Hello, Lykkers! When the cold weather rolls in, many of us think we can skip sunscreen. After all, it’s not sunny, right? Well, that’s a common misconception.
Whether it’s summer or winter, your skin needs protection from harmful UV rays. Here’s why you can’t afford to ignore sunscreen during the colder months.
1. UV Rays Are Still Present in Winter
While winter may bring overcast skies and shorter days, UV rays are still very much present. In fact, snow can actually make the effects of UV radiation worse.
Snow reflects UV rays, increasing your exposure by up to 80%. Even if you’re inside most of the time, UVA and UVB rays can pass through windows, meaning your skin is still at risk.
2. Risk of Skin Damage and Aging
UV rays, particularly UVA rays, are responsible for aging the skin and causing long-term damage. These rays enter deep into the skin, breaking down collagen and elastin, which can lead to wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of skin elasticity. In the winter, our skin is already more vulnerable to dryness and irritation due to the colder, drier air, so it’s even more important to protect it from the sun.
3. Sunburn in Winter is Real
It’s easy to forget that sunburn can still happen in winter, especially when temperatures are low. If you’re spending time outdoors—whether skiing, snowboarding, or even just walking outside—your skin is exposed to the sun’s harmful rays. Without sunscreen, you could end up with a painful, peeling sunburn, even when the sun isn’t visible. This can happen especially at higher altitudes, where the atmosphere is thinner and UV rays are more intense.
4. Protection Against Skin Cancer
Prolonged exposure to UV rays, even in winter, increases your risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, and the risk increases with repeated UV exposure over the years. Even though the sun might not feel as hot in winter, the radiation can still damage your skin cells, leading to potential health risks. Using sunscreen year-round is one of the easiest ways to reduce your risk of developing skin cancer.
3 CRUCIAL Reasons You NEED Sunscreen in Winter | Dr Sam Bunting
Video by Dr. Sam Bunting
5. Sunscreen Helps Maintain Healthy Skin
Beyond just protecting from sunburn, sunscreen helps maintain healthy, radiant skin. Winter can cause dryness and irritation due to indoor heating, wind exposure, and lack of moisture. Sunscreen helps act as a barrier, locking in hydration and protecting against these elements, while keeping your skin looking fresh and youthful.
No matter the season, your skin needs protection from UV rays. Winter isn’t an excuse to skip sunscreen, especially when the risk of sunburn, skin damage, and skin cancer is just as real. Make sunscreen a part of your daily routine, no matter the weather. Your skin will thank you for it in the long run!
