should you be wearing sunscreen during the winter?

by Camila Coleman, Reporter

Health & Wellness

     As the days get colder and shorter, fewer and fewer people continue to apply sunscreen. After all, isn’t it an unnecessary step if the sun isn’t even shining during the winter? 

Despite what you might think, the sun can still damage your skin even if it isn’t the same harsh sun you’re exposed to during the summer months. According to Manhattan Dermatology, only ten percent of Americans use sunscreen during the summer — and the number drops lower and lower as the seasons change.

Sunscreen should be applied daily no matter the time of year in order to protect your skin from UV light rays. UV, or ultraviolet, light can break down skin cells. This can cause your skin to develop fine lines, wrinkles, sunspots, and discoloration at a younger age.  The process is called photoaging because it causes you to appear older faster. Ultraviolet rays can even cause cancer and precancerous growths in serious circumstances.

During the winter, ice and snow can actually cause more of your skin to be exposed to these dangerous rays.  Ultraviolet rays can reflect off of icy crystalline structures onto hard-to-reach places like the bottom of your chin or below your nose. These rays can also be harsher in the U.S. during winter months since we are located in the northern hemisphere. Although the weather is colder, we are closer to the sun due to the tilt of the earth.

Now that you know a few reasons why you should be wearing sunscreen during the winter, it is important to understand how to wear it properly. 

The first step is knowing what sunscreen best suits your skin’s needs. Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. If your sunscreen is not broad-spectrum, UVB rays will be blocked, but UVA rays will still be able to penetrate the skin and cause damage. Your sunscreen should have an SPF of at least 30, which provides protection from 97 percent of UV rays. While the minimum recommended SPF is 30, you should take your personal skin needs into consideration when choosing an SPF. If you live in higher altitudes, an SPF of 50 would offer more protection for your skin. You should also consider water and sweat-resistant sunscreen if you are active outdoors during the winter.

In order to ensure that you are using your sunscreen effectively, you need to understand how and when to apply it. Sunscreen should be applied twenty minutes before going outside in order for the skin to properly absorb it. Since it is only necessary to apply sunscreen to exposed skin, most people will only need to focus on their face, neck, and ears. Roughly a quarter teaspoon of sunscreen should be applied to the neck, while another half teaspoon should be applied to the face, including the ears. Be sure to reapply your sunscreen every two hours to ensure that your skin is always fully protected.

Make sure to apply sunscreen daily, even during the winter. Harmful ultraviolet rays can damage your skin and cause photoaging in the future if your skin isn’t protected. Get broad-spectrum sunscreen with the right SPF for your skin and lifestyle.

Bundle up this winter — your skin will thank you later.

DISCLAIMER: The opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints expressed by the various authors in this paper do not necessarily reflect the opinions, beliefs, and viewpoints of Kamiak High School or The Gauntlet. 

Sources

Dr. Dray. 5 THINGS YOU ARE GETTING WRONG ABOUT SUNSCREEN 🌞 Dermatologist @Dr Dray.  www.youtube.com, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJQJoFx48-Q. Accessed 12 Oct. 2022.

Sun Damage and Your Skin. https://www.aad.org/public/everyday-care/sun-protection/sun-damage-skin. Accessed 12 Oct. 2022.

Why You Still Need Sunscreen in the Winter and Which Type Is Best: Manhattan Dermatology: General, Surgical, & Cosmetic Dermatology.