Winter Skincare Protection
With spring break just around the corner people are preparing for vacation. Based on USA Today’s top 20 destinations to vacation for spring break, 14 out of 20 locations are in warmer climates. So it’s likely that most vacationers will be armed with sunscreen to protect their skin from harmful UV rays and enjoy their vacation without the misery of getting sunburned. That’s one of the nice things about winter, you don’t have to worry about wearing sunscreen…right? Actually this is a common misconception, because you can also get sunburned during the winter.
The wrath of the sun knows no season. Whether you work outdoors or vacation during the winter, your skin needs protection. According to information found on the Mayo Clinic website:
You can get sunburn on cool, hazy or cloudy days. As much as 80 percent of UV rays pass through clouds. Snow, sand, water and other surfaces can reflect UV rays, burning your skin as severely as direct sunlight.
Sun Facts:
If you’ve been sunburned five or more times, your chances of developing melanoma are doubled.
- Regular use of SPF 15 or higher, reduces your risk of melanoma by 50% according to the Skin Care Foundation.
- Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer.
- The head, neck and scalp are the most vulnerable areas to develop skin cancer. Those with melanoma in these areas are twice as likely to die from the disease than on any other area*.
When it comes to protecting your skin, The Skin Care Foundation recommends you focus on:
Head and Neck Area
For outdoor workers, wear a 3” wide-brimmed hat and apply sunscreen to all exposed parts. If your hair is thinning, be sure to put sunscreen on your scalp and part.
Lips
Select a lip balm with SPF protection and apply often.
Eyes
It’s best to wear UV Blocking eyewear when working outside.
So what can I do to protect my family?
In addition to the guidelines above:
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you go outside so it has time to absorb into the skin.
- Be sure to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours, after swimming or excessive sweating.
- For newborns, it’s recommended that you keep them OUT of the sun and not to use sunscreen until they’re 6 months old.
For more sun care tips from the Skin Care Foundation and a chart on sun protection visit skin cancer facts
Written by Michele Redmon
Michele Redmon is the owner of I.C.O.E. Bracelets. She loves the peace of mind these bracelets provide to parents, grandparents and children. With customer service a priority, she loves talking to her customers so drop her a line mredmon@icoebracelets.com.