SPF: It’s Not Just for Summer
If you equate sunscreen with summer and tuck it away once the weather turns cool, you may need to rethink your strategy.
While it’s true that UVB rays are strongest in the summer, they can cause sunburn and lead to damage any season of the year. Winter is of particular concern in our region as snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, meaning you’re getting nearly a double dose of damaging rays on sunny days. Without proper protection, all that exposure can increase your risk of developing skin cancer and joining the ranks of the estimated 9,500 Americans diagnosed with skin cancer every day. Tragically, one person dies of melanoma—the deadliest type of skin cancer— every hour, every day.
To reduce your risk in winter and beyond, keep these facts in tip in mind:
Elevation matters
Snowsport lovers have a higher chance of skin damage during the winter months as UV levels rise 4-5% with every 1000 feet of elevation above sea level gained.
Every day is a sunscreen day
Regardless of the temperature or cloud cover, applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin should be a part of your daily routine. For best results, apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before heading outdoors.
The lips don’t lie
With very little melanin, the pigment that helps protect against sunburn, the lips are one of the most vulnerable parts of the body and the most prone to painful sunburn. To protect your lips, apply a lip balm with an SPF of 30 or higher when venturing out in any season. Be sure to reapply frequently, especially if eating, drinking, or swimming.
Measure once, apply twice (at least)
Sunscreen only works if you apply the correct amount and repeat application for extended stays outside. For your face, ears and neck, use approximately ⅓ teaspoon to ½ teaspoon of sunscreen. For the full body, bump the amount up to 1 to 2 ounces (enough to fill a shot glass). Be sure to re-apply every two hours and after swimming or heavy sweating.
You missed a spot
Parts of the body commonly missed when applying sunscreen include:
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Tops of the ears
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Back of the hands
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Tops of the feet
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Lips
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Sides of the neck
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Behind the knees
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Eyelids
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Scalp
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Upper chest.
Lixia Ellis, MD, PhD is a dermatologist at SVMC Dermatology.
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