Winter Time Sun Care – YES, You Need It Now Too!

I am often asked about suncare in the winter and I thought I would go to the experts at skincare.org and see what they had to say. Here’s a quick summary of what they say on winter sun protection, if you’re interested check out the original article at skincare.org for complete information. Most people associate winters with frostbites and windburn. However, at high-altitudes, exposure to UV rays increases by 4 to 5 percent with every 1000 feet above sea level. The snow reflects about 80% of the UV rays from the sun: the same UV rays hit us twice and increase the risk of damage. Extra protection must be taken to protect the skin from the cold, wind, snow and the sun.

Here are some important points to remember:

1. A broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is best while spending extended time outdoors. It is best applied 30 minutes before hitting the slopes.

2. Sunscreen with moisturizing components should be liberally applied all over exposed and overlooked parts of the skin like lips, ears and around the eyes to protect against the UV rays, wind and cold.

3. Sunscreen should be applied regularly and reapplied every 2 hours. Make sure to carry a travel-sized sunscreen.

4. Covering up your head or using ski masks, sunglasses or goggles is important.

5. Wraparound or large framed sunglasses and goggles that offer 99 percent or greater UV protection will protect your eyes and the sensitive skin around. These are common sites for skin cancers.

6. Avoid winter slopes between 10 AM and 4 PM, as it reduces the amount of time you spend in the most intense sunlight.

7. Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. People indulging in winter sports should take care of their skin and be aware of the dangers and increased risk of skin cancers due to overexposure to the sun’s Ultraviolet (UV) rays. Also, here’s an infographic we created for a quick recap on why we need the proper sun protection during winter.

 It is hard to get into the habit of applying sunscreen in the winter, because it seems like if we are not warm or it isn’t sunny, we don’t need it. But the UV rays are out and about whether it is rain or shine or cloudy and snowy. Consider this: “snow reflects up to 80 percent of the UV light from the sun, meaning that you are often hit by the same rays twice” What? Twice? That’s right! But the point is, we are never safe from the harmful effects of the sun…so . . . Find a sunscreen that you like how it goes on, smells and effectively protects your skin. This will make it that much easier to want to put it on you and on your kids every day. Personally, I prefer our water resistant face and body sunscreen stick, because in the winter my skin is even drier and the beeswax keeps the moisture in all day. It’s the best sunscreen for sensitive skin, if I do say so myself =) (Plus, it’s so convenient to re-apply – I don’t have to take my gloves off in the freezing weather!) Now go out and play. Get wet in a snow ball fight, take a walk at night and see the wonderful lights, play snow bowling, or hop scotch with your kids. Whatever is fun for you and your family. Enjoy the season and be active.   P.S. Also read about Truth vs Myth Sun Protection Facts here.