Quick access to main page (top) Direct access to main contents Quick access to main page (bottom)

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

Eugene Park Views  

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.

Pexels

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.

Pexels

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

Pexels

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.

Eugene Park
content@www.kangnamtimes.com

Comments0

300

Comments0

[LIFESTYLE] Latest Stories

  • Man's Blood Turns Green After Years of Heavy Drinking—His Shocking Diagnosis!
  • Right Way to Clean Your Chopsticks: Experts Reveal Why You're Doing It Wrong
  • Man Wears Contact Lenses for 8 Years, Almost Goes Blind
  • 7-Year-Old Boy Dies After Eating Toxic Mushrooms in Family Dinner
  • Is This the Grossest Beauty Trend Yet? Influencer Uses Poop for Glowing Skin
  • Teen's Facial Paralysis Traced to Overuse of AC—Find Out How Cold Air Can Wreck Your Face

Weekly Best Articles

  • Trump vs. Harris: Which U.S. Election Outcome Will Boost Stocks the Most?
  • Kim Sejeong on Kiss Scene Prep: ‘It’s Like Laying the Foundation for a Building!’
  • Kim Tae Ri’s Character Faces Devastating Setback in ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born’
  • Lee Seung Gi Goes Bald! Shocking Change for His Role in ‘About Family’
  • Man Who Sponsored $1.2M to Streamer Juice Se Yeon Says She Blocked Him After Scandals
  • BTS Music Video Star and Tattoo Model Kim Woo Young Remembered 6 Years Later
  • Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features
  • Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles
  • Fiat’s ‘Ugliest Car’ Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist
  • THIS is the Country Jensen Huang Thinks Will Lead the AI Revolution
  • Volkswagen Shutting Down German Plant for the First Time Ever—Big Layoffs Expected
  • Kim Nam Gil Spills Secrets About The Fiery Priest 2—Why Fans Should Be Excited

You May Also Like

  • 1
    Kim Nam Gil Spills Secrets About The Fiery Priest 2—Why Fans Should Be Excited

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    Google's Tax Tricks: How They Pay Pennies on Billions in Korean Revenue

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    BJ Juice Se Yeon Deletes ‘Suspicious’ Photo with Kim Haon—Fans Speculate Romance

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    G-Dragon’s Secret Addiction? The K-pop Star Can’t Stop Watching Dating Shows

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    Chef Triple Star Shows Up at Event Despite Explosive Cheating and Embezzlement Claims

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Jaehyun Joins the Military—Here’s What Happens to His Career While He’s Away

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    BMW M3 to Feature 600 HP Mild Hybrid Powertrain—No Plug-in Hybrid Here!

    TECH 

  • 3
    Subaru BRZ Purple Edition: Only 500 Units Available in North America for $35,445

    TECH 

  • 4
    Brazil’s Beloved Nivus Gets a Facelift: New GTS Model Starts at $24,480

    TECH 

  • 5
    Tesla’s Roadster Returns: 621 Miles on One Charge and Insane Speed

    TECH 

Weekly Best Articles

  • Trump vs. Harris: Which U.S. Election Outcome Will Boost Stocks the Most?
  • Kim Sejeong on Kiss Scene Prep: ‘It’s Like Laying the Foundation for a Building!’
  • Kim Tae Ri’s Character Faces Devastating Setback in ‘Jeongnyeon: The Star is Born’
  • Lee Seung Gi Goes Bald! Shocking Change for His Role in ‘About Family’
  • Man Who Sponsored $1.2M to Streamer Juice Se Yeon Says She Blocked Him After Scandals
  • BTS Music Video Star and Tattoo Model Kim Woo Young Remembered 6 Years Later
  • Outback’s Last Ride: Subaru Launches 30th Anniversary Edition with Exclusive Features
  • Chrysler’s 2025 SUV: A Glimpse into the Future of Electric Vehicles
  • Fiat’s ‘Ugliest Car’ Makes a Comeback with Hyundai’s Pixel Design Twist
  • THIS is the Country Jensen Huang Thinks Will Lead the AI Revolution
  • Volkswagen Shutting Down German Plant for the First Time Ever—Big Layoffs Expected
  • Kim Nam Gil Spills Secrets About The Fiery Priest 2—Why Fans Should Be Excited

Must-Reads

  • 1
    Kim Nam Gil Spills Secrets About The Fiery Priest 2—Why Fans Should Be Excited

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    Google's Tax Tricks: How They Pay Pennies on Billions in Korean Revenue

    BUSINESS 

  • 3
    BJ Juice Se Yeon Deletes ‘Suspicious’ Photo with Kim Haon—Fans Speculate Romance

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 4
    G-Dragon’s Secret Addiction? The K-pop Star Can’t Stop Watching Dating Shows

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 5
    Chef Triple Star Shows Up at Event Despite Explosive Cheating and Embezzlement Claims

    ENTERTAINMENT 

Popular Now

  • 1
    Jaehyun Joins the Military—Here’s What Happens to His Career While He’s Away

    ENTERTAINMENT 

  • 2
    BMW M3 to Feature 600 HP Mild Hybrid Powertrain—No Plug-in Hybrid Here!

    TECH 

  • 3
    Subaru BRZ Purple Edition: Only 500 Units Available in North America for $35,445

    TECH 

  • 4
    Brazil’s Beloved Nivus Gets a Facelift: New GTS Model Starts at $24,480

    TECH 

  • 5
    Tesla’s Roadster Returns: 621 Miles on One Charge and Insane Speed

    TECH 

Share it on...