Winter Is Coming. Here’s How To Protect Your Skin.

This article was previously published on Dr. James Goydos' Medium.

Winter is coming. Literally. Although the official first day of winter is not until the Winter Solstice on December 21, the cool weather is upon many across the nation and around the world. When the seasons change and it gets cool and cloudy, it can be easy to forget about sun safety. But while the thought of sunscreen may be more often associated with beach weather, it’s still important to carry it with you in the winter months, as well.

Sun damage and skin cancer knows no season. The skin is vulnerable to harmful Ultraviolet (UV) radiation year-round, as the sun's rays can penetrate through regardless of weather conditions. Weather the whether is hot and sunny and cool and cloudy, harmful radiation still peeks through. In fact, certain conditions that one may not consider associated with harmful sun exposure can introduce potentially more radiation. If we take snowy conditions, the polar opposite of the sweltry summer, we see the impact that weather can have on UV radiation.

Snow reflects UV radiation, meaning that these harmful rays hit the skin twice: once directly when sun rays hit the skin, and a second time when the radiation bounces off of the snow.

Snow and ice are both reflective of UV radiation, meaning even if there isn’t a layer of fresh snow, you should still make sunscreen part of your daily routine. Exposure to harmful levels of UV radiation is one of the factors which increase one’s likelihood of developing skin cancer.

There are many variables which can influence UV intensity, and time of year and proximity to the equator are important to consider. One should always account for local weather conditions in order to take the most prudent approach. Check your local forecast to get the UV index for your area, and be sure to take heed and stay indoors where possible during times of peak UV index. Where this is not possible, seek shade when outdoors and shield your skin from the sun's rays.

Of course, the sun is not the only source of potential UV exposure, as one can be exposed via artifical sources of radiation, as well. These include sources such as tanning beds, some stadium lights, and other sources. The skin does not discriminate regarding the source of radiation. Avoid tanning beds at all costs, and take care to safeguard your skin from the sun when in the elements.

You can take measures to prevent undue exposure by keeping up your sunscreen habit this winter. Consider using a moisturizing face lotion that contains sunscreen, and apply sunscreen to any areas of skin that may be exposed to the sun. This means the eyes, too!

Ocular melanoma, while rare, is one of the most common cancers of the eye in adults. Be sure to wear sunglasses that protect against harmful radiation. Don’t neglect the lips, either. Apply a lip balm with SPF, as this can help safeguard the lips from harmful rays, too. As with sunscreen, reapply as needed.

The season of snow is almost here. Be sure to keep up your normal skincare routine, and add some healthy new practices if you don’t have a routine yet. Making healthy skin a habit does not need to be difficult, and starts with the awareness that it should be an important part of your day. It’s never too late to start incorporating healthy skincare practices.

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About Dr. James Goydos

Dr. James Goydos is an expert in melanoma research and specialist in surgical oncology with an M.D. from Rutgers University. With over 20 years of experience as a Professor, Surgeon, and Clinical Trial Lead, he is a leading expert in his field.

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