Though it doesn't last as long as sunburn, windburn has similar symptoms, like redness and a burning sensation. So, a sunburn in winter could be mistaken for other skin issues, such as windburn, frostbite, or winter rash.īoating, cycling, or skiing during the winter could lead to windburn. Cold temperatures, dry air, and harsh elements like snow and wind all nip away at you. Winter is one of the toughest seasons for skin health. If your winter plans include a vacation closer to the equator, the sun's rays have a shorter distance to travel to you. Latitude also affects UV levels, says the WHO. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), UV levels increase by about 10 percent with every 1,000-meter increase in altitude. So, on top of that slope, the sun can more easily reach your skin and at greater strength, too. The higher up you are, the closer you are to the sun-and the less the atmosphere can absorb UV light. This is due to a stark change in altitude. Hitting the slopes can also put your skin at risk for sunburn in the winter. So, if you'll be around ice or snow, there's even more reason that sunburn prevention should be on your mind. And similar to how the sun's rays can reflect off of water, the same is true of ice. This is because up to 80 percent of the sun's UV light is reflected off of snow, causing UV rays to hit your skin twice, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. While UVB rays aren't as strong as in the summer, they're still a cause for concern in the colder months. Snow, ice, and altitude-on top of the sun's rays shining through cold and cloudy skies-can all put your skin at increased risk. How can you get a sunburn in the winter? It's all about the elements around you. UVA rays can cause cellular damage that speeds up the visible signs of aging and increases the risk of skin cancer. It also means that sunburns aren't the only concern. UVA rays are present year-round, so protecting against them is necessary to prevent sunburns in the winter. So, what does this mean? It means that UV rays don't just disappear. About 95 percent of UV rays that touch the ground are UVA, compared to 5 percent UVB, says the American Cancer Society. UVA rays are just as strong during the winter as they are in any season, so they can reach your skin through the overcast sky.ĭespite being weaker than UVB, UVA rays are more likely to penetrate the sky and reach the Earth's surface. The strength of UVA rays, however, doesn't waver throughout the year. Although they're strongest during the summer, they can still burn your skin in the winter, per the Skin Cancer Foundation. UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn because they have more energy. Both can cause sunburn and skin damage, but they differ in terms of strength. There are two main types of UV rays: UVA and UVB. When you have too much exposure to these rays, your skin reacts by forming a sunburn, explains John Hopkins Medicine. The sun's UV rays, the invisible part of sunlight, are responsible for sunburns. Here's how to help prevent sunburn and other winter skin issues. With that said, you may ask yourself: Can you get a sunburn in the winter? The answer is yes, it's possible. It's true that you may see less of the sun during cold, snowy days, but ultraviolet (UV) light still shines through. What doesn't hibernate, however, are the sun's rays. Plants grow at a slower rate, and many animals go into hibernation. During the winter season, nature slows down.
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