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Top 3 Benefits of Sunscreen in Winter
Top 3 Benefits of Sunscreen in Winter - #1 UV Protection from direct & reflected light - #2 Moisturizes dry skin - #3 Prevents windburn
The importance of sunscreen in the winter
When the temperatures are warm and you head outside it is pretty easy to remember to apply your sunscreen. However, once the temperatures start to drop it can become a bit harder to keep the benefits of sunscreen top of mind. Your skin doesn’t really “feel” warm because of the lower temperatures that exacerbate the cooling effect of the wind on your skin.
The sun don’t care though!
While you may see less overall sunshine and fewer short wavelength UVB rays, the longer wavelength UVA rays are just as prevalent in the winter and penetrate the skin most deeply. UVA rays are the ones most responsible for premature aging and more concerningly melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer. The fact that Utah, Vermont, and Minnesota have the highest per capita rates of melanoma in the country speaks to the fact that cold weather sun protection is super important!
In addition to sun protection, sunscreen can also benefit your skin from other harsh winter conditions. Below we summarize the Top 3 as we see ‘em.
Top 3 Benefits of Sunscreen in Winter
#1 UV Protection
While it is true that UVB rays are not as strong in the winter they are still present, and UVA rays remain just as prevalent in the winter. Perhaps most importantly you also need to take into account the multiplying effects of reflection. Snow and ice reflect 80% of the sun’s UV radiation so you are effectively being hit twice, once from above and once from below so to speak. Thus further increasing the risk of skin cancer or premature aging. Snowsport enthusiasts should take special care if they are at altitude as the thinner atmosphere absorbs about 2% less UV radiation per every 1000 feet of elevation gain.
#2 Moisturizes Dry Skin
Winter weather brings cold temperatures, but it also means less humidity which can leave your skin feeling drier than normal. Sunscreens with emollients such as beeswax and shea butter can help counteract the effects of the harsh weather by filling in emerging cracks and forming a protective barrier that helps keep your skin healthy. Remember, no matter the manufacturer the ingredients list should be in order of descending percentage, so you can get some idea of how emollient rich the formula is by checking it out.
#3 Prevents Windburn
Windburn occurs when the top layer of your skin is damaged by a combination of low temperatures, dry air, and gusty winds. The damage impairs the skin’s ability to repair itself and can dilate skin surface blood vessels, resulting in dry, red, and sometimes even scaly skin conditions. Winter sports such as skiing, snowboarding, and even running can exacerbate the risk significantly. Mineral sunscreen balm can help prevent this by maintaining a barrier of protection on the surface of the skin. The balm that provides the water resistance will also provide wind resistance!
Summing up
Keeping your skin healthy in the winter is important to your overall health and well being. Everyone should be aware to practice sun safety in both cold and warm weather. This is especially true for folks getting out on the water or out on the slopes. These environments are among the toughest because of increased exposure to environmental factors such as cold, wind, and altitude.
When choosing a mineral sunscreen for outdoor activities use one that is broad spectrum so it protects from UVA and UVB rays. Make sure it has at least SPF 30 protection which blocks 97% of harmful UV rays. Look for formulas with emollients such as beeswax or shea butter in the ingredients, these help fill the cracks in your skin and form a barrier to keep elements out and moisture in. If you are going to work up any kind of sweat you will want one with water resistance as well.
Our Mineral Sunscreen Balm was formulated for marine environments but works great in these conditions as well. The non-nano zinc oxide provides broad spectrum SPF 30 protection and it is water resistant for 80 minutes. Because it is a balm made with both beeswax and shea butter it forms a very effective barrier that stays put during outdoor activities. Get some right here to keep you protected and comfortable during your next winter outdoor adventure!