We all tend to underestimate the winter sun and take its effects lightly. We think that it is absurd to get a sunburn while it is cold outside.
If you are having doubts about getting a sunburn in winter, than you have come to the right place. In this article, we are going to discuss the reasons behind winter sunburns and tell you how to save your skin.
The sun’s UV rays are the main cause of sunburn. They are responsible for changing the color of our skin during exposure to the sun, and regardless of whether it is summer or winter, the UV rays never stay idle. It actually gets riskier in winter, as 75% of the rays are reflected on the snow. As a result, your skin is exposed not only to the rays that emerge from the skies, but also to those that reflect off the ground.
Getting sun damage in winter is dangerous because most of the sunburns during this period are often subtle and go unnoticed. In summer, the uncomfortable pain of a sunburn alerts us about the burn and signals us to take precautions. In winter, our bodies don’t alert us in the same way as they would have done in summer.
So now that you know that winter sun can still harm your skin, here’s how to protect it.
Wear sunscreen
Fortunately, winter sun protection is even easier than that of summer. The sun is milder in winter, so simply applying a light sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more will get you through the brightest parts of the day. Apply sunscreen about 20 minutes before going outside. Remember to keep in mind that the sunscreen should cover all the exposed skin on your body, including your face, neck, and hands. The sunscreen should also be well branded and water resistant and it will protect you against the UV rays.
Wear sunglasses
Sunglasses are a must, not only as a winter fashion accessory but also as a protector of your eyes from UV rays. UV rays can really be harmful to your eye health. Thus, your sunglasses should be able to protect you from it. Sunglasses also act as a barrier against icy winds.
Protect your lips
Having dry, chapped lips is an irritating but common problem in winter. Protect your lips with a lip balm which contains an SPF of 30 or more. Don’t be lazy – be ready to protect your lips as you would your skin.
Cover your skin
Just like in summer, the best way to protect your skin from sun damage is to cover up your exposed skin. A pair of gloves and a nice fashionable neck scarf along with a hat will not only keep you warm, but will also keep you safe from the possible drying effects of winter and sunburns.
Eat antioxidant rich foods
The free radicals from the sun do a lot of damage to your body during prolonged exposure. To fight this damage, you will need antioxidants like vitamin C, vitamin E, lycopene, and more, which can easily be found in different fruits, berries, and vegetables. That is why you should include a wide variety of fruits and vegetables in your daily diet.
