Sunscreen is widely associated with protecting our skin from the harsh summer sun as we frolic in the surf and build sand castles in the sand. But the truth is that the sun’s powerful UV rays are still just as harmful in the winter as they are in the summer. The sun doesn’t take a vacation! And the harmful UVA radiation that it produces is just as damaging to our skin in the winter, including causing wrinkles and contributing to the risk of skin cancer.
In fact, as people begin engaging in winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding they should be aware that snow reflects the sun’s radiation at a much higher rate than sand does – making protection from the sun an absolute necessity when engaging in activities in the snow.
To keep your skin looking healthy and radiant and lower the risk of skin cancer, follow these tips to keep yourself protected from the damaging effects of the sun this winter season:
Continue to Wear Sunscreen
Don’t stop applying your daily coverage of SPF now that the weather has cooled off. Applying a daily SPF moisturizer each morning is a good habit that should be kept up all year long. Make sure to carry some with you throughout the day so you can reapply as you sweat and move around. Also be sure that you utilize a daily moisturizer that is at least 30 SPF.
Don’t Forget to Protect Your Lips
Our lips are vulnerable to sun damage too, and dry, chapped lips in the winter are no fun. To protect your lips from sun damage and keep them looking healthy and attractive, use a lip balm that is at least SPF 15 and reapply frequently throughout the day.
Utilize Fashion for Protection
Hats and scarves are more than just fun winter fashion accessories. They are also great ways to protect your neck, face, and scalp from sun damage. Sunglasses should also still be worn in the winter. Large frames help give additional protection to the skin around the eyes and UV coated lenses protect eyes from UV damage.
Protect Your Hands and Face While Driving
UV rays can penetrate glass, which puts the side of our body closest to the window directly exposed to harmful UV rays while we are driving. For those who travel often or have long daily commutes, this can add up to many weekly hours of harmful exposure. To stay protected keep a bottle of sunscreen and protectant lip balm in your car and apply it to your face, hands, and any other exposed areas before you get on your way.
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