Does the chilly season mean you don't need to worry about sun protection?
Do you only think of sun protection when it is warm and sunny? Is it the last thing on your mind when it is chilly? You are not alone, as many think the same way. You may think that sun protection is not necessary, because you do not feel the effects of the sun on your skin when it is cool and cloudy. Well, this is a myth.
The reason for sun damage is the UV rays of the sun which are harmful to our skin. The temperature doesn’t matter. Seasons change and weather can get chilly, but the sun continues to emit harmful UV rays.
Why do you need sun protection?
Skin is the largest organ in our body and it is directly exposed to the outside environment. If we are exposed to the sun for prolonged periods, the harmful UV rays can damage our skin, cause sun burns and accelerate the aging process. Skin cancers like melanoma is potentially life threatening. All these harsh effects can be prevented, if you protect yourself from the sun.
UV exposure is strongest between 11am and 3pm. If you cannot avoid going out during this time, it is best to protect your skin whether it is warm or chilly. Do not fall in to the trap thinking that you are safe in the shade because UV rays can reflect off water, sand and even concrete and cause damage to your skin. Even when you travel in a car, especially if windows are down, you can get sun burnt, because of UV radiation glaring inside through the windshield and the car windows.
Chilly season can be windy or cloudy. But still, UV radiation can penetrate clouds. Therefore, you need the same amount of sun protection even on a cool, gloomy day. Sun protection is a must when going outdoors on any day.
What are the steps you need to take when going outdoors during chilly season?
Wear sun protective clothes – since it is chilly you would cover most of your body with warm clothes.
It is best if you select clothes with the UPF label for maximum sun protection.
Use a broad spectrum sun screen of at least SPF 30. It will protect you from both UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors.
Wear sun glasses
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Cover your head when going outdoors
Whether the season is warm or chilly does not matter, when it comes to sun damage. It is the UV index that puts you at risk.
What is the UV index?
While UV radiation is high in summer than in winter, it can still be there on any day. UV index is a tool which divides the UV radiation into levels such as low, moderate, high, very high and extreme.
According to the British association of Dermatologists, local UV forecast will help you better when deciding the amount of sun protection you need, rather than relying on the temperature outside.
If the UV index is 3 or more, sun protection is a must. UV index can be high even on a chilly, cloudy day. Therefore, do not be lulled into a false sense of security, but be wise and use sun protection, just like on a sunny day.