When winter comes along, and we focus on staying warm, we may begin to crave a little sunshine. But as we soak up the season's rays, it can be easy to forget about one big health essential: sunscreen. We tend to pack it away with our beach clothes and sandals, not expecting to take it out again until summer. Unfortunately, this simple act could be doing us more harm than good. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, the risk for sun damage during winter doesn't stop. In fact, it increases.
Standing on high mountains to ski down the crystal snow can be just as dangerous to your skin as tanning in the middle of a hot July day without sunscreen. That's because the higher your elevation, the more exposed you are to UV radiation. Experts estimate that your risk increases by 8 to 10 percent with every 1,000 feet you are above sea level. Not only that, 80 percent of UV light reflects off of snow. So, you can see why running for the shade is just as critical in sub-zero temperatures as it is in 90 degree weather. In fact, according to Peter A. Anderson, a professor of health communications at San Diego State University, there's absolutely no correlation between temperature and UV radiation.
Keep in mind that when you head indoors for warmth, your risk is still the same if you're sitting next to a sunny window. The reason? UVB rays are effectively blocked by glass, but UVA rays aren't. At least 50 percent of UVA radiation can pass through windows of a home and for car windows, more than 60 percent.
The good news is that it's possible to protect yourself during winter, whether you're planning to enjoy the outdoors or simply want to cozy up inside.
On a daily basis, be sure to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. Check that it has UVA-protective ingredients such as avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.
If you're planning to spend the day outside, boost your SPF protection to 30; reapply it every two hours and immediately after sweating or exposure to snow or wind (since all of these factors can wash or wear away sunscreen). When purchasing sunscreen, be sure to choose one that contains a moisturizer. This will help protect against skin dryness caused by harsh winter conditions. Apply the sunscreen to your nose and chin. Don't neglect your lips, ears, eye area, neck, scalp, or hands either. Also keep on hand an SPF 15 lip balm for extra protection.
A few other things to keep in mind: Make it a point to wear a broad-brimmed hat, gloves, and UV-blocking sunglasses with a wraparound or large frame. This will complete your overall protection against the sun's harmful rays so that you can get outside and enjoy the day.
Sources:
Rabin, R. (November 18, 2010). Perceptions: UV radiation poses hidden risk for skiers. The New York Times, http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/23/health/research/23perceptions.html?nl=health&emc=healthupdateema6
Essential sun safety for skiers & snowboarders, Essential sun safety information for skiers, UVA radiation: a danger outdoors and indoors. http://www.skincancer.org
