It’s easy to forget about solar protection in winter. But the truth is, the sun's UVA and UVB rays are just as harmful in winter as they are in summer. Perhaps even more so! In fact, because almost 80% of the sun's rays are reflected off the snow’s surface, your exposure to the sun actually increases in winter, especially at higher altitudes.
Read on for answers to the most frequently asked questions about protecting your skin from the sun no matter what time of the year it is.
Why protect yourself all year long?
Applying solar protection is a good habit all year long, because the sun's UVA and UVB rays can damage your skin even when you can't see them! And those rays don't just cause sunburn! They also accelerate the aging of your skin causing your skin cells to oxidize. As a result, they’re more easily attacked by free radicals, which compromise collagen and elastin production, causing your skin to lose its suppleness, firmness and hydration. And that can lead to the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
What's more, exposure to the sun damages your epidermis in specific areas, leading to the overproduction of melanin (the protective pigment that creates a tan), encouraging the creation of brown/pigment spots... Both types of radiation also increase your risk of developing skin cancer. All of which are good reasons to choose the best solar protection possible, no matter what the season or the temperature!
Winter creates special conditions…
In addition to solar reflection, winter also leads to reduced sunlight, which lowers our levels of skin pigmentation and in turn, our resistance to solar radiation. So, even when the sky is overcast, and even if you only spend 15 minutes outside, you should always, always use solar protection ! This is true for everyone, but especially for fair-skinned people, whose skin contains less melanin and so, tends to burn more easily.
Proper solar protection is also vital for people with sensitive skin, who can experience itching, redness or pimples after exposure to the sun.
How to protect your skin from the sun?
Here are a few healthy tips to follow when choosing the best solar protection for your needs:
- Choose the right product, ideally a broad-spectrum sunscreen that’s adapted to your skin type. Ask your dermatology specialist for advice to help you make the best choice.
- Check the solar protection factor (SPF): The Canadian Dermatology Association (CDA) recommends an SPF of at least 30 for optimal skin protection.
- Reapply the sunscreen regularly, ideally every two hours. And remember to reapply it after prolonged exposure to water or excessive sweating.
- Cover as much of your skin as possible: Maximize the effects of your sunscreen by covering up with clothes, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
- Avoid the sun's peak hours: Limit your exposure to the sun as much as possible, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., when UV rays are strongest.
- Use complementary protective products to nourish and protect your skin, like lip balms with SPF or antioxidant-enriched moisturizers.
- Rehydrate your skin immediately after exposure to the sun, especially at low temperatures, where the combined effect of sun and cold tends to accelerate dehydration and cause damage like chapping.
- Check the UV index in the weather forecast before going out.
By making these practices part of your daily routine, you can help protect your skin from the damaging effects of UV rays, while maintaining your skin’s hydration and overall health.
Don’t forget these often-overlooked areas...
Applying sunscreen to your face is great, but take care to protect these often-forgotten areas, too:
- Your head and ears: Cover them with a wide-brimmed hat in summer, or a toque in winter to keep them warm, and to protect them from frostbite.
- Your lips: The skin on your lips is delicate and can easily become dry, cracked or riddled with fine lines. Coat these areas generously and often with a lip balm that features an SPF.
- Your cheekbones and the bridge of your nose: Highly sensitive, these areas may need extra protection, especially if you play sports. Remember to carry a stick sunscreen for quick application whenever you need it.
What’s the best solar protection?
In addition to choosing a broad-spectrum, high-SPF formula that suits your skin type, it's also important to choose one that’s non-comedogenic (doesn't clog your pores), non-greasy and fragrance-free. Having a water-proof formula is also important, and not just during summer; in winter, heavy snow and warm clothes can make you sweat!
Regardless of whether you choose a chemical or mineral sunscreen, make sure you apply it at least 30 minutes before you go out to maximize its effectiveness. For extra protection, check the label for the standardized UVA logo, featuring a circle containing the letters "UVA." This means that the product is approved by Health Canada to provide adequate protection against UVA rays.
Important Reminder
Remember: no sunscreen can totally block all UV rays. The SPF number on the bottle doesn't refer to the strength of the protection, but to the amount of time you can spend in the sun before getting burned. For example, an SPF of 60 means that your skin will remain protected 60 times longer than without cream. So even high protection won't stop you from tanning... or burning.
Bottom line: No matter what type of sunscreen you use, it's important to apply it regularly!
How to protect yourself from UV rays while preserving that healthy glow?
The regular use of a self-tanner is an excellent way to achieve a beautiful, natural-looking tan without exposing yourself to UV rays. Want to protect yourself and keep that beautiful tanned complexion in winter and summer? Try adding a self-tanning product to your weekly skincare routine.
Avène High Protection SPF 50+ Emulsion, 50 ml
IDC Dermo Solis+ SPF 50 Mineral Powder to Fight the Look of Wrinkles, 6 g
Don’t forget… we’re here to help
Reach out to our dermo-cosmetics team to get the advice and products you need to stay protected.
