Winter Sun Can Be Hidden Threat to Your Skin – Why Sunscreen Is a Must!

Just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you’re free from the sun’s rays. Winter sunlight can easily be overlooked as a cause of skin damage. It’s easy to forget the need for sunscreen in cooler temperatures, but let’s look at why it’s essential to apply sunscreen in winter.

UVA rays don’t discriminate between seasons.

UVA, or Ultraviolet A, accounts for about 95% of the sun’s rays that reach the earth’s surface. It can easily penetrate clouds and fog, reaching your skin on clear days and during cloudy winter weather. UVA penetrates deep into the skin, damaging collagen and elastin, which can promote long-term skin aging and cause fine lines and decreased skin elasticity. As aging due to UVA can progress even in winter, it’s essential to prevent it using sunscreen.

Snow and ice reflect UV rays.

Snow and ice can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, meaning more sunlight can hit your skin during outdoor activities in winter. The time your skin is exposed to the sun can increase when enjoying winter sports like skiing or snowboarding, emphasizing the importance of sunscreen. Especially in high-altitude areas where UV exposure increases, it’s crucial to protect your skin with sunscreen adequately.

Indoor UV exposure also needs to be prevented.

Even if you spend most of your time indoors in winter, you’re not entirely safe from UV rays that come in through the window. Especially for people who sit by the window for long hours due to their job, there’s a risk of asymmetric skin aging due to one side of the skin being exposed to the sun. Sunscreen can protect your skin from UV rays, even indoors.

Winter sunlight can also cause dermatitis.

In winter, your skin can become dry and sensitive due to low humidity and cold wind. Such skin can quickly develop dermatitis when exposed to the sun. Sunscreen plays a role in preventing skin damage and inflammation caused by UV rays, reducing the likelihood of dermatitis. For those with sensitive skin or those who experience winter skin dryness, sunscreen serves as an essential protective barrier.

You should carefully select your SPF even in winter.

It’s essential to choose a sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) even in winter. The SPF indicates the degree of protection from Ultraviolet B (UVB) rays; the higher the number, the more protection it provides. Generally, a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is recommended, and if you’re going to be outside for a long time, it’s best to use one with an SPF of 50 or higher. Additionally, waterproof sunscreen can protect from UV rays even in wet conditions like sweat or snow.

It’s even more critical for people with skin conditions.

If you already have a skin condition, using sunscreen in winter is vital for protecting your skin and preventing the condition from worsening. For example, autoimmune skin diseases like discoid lupus can worsen when exposed to the sun. People with these skin conditions should regularly use a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection, even in winter.

How to Use Sunscreen in Winter

Sunscreen is most effective when applied at least 15 to 30 minutes before going out. This is the time needed for the sunscreen to adequately absorb into the skin and form a stable, protective layer. You should apply a sufficient amount to all exposed skin areas, especially areas easily forgotten, like the ears, neck, and back of the hands. Even indoors or going out for a short period, it’s good to apply sunscreen, which can consistently protect your skin.

Including sunscreen in your daily skincare routine is fundamental to maintaining healthy skin. Sunscreen plays a crucial role in preventing diseases like skin cancer. The most deadly type of skin cancer, melanoma, is associated with UV exposure, so it’s beneficial to apply sunscreen daily for prevention. You can maintain skin health and delay aging by consistently using sunscreen, even in winter.