The answer is an emphatic “YES”
- Should I wear sunscreen during winter?
- Should I wear sunscreen on a cloudy day?
- Should I wear sunscreen while skiing/snowboarding on the mountain?
Whatever the question is in relation to wearing sunscreen in winter, the answer is YES.
As we are pretty sure most of you are already packing your gear and praying for a long and great winter season, one from which we were all deprived last year due to Covid pandemic, be sure that you don´t forget an equally important item. Your Sunscreen.
UV radiation in winter?
The answer is YES!
It’s no secret that regular use of sun protection not only exponentially decreases your risk for skin cancer, but will also keep your skin smoother, healthier and younger-looking over time. Yet, one of the biggest misconceptions about sunscreen is that it isn’t necessary aside from, say, the beach or pool. It’s important to understand that UVA rays, the kind that penetrate the skin and promote collages breakdown, remain just as strong throughout the winter months (and even on cloudy days), so they can still cause photodamage.
On the other hand, UVB rays, known as “burning rays”, can be up to 80% stronger when reflected and, because snow causes a reflection, skiing or sledding can lead to a sunburn without proper protection. In addition to reflection, at higher altitudes, a thinner atmosphere absorbs less UV radiation. With every 1000m increase in altitude, UV radiation levels increase by 10% to 12% [1].
UV radiation increase in relation to altitude
Oh! That’s why it’s also important to wear sunglasses on the slopes!! And for those of you who love goggle tan, don’t worry…you can still get it with sunscreen.
As if this wasn’t enough, note that the skin tends to be dryer in the winter. That’s why the right choice of a sunscreen with moisturizing properties is very important. Windburn can also wreak havoc on already-dry winter skin, as exposure to strong, cold winds can strip the skin of its natural oils and protective moisture barrier. So, sunscreen products that contain aloe or hyaluronic acid would be an ideal choice.
We were enough concerned the last couple of years on the pandemic front. Let’s enjoy responsibly this year what we expect to be a long and compensating winter season. Add your sunscreen to your gear. It weights like a feather and will not consume more than 1’ of your time daily to apply, but it will fight for your skin like a lion, letting you do what you love most without destructions. You can thank me later 😉
[1] UV Guide WHO
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