Staying Sun Safe In The Winter
The sun may rest but it never calls in sick, so it’s important to protect yourself from UV radiation even in the winter months. Cool, cloudy days are deceptive because we’re so used to associating sun damage with heat, but it’s when we’re unprepared that we’re at the highest risk.
UV rays can be just as harsh in winter, and the damage can often be worse because water and snow can reflect the sun’s rays. A common misconception is that a sunburn obtained in the winter is due to ‘windburn’. However, this is incorrect – windburn is simply sunburn misattributed. To avoid sunburn in the winter, you need to slip, slop and slap all year around.
Those spending weekends on mountain tops are at a higher risk of sun damage, due to the high altitude which makes UV light more intense. Combine this with the reflection of UV rays and strong wind and sweating that wears away sunscreen, and you have a recipe for a winter sunburn. For those who enjoy winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding, this means your sun care routine needs to hold its own from summer through to winter.
But sun safety is important even if you aren’t carving away snow. Skin cancer is caused by accumulated sun damage that begins as soon as you’re born, and premature skin aging and skin cancers experienced later in life are the result of a lifetime of sun exposure. This winter, take preventative measures by choosing a sunscreen with a high SPF.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. The number on the bottle represents the fraction of UV radiation that makes it past the product. For example, SPF 30 allows 1/30 of UV light through, and SPF 50 allows 1/50 through the sunscreen.
Here are three ways to be sun safe this winter.
Include Sunscreen in Your Morning Routine
Make it a habit to apply sunscreen after washing and moisturizing in the morning. These days many cosmetics contain a small amount of SPF, but it’s important to remember that SPF15 is no longer regarded as protective enough. If your makeup contains SPF15, great, but you should back it up with a stronger sunscreen.
Don’t Forget About Your Lips
It’s easy to forget that our lips are also layers of skin, and therefore just as likely to be damaged by the sun. Wear an SPF lip balm or rub some zinc on your soft kissers.
Cover Up
This one will be easier to remember in the colder months! Cover up your limbs and wear a hat to protect your scalp, especially if you work outdoors or spend most of your day outside. Protect as much of your skin as possible and keep cosy at the same time.
Keep on top of your health by going in for regular molemap appointments and skin checks. At Claris Group, our services include full body mole tracking and comprehensive skin checks.
