
The new year is officially upon us, welcoming the promise of cooler weather. Contrary to popular opinion, the cooler, overcast days do not mean the risk for sun exposure is any less of a threat. At L.U.V., we firmly believe that education is key. The more you know, the better you can protect yourself. Today, we are tackling Winter Sun Safety and what you need to know to protect yourself this winter.
“Wearing sunscreen and sun-protective clothing is just as important in the winter as it is in the summer. On a clear day, the snow can reflect 80-90% of UV radiation. This is basically a double dose.” - Lesli Mace, Board Certified Dermatology PA
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation:
“UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn, are the strongest in the summer. However, UVB rays can burn and damage your skin year-round, especially at high altitudes and on reflective surfaces such as snow or ice. Snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV light, so the rays hit you twice, further increasing your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.”
Winter Sun Exposure
It is true that the sun’s positioning changes with the seasons. In the summer months, the northern hemisphere is tilted toward the sun whereas in the winter months it is tilted away. This leads to the winter sunlight having less power per unit area and therefore leading to cold winters. While all this may be true, the Skin Cancer Foundation states, “sun protection is necessary every day, regardless of the weather or time of year.” Why is this?
Sun safety in the winter months is equally as important for a few reasons:
Establishing a Routine: Getting into a sun safety routine is imperative to ensure you are always protected. Something as simple as incorporating sunscreen into your skincare routine, wearing a hat while outdoors, and wearing UPF 50+ sun protection directly ensures you are reducing your risks of incidental sun exposure.
Reflective Surfaces: By nature, the sun easily reflects off of surfaces like snow, ice, sand, open water, concrete and more. So, even though UVB rays are strongest in the summer, they are still able to damage your skin year-round.
Clouds and Fog Don’t Matter: Even on cloudy or foggy days, UVA rays remain constant throughout the year and can penetrate through.
Thankfully, cold weather makes it easy to bundle up in UPF 50+ clothing. However, your head, neck, face and hands tend to stay exposed. In addition to SPF, we highly recommend wearing a UPF 50+ gaiter around your neck and face if you are hiking or skiing for increased sun protection.
“You are getting UV rays from the sun directly and reflected rays from the sun. Wearing a hat and UV neck gaiter will keep the harmful rays away and keep you warmer.” - Lesli Mace, Board Certified Dermatology PA
The Facts:
In the winter months, the sun’s positioning allows for less vibrant rays. However, sun protection is important year-round.
Wearing sunscreen every day helps reduce the risk of skin cancer, the most common cancer
Your risk of sunburn is increased around reflective surfaces such as snow, ice, sand, open water, concrete and more.
“Choose sunscreen that is a higher percent, 50+. A water resistant product is best (sweating washes away sunscreen). I would suggest the same sunscreen you would take to the beach. Don’t forget lip SPF and polarized glasses! Usually on cold, snowy days we are well protected with gloves and a jacket, so the rest of the body is protected.” - Lesli Mace, Board Certified Dermatology PA
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