The winter sun is dangerous... for these reasons

Arabia Weather - Protection from the sun's rays is not limited to the summer only, but remains necessary throughout the year, even in the winter and cold days, despite the low temperatures. This is because the sun and its harmful rays are still present, which must be protected from to maintain healthy skin.

Even on cloudy and cold days, the sun's rays penetrate the clouds and reach the Earth's surface. Protection from the sun is necessary to reduce the effect of ultraviolet rays, which are the main cause of skin cancer and cause damage to the skin.

Therefore, it is recommended to use sunscreen in the winter and cold days, in order to maintain healthy skin and reduce the risk of exposure to ultraviolet rays. Prevention steps include using sunscreen daily, even on days with cloudy weather, and avoiding direct exposure to sunlight during peak hours.

Talk about protecting the skin is not limited to the summer. Rather, sun protection in the winter is important to maintain skin health and prevent potential problems.

Why is the winter sun dangerous?

The danger of ultraviolet rays is clearly evident in the winter. The amount of harmful UV rays does not decrease significantly, even during cold and dark days, as they continue to reach the surface of the Earth and our skin even in the absence of direct sunlight.

The danger of ultraviolet radiation in winter

Although clouds may slightly reduce the effect of short-range ultraviolet (UVB) rays, they do not prevent or reduce long-range ultraviolet (UVA) rays. In addition, clouds can enhance the effect of UV radiation by reflecting it off the sides of clouds, increasing the concentration of radiation and thus causing increased danger.

The danger of winter sports on the skin

For winter activities such as uphill skiing, the chance of exposure to UV rays increases by up to 4-5% per 1,000 feet above sea level. Snow and ice do not reduce this exposure, but rather reflect approximately 80-90% of the sun's ultraviolet rays, which increases the risk of skin diseases and sunburn.

Risk of skin damage in winter

The risk of skin damage increases in winter due to low temperatures, strong winds and dry cold, which leads to dry skin and irritation. It is highly recommended to use sunscreen in this season, especially from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun's rays are most powerful and influential.

Benefits of sunscreen in winter

Sunscreen is no less important in the winter compared to summer and sunny days, and the benefits of using it in this season are evident as follows:

1. Reducing the risk of skin cancer: Prolonged exposure to sunlight without protection is one of the main causes of skin cancer.
2. Preventing premature skin aging: Harmful sunlight increases the appearance of signs of aging on the skin, such as wrinkles and dark spots.
3. Sunburn prevention: Sunburn is a risk factor for skin cancer, and sunscreen contributes to its prevention.
4. Preventing skin problems: Sunscreen contributes to protecting the skin from problems such as allergies, redness, and pigmentation, especially since the skin is more susceptible to some skin problems during the winter.

Steps to protect yourself from the sun in winter

Following some simple daily guidelines and practices can help reduce the risks of winter sun rays for adults and children, including:

• Use sunscreen:

1. It is preferable to use sunscreen with a protection factor (SPF) of at least 30.
2. It should be applied to dry skin 30 minutes before going outdoors.
3. It should be used on all parts exposed to the sun.

• Use lip balm with sun protection:

1. It helps moisturize the lips and protect them from dryness.
2. Contains a sun protection factor of 15 or higher.

• Wear sunglasses:

1. It is recommended to protect the eyes from sunlight.
2. You should choose sunglasses with 100% protection from the sun's ultraviolet rays.

• Wearing a hat:

1. Helps reduce the risk of scalp cancer.
2. It is recommended to wear a hat, especially when going out in places with snow or ice.

Following these guidelines can have a positive impact on maintaining healthy skin and preventing the dangers of winter sun rays.

Source: altibbi