4 Reasons Sunscreen Is Essential During Winter Months
Yes, sunscreen is a year-round necessity, even in the winter. Despite the shorter days and cloud-covered skies, harmful UV rays can still impact your skin. It's a common misconception that the absence of heat means no risk of sunburn or other sun-related issues. However, up to 80% of UVB and UVA rays can still pose a threat, leading to skin ageing and increased cancer risk. To maintain youthful and healthy skin, it's crucial to incorporate sunscreen into your daily routine, no matter the weather conditions.
Unavoidable UV Rays UV rays come in two forms: UVA and UVB. UVA rays, often called "long waves," constitute 95% of the UV rays reaching the Earth's surface. These rays can penetrate clouds, glass, and even the skin, causing ageing signs like wrinkles and dark spots. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and redness, although they don't penetrate the skin as deeply as UVA rays. While UVB rays are stronger during the spring and summer months, they still reach the Earth's surface in winter and can reflect off snow and ice. Even on a sunny day during a skiing trip, you may notice a goggle tan or slight sunburn, indicating exposure to UVB rays. Given that UVA and UVB rays are present throughout the year, sunscreen should be worn daily, regardless of the weather conditions.
Enhanced Skin Care Benefits: Modern sunscreen formulations have come a long way from the greasy and unpleasant products of the past. They now offer more than just sun protection. Winter weather can be harsh on the skin, leading to dryness and irritation. Sunscreen products like Ultraceuticals UV Protective Daily Moisturiser shield skin from the sun and soothe and protect against dryness and winter conditions. Ultraceuticals also has a Sheer Tint loaded with SPF, offering the convenience of two products in one, simplifying your skincare routine.
Faster Sunscreen Removal in Winter Conditions During summer activities, sweating or swimming can cause sunscreen to melt away. While you may not sweat as much in winter, the challenging conditions can compromise sunscreen efficacy. Snow and strong winds can erode sunscreen, making it less effective. Therefore, a single application of sunscreen in the morning may not suffice. It is advisable to reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors and immediately after sweating to ensure continued protection.
Heightened UV Exposure During Winter Sports According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV radiation increases by 5% with every thousand feet of elevation above sea level. Winter enthusiasts engaging in activities like skiing, snowboarding, sledding, or ski touring should be particularly mindful of their skin's well-being. Higher altitudes expose you to more UV rays, even if you're covered in ski gear, helmets, and balaclavas. UV rays can still find their way to your skin, leading to sunburns and an increased risk of skin cancer. Before hitting the slopes, include sunscreen application in your pre-ski checklist, and remember to bring extra sunscreen to reapply throughout the day.
Protecting your skin from the sun's harmful rays is a year-round commitment. Incorporating sunscreen into your daily routine during winter helps prevent sun damage and keeps your skin healthy and youthful while reducing the risk of developing skin cancer. Don't underestimate the power of sunscreen, regardless of the season or weather conditions.