Skin Care

Is It Possible For The Sun To Damage Our Skin In The Winter?

With November having just started, the winter certainly hasn’t arrived yet. However, the weather, here in Red Deer, would have us thinking otherwise. Subzero temperatures and snowfall tend to be the norm at this time of year. So, for all intents and purposes, winter is here and we all must prepare for it.

Do you wear sunscreen during the wintertime?

Treating sunscreen as a “summertime only” product is still too commonplace a practice for Canadians when the weather gets cold. It’s not like people don’t know that the sun still shines during the winter. However, because the weather is so cold, most people assume that the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays aren’t doing much damage. But they are!

This is especially true when there is snow on the ground. UV rays, in fact, can be a lot more impactful when they are reflected off of snow. So, not only should we all protect our skin from the sun, we should also be protecting it from the ground. UV rays are responsible for both burning and aging our skin.

What are the two types of UV rays?

UV rays are divided into two groups: UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are known for their ability to age our skin. UVB rays are known for their ability to burn our skin. This is why it’s so important to apply sunscreen all throughout the year. By protecting our skin, in this way, we can eliminate the early signs of aging as well as sunburn.

Just ask any lover of winter sports who may have gone on a skiing trip. At higher altitudes, exposure to UV rays is increased. Because the cold air tends to blind us from realizing that our skin is being burned, we generally forget to apply sunscreen to our faces. Have you ever seen anyone who has a “skier’s face burn”? The area around their eyes (where their goggles were worn) is often the only protected area of their faces.

What else can be done to protect our skin from the winter sun?

Wearing a hat certainly helps. It’s wise to throw on a toque to keep your head warm. It also serves as a great ear protector. Our ears are often forgotten when we’re applying sunscreen. As a result, they often endure some of the worst sun damage. You’ll also want to protect your eyes. Although sunglasses may have that “summertime” feel to them, wearing ones with UV protection all winter long is certainly advisable.

It’s important to protect your lips too. Use a lip balm that has UV protection. As well, be mindful of how much sun exposure you’re getting. Just like in the summer, you’ll want to avoid sun exposure when the sun is at its strongest. This is generally between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Which skin care products best protect against sun damage?

At Aurora Medical Laser & Vein Centre, we carry the full range of AlumierMD and Vivier products. They include Alumier’s Sheer Hydration which is a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 40. If you have any questions or would like to place an order, please don’t hesitate to call us at 403-358-5818. You may also email us at amlvc@telus.net.