Why Do We Use Sunscreen in Fall and Winter? + 10 Scientific Reasons

According to SHAHEDNEWS, Many of us do not forget to use sunscreen on hot summer days because we don’t want to end our day with sunburn! Unfortunately, some people think that sunburn and the harmful effects of solar radiation on the skin are limited to summer; therefore, many of us do not use sunscreen in winter.

Poster on the Use of Sunscreen in Cold Weather

1. Snow and Ice Reflect Sunlight and Intensify UVA and UVB Rays.
   Just as the water of a lake or sea intensifies UVA and UVB rays in summer, snow and ice also increase the intensity of sunlight and the likelihood of skin damage in winter. Therefore, if you participate in winter sports like skiing or snowboarding or enjoy walking in the snow, you must use sunscreen. For adequate protection of your skin and lips, use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30 and a lip balm. If you are looking for sunscreens that are not harmful to corals and aquatic life, choose products that are free of chemicals like oxybenzone and octinoxate, with active ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for sun protection.

2. Wind and Low Humidity Are Harmful to the Skin.
   You may have noticed that your skin becomes drier and more sensitive in cold weather. During winter, humidity levels drop, and wind speeds increase; thus, your skin constantly loses moisture. Dryness reveals all facial lines and wrinkles and increases the chances of cracking, flaking, and skin infections. Using sunscreen in winter can help restore the lost moisture to your skin.

3. The Ozone Layer Is Thinnest in Winter.
   The stratosphere is a layer composed of protective gases that surround the planet Earth. Near the top of the stratosphere (the furthest layer from the Earth), the ozone layer absorbs and reflects UV rays from the sun. Ozone production occurs more rapidly in warm weather and slows down in cold weather. Therefore, the ozone layer is thinner at the North and South Poles, where temperatures are very low, and its coverage is at its thinnest during the colder months of winter; this means that even though you may not feel the warmth of the sun on your skin in winter, you are still exposed to stronger ultraviolet rays.

4. Even Indoor Lights Can Be Harmful to the Skin!
   Recent studies show that even when you are at home and do not plan to go outside, the lamps and light entering your room or living space can damage your skin. Using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily will protect your skin from harmful rays present indoors.

5. Winter Weather Conditions Cause Sunscreen to Wear Off Faster.
   Skin sweating on hot summer days, swimming, or spending time at the beach can cause sunscreen to wear off quickly. Thus, you need to reapply sunscreen regularly. What many people often overlook is that the harsh weather conditions of winter can also reduce the effectiveness of sunscreen just as quickly. Wind, snow, hail, and low temperatures all contribute to weakening sunscreen's effectiveness; therefore, for optimal skin protection, you should reapply sunscreen several times a day. Midday is the best time to reapply sunscreen during the cold winter months.

6. Sunscreen Keeps Your Skin Young and Healthy for a Longer Time.
   Sun rays accelerate the aging process of the skin and decrease collagen and elastin production, which help maintain youthful skin. Protecting the skin from sun rays and hydrating dry skin are benefits of sunscreen. Additionally, many studies conducted on individuals who use sunscreen show that daily use can reduce the aging process and keep the skin younger.

7. In Winter, You Are Still Exposed to Skin Cancer Caused by Sun Damage.
   It was previously believed that UVB rays (which are not very strong in winter) were more dangerous than UVA rays, which are associated with significant skin damage such as sunburn, age spots, and many types of skin cancers. Today, we know that UVA rays, although they do not immediately cause skin damage (like sunburn), are still more dangerous. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are actually one of the deadliest causes of skin cancer, namely melanoma. Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays are powerful year-round.

8. Negative Effects of Sun Exposure Accumulate Gradually.
   Recent research and long-term studies provide important information about the cumulative negative effects of sunlight; this means that the more your skin is exposed to UVA and UVB rays throughout your life, the greater your risk of developing deadly skin cancer. Studies show that increased sun exposure throughout life contributes to many cases of basal and squamous cell cancers, which are unfortunately both common types of skin cancer. Using sunscreen is one of the best ways to prevent these diseases.

9. In Winter, We Are Closer to the Sun.
   Science has proven that if you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you are closer to the sun during the winter months. This may seem a bit counterintuitive, but it is true. The Earth is furthest from the sun in July and closest to it in January. One may wonder why it gets cold in winter. The temperature drop is based on the Earth's movement direction. The Earth has two hemispheres (Northern and Southern), and our country is in the Northern Hemisphere. When the Northern Hemisphere moves away from the sun in winter, the temperature drops; therefore, even though the weather gets cooler in winter, the Earth is closer to the sun, intensifying UVA and UVB rays and consequently increasing their negative effects on the skin.

10. Use Your Sunscreen Before It Expires.
    Although this should not be your only reason for using sunscreen in winter, it is definitely important. The effectiveness of sunscreens usually decreases after 12 months; therefore, if you want to keep your sunscreen until next summer, your skin will be more prone to sunburn due to reduced sunscreen effectiveness and thus less protection from sunlight. Considering this, do not keep the leftover sunscreen until next summer, and use it throughout the winter to protect your skin from harmful sun rays.