The cold weather can fool you into thinking you don’t need sunscreen. It’s cold and cloudy out—why would you need sun protection?
Most of us are now in the habit of wearing sunscreen during the summer, and even in the spring. However, a 2012 survey shows that 60% of Canadians do not use sunscreen during the winter.*
Here are three reasons why you should:
- Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate clouds, fog and haze.*
- Snow reflects up to 80% of UV radiation, which is higher than reflection by water or sand. Participating in winter sports at higher altitudes puts you at an even greater risk for sun damage.*
- Preventing or reducing long-term skin damage from the sun requires your attention year-round, not just during summer ‘sunburn weather’.
The Elevation Revelation
Levels of radiation are influenced by factors including the sun’s elevation, cloud cover, altitude and reflection. What many outdoor winter sports fans do not realize is that winter conditions combining snow and high altitude can amplify the intensity of UV radiation. Furthermore, overexposure to sunlight can’t always be seen or felt, so it’s easy to underestimate the reflective properties of the snow when skiing and snowboarding—even on a cold day. The snow absorbs very little of the sun’s rays and reflects them back out to the surrounding environment, so UV levels can be deceptively high even in adjacent shaded areas. UV radiation is the leading factor in the development of skin cancers, yet it is the most preventable cause.
For more information on winter sun and outdoor sports, see the Skin Cancer Foundation website.
*Source: Melanoma Network of Canada