Here’s Why Sunscreen Is Just as Important in Winters

 

Contrary to popular opinion, it’s necessary to wear sunscreen at all times, regardless of the time of year. Speaking on the subject, Dr. Laura Scott, a Harvard trained dermatologist, said, “Wearing sunscreen is important during winter as the sun's UV rays penetrate through clouds and cause damage to your skin including premature aging, wrinkling, and dark spots.”

Traditionally, most people used sunscreen to protect themselves from sunburn. But experts say that sunscreen should be used daily whenever you're spending time out in the sun. Here are some reasons why:

Snow in Winter Magnifies the Sun's Rays

The snow and ice that pile up in winter reflect about 90% of the sun's rays. UV rays are harmful to the skin and can cause skin cancer. According to the US Environmental Protection Agency, UV rays are the source of almost 90% of skin wrinkles. Let’s dive deep into how UV rays can lead to premature aging.

UVA and UVB Rays

There are two types of UV rays that affect our skin: UVA and UVB.

UVA rays can penetrate thick clouds, even glass, and damage the deeper skin layers, resulting in premature aging spots. UVB rays are stronger in the summers and can result in sunburn on the superficial level of the skin potentially causing skin cancer.

Hence, make sure you’re protecting your skin from the year-round UVA rays by wearing SPF 30 physical sunscreen.

 

Thin Ozone Layer in Winters

The earth's ozone layer acts as a sun shield and absorbs the sun's harmful rays. During winter, the ozone layer is thinnest and allows maximum sun's rays to reach the surface.

The cool temperatures in winter combined with harsh winds can cause dry and irritated skin, which is more prone to sun damage. What’s more, windburn and sunburn merge to cause further harm to our exposed skin.

A good-quality sunscreen with SPF 30 can block 97% of UV rays. If you participate in winter sports, you're more susceptible to UV radiation as exposure increases by 4 to 5% when you rise above sea level.

Experts recommend applying sunscreen every three to four hours to your face, ears, neck, hands, and lips if you're going to be outdoors for a long time.

Worried about your skin? Check out SPF 30 physical sunscreens by Stream2Sea; they are mineral-based and safe for the fish in freshwater, saltwater, and coral larvae. Protect your skin and the planet's marine life with Lord Huff and Puff’s organic skincare collection!