Winter Sun Wisdom for Healthy Skin

When temperatures drop and sun-drenched days give way to gloomy stretches, many of us don’t think about sunscreen. But ultraviolet (UV) rays don’t take a break during the winter, so using sunscreen during the colder months is just as important to protect against skin cancer and premature aging. Read on to learn why!

What Are UV Rays?
UV radiation is a type of invisible energy emitted by the sun. Two types are of concern: UVA, which primarily contributes to premature aging, and UVB, which is chiefly responsible for sunburn. While UVB rays are less intense during the winter, UVA rays remain consistent all year—and both are primary drivers of skin cancer.

Elevated Winter Exposure
If you enjoy skiing, snowboarding, or hiking at higher altitudes, your skin is exposed to more UV radiation. For every 1,000-foot increase in elevation, UV levels rise about 2%. Snow can also reflect up to 80% of UV rays, intensifying your exposure and putting your skin at increased risk.

And don’t count on clouds to protect you. While clouds might reduce visible sunlight, up to 80% of UV radiation can still penetrate them—making sunscreen a critical layer of defense regardless of the weather.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen for You
Inorganic (aka mineral) and organic (aka chemical) sunscreens generally work the same way: by absorbing UV radiation and dispersing it as undetectable heat before it can damage your skin. Which kind should you choose?

Chemical sunscreens don’t leave a “white cast” on people with darker skin tones the way mineral sunscreens can, while mineral sunscreens can sometimes be better for individuals with sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea. While the best sunscreen is the one you will actually use, we recommend a broad-spectrum formula of SPF 30 or higher.

A Little Doesn’t Go a Long Way
Not using enough sunscreen will leave patches where UV rays can get through. To achieve a sunscreen’s listed SPF rating on your face, for example, a quarter-teaspoon—or roughly two full finger lengths of product—is necessary.

Reapply every 2 hours if you’re sweating or engaged in outdoor activities. If you work indoors, reapplying once a day is probably all that’s needed. Note that most window glass blocks UVB rays but not UVA rays, so if you sit near a window or commute, sunscreen is still a good idea.

Think Ahead
If decreasing skin cancer risk alone doesn’t motivate you to wear sunscreen, consider the sun’s impact on aging. Up to 90% of the visible changes to your skin as you age (wrinkles, texture, dark spots) is due to photoaging: cumulative skin damage caused by sunlight exposure over your lifetime. Preventing photoaging is much more effective than trying to reverse it, and the earlier you start, the better.

Daily use of sunscreen—as well as sun-protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses—will shield your skin from the harmful effects of UV light and ensure it stays healthy and youthful no matter the season. Start early and stay consistent: your future self will thank you.