It’s a common misconception that the sun’s UV rays become less harsh as the weather cools because there’s often more cloud coverage. Unfortunately, because of this misconception, many people aren’t protecting their skin—and while the UV index is lower during the winter, these rays don’t disappear. That’s why it’s critical to protect your skin from sun damage during the winter, no matter how cold it is.
Know the Risks of Time and Elevation
For those who like to be outdoors during the winter, you should know that the sun’s UV rays are at their strongest during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. While you can’t always avoid being outside for such a long stint, know that this is the time when you have to pay attention to how well you’re protecting your skin. These rays become even stronger the higher in elevation you are, as the percentage of UV rays increases by 5 percent for every 100 feet above sea level.
Wear the Right Clothing
While you’re likely wearing warmer clothing in the cold, one layer isn’t enough, especially if they’re thin and you’re not pairing them with sunscreen. This is especially so for athletes who spend long stints outdoors, who also tend to wear thermals due to their moisture-wicking benefits and warmth. While thermals are great at keeping you warm, they’re not enough to protect you from the sun. This is partially what makes layering so important; it’s not just because it guards you against the cold, but also because it prevents UV rays from penetrating through the breathable layers of thermals.
Keep Applying Sunscreen
Ideally, you’ll apply sunscreen around your neck, on your face, ears, hands, and any other area of exposed skin. Alongside this, you should reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re continuously in the sun. While you’re inside, you obviously don’t have to reapply every two hours; however, if you’re heading back outside, it’s still best to reapply.
Protect Your Lips and Eyes
Many people know how dry your lips can get in the cold, but lips can also become sun-damaged and are one of the most common places where sun damage occurs. Luckily, you don’t have to ditch the lip balm, but you may want to find one that also provides sun protection and reapply it every two hours, along with the rest of your sunscreen. Additionally, if your area gets a considerable amount of snow, know that snow is great at reflecting UV rays, and you’re getting essentially double the exposure. Snow blindness is real and dangerous, so you should also be protecting your eyes with sunglasses to avoid vision loss.
Now that you know how to protect your skin from sun damage during the winter, don’t let the sun stop you from enjoying the winter months. Going outside is critical for everyone’s physical and mental health. Just remember to put on sunscreen and cover your skin so you can enjoy the outdoors to your heart’s content!