Even if you aren’t basking in the sun on a sandy beach in the middle of January, it is still important to slather on some sunscreen in the winter. I know that wearing sunscreen is likely the last thing that you think about when you’re out shovelling snow, but here is why you should protect your skin in the winter months.
- Protect against UVA rays
UVA rays are always present and can even get through thick cloud cover and glass. UVA rays penetrate deeper into skin layers than UVB and can increase one’s risk of skin cancer and premature ageing.
- Protect from dry weather
You’ve probably noticed that your skin is especially dry in the winter. The cold, dry air of the outdoors, mixed with the furnace can suck out the moisture from your skin. Protecting your skin against UV exposure can be just another reason to slather on some moisturizer with an SPF in the winter.
- The snow reflects the rays of the sun
UV radiation is typically low during the winter, but the sun reflecting off the snow can double your UV exposure[1]! Therefore, it is especially a good idea to wear sunscreen when on the slopes or having a snowball fight.
- Diminish signs of ageing
One study showed that individuals who wore sunscreen on a daily basis over a span of 4.5 years had 24% less skin ageing [2]. Enough said.
If you’re looking for more ways to nourish your skin this winter, check out my blog post on 6 Foods That You Should Be Eating for Healthy Skin.
References:
[1] World Health Organization, UVIGuide: Global Solar UV Index, (2002). http://www.who.int/uv/publications/en/UVIGuide.pdf (accessed February 8, 2018).
[2] M.C.B. Hughes, G.M. Williams, P. Baker, A.C. Green, Sunscreen and Prevention of Skin Aging: A Randomized Trial, Ann. Intern. Med. 158 (2013) 781. doi:10.7326/0003-4819-158-11-201306040-00002.