December 9, 2024, 1:52 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
It’s gray, cold, and dark terribly quickly – who thinks about sun protection? STYLEBOOK asked an expert whether sunscreen is also necessary in winter and how you can best equip yourself for your winter vacation.
There is hardly anything better than enjoying the coldest time of the year with a long walk in the rare winter sun. And especially in winter, you should catch every ray because the sun not only makes you happy, but it can also strengthen your body’s immune system. But there are a few things you should bear in mind to protect your skin, even in winter. Keep reading to discover when it’s essential to protect your skin with sunscreen during the winter months.
Your Complete Guide to UV Protection During Winter
Stressed Winter Skin has Less Protection of its Own
Winter skin is significantly more delicate compared to the resilient, tanned skin of summer. The reason for this is that the weak winter sun leads to a reduction in the pigmentation of our skin and, therefore, to a lower level of self-protection. In addition, our skin is particularly stressed at this time of year due to low temperatures and low humidity.
Furthermore, UV radiation is particularly strong on vacation in the mountains: in winter, the rays fall on the earth at a shallower angle than in summer, so they are weaker. However, snow and water reflect the UV rays, which leads to stronger radiation – and this should not be underestimated: During a week in the snow-covered mountains, uncovered skin gets just as much sun as during a beach vacation lasting several weeks. This underscores the importance of choosing the appropriate sunscreen for winter conditions.
Is There a Difference Between Winter, Spring, and Summer Sun?
“There is definitely a difference! The intensity of the sun is heavily dependent on the geographical location and the time of year. In Central Europe, the intensity is much higher in summer than in the winter months. On vacation in the equatorial region, on the other hand, the intensity is not dependent on the season and is at an equivalent but high level throughout the year,” says Dr. Dominik Göddertz, who holds a doctorate in chemistry.
Should You Also Use Sun Cream in Winter?
Yes, sun cream should also be applied in winter. “At our latitude, the weak winter sun leads to a reduction in the pigmentation of our skin. In addition, our skin is particularly stressed at this time of year due to low temperatures and low humidity. Our skin, therefore, reacts particularly sensitively to the first rays of sunshine of the year,” says the expert. Consequently, adequate protection is important on sunny days, during long walks, and at lunchtime.
Do You Need a Different Sunscreen for Skiing Than for a Beach Vacation?
“When hiking in the mountains or on a skiing vacation, you have to bear in mind that the intensity of the sun increases with the altitude. Reflection on the snow surface means that a proportion of indirect, i.e., reflected, radiation is added to the direct radiation. This proportion can be up to 80 percent of the direct radiation,” says Dr. Göddertz. What’s more, in winter, our skin usually doesn’t have good self-protection (more precisely, it doesn’t have a good pre-tan). It is no longer accustomed to higher radiation intensities. All this means that a sun cream with high UV protection is recommended for winter skiing in the high mountains. To help users choose the right sun protection factor, some sun cream suppliers offer online help or apps.
In 6 steps Repairing your skin and hair after your summer vacation
STYLEBOOK Experts The Right Order for a Skincare Routine
With expert tips How to apply hand cream correctly
7 Tips for Sunbathing Correctly in Winter
Apply Sunscreen to Sun Terraces
It is important to apply sun cream to all areas that are not permanently covered by clothing. Before going out into the sun, you should apply sun cream to your hands and face – but don’t forget to apply sun cream even if the sky is overcast, as UV rays also penetrate through the clouds. Important: Don’t forget your ears and wear a warm, protective hat.
High up, Highly Protected
The UV intensity in the mountains is often greatly underestimated – but it is particularly high here: the UV intensity increases by 15 percent for every 1000 meters of altitude. Snow doubles the total intensity through reflection so that UV exposure can reach very high levels. When on a skiing vacation or winter resort, you should, therefore, make sure you use sufficient sun cream with high sun protection factors.
Opaque Protection
It’s not just our skin that needs UV protection in winter, but also our eyes. The reason is that snow reflects the bright light, and in fog, it is scattered by the finely dispersed water droplets. That’s why you should always wear sunglasses or ski goggles with UV protection on the slopes.
Sun Break at the Hut
When it gets pleasantly warm in the sun, take off your protective clothing. Now, be sure to apply sun cream to your arms, neckline, and neck, and reapply sun cream to your face.
Don’t Forget Your Lips
Sensitive lips dry out quickly, especially in winter. They also need sun protection and a protective care film at the same time. Apply a lip balm with sun protection.
Protect Your Hair from the Sun
Always wear a hat or scarf on your head outside – this protects against the cold and keeps your hair healthy at the same time.
Frequent Application of Lotion: Key to Post-Sun Care
After a day in the winter sun, apply a rich cream. It moisturizes the skin and protects it from drying out at the same time.