Have you ever wanted to turn back the clock, darlings? I think at some point we all have, but while we may not be able to stop the passage of time, we can slow down the aging process… all with one easy step. Can you guess what it is?

If you guessed wearing sunscreen (yes, even throughout the winter months), you’re right!

You may be asking yourself, why this is necessary? After all, you’re spending much less time in the direct UV rays this time of year, especially if you don’t flock to a warmer destination November through April. But trust me, dear readers, it’s more important than you know.

Today, I’ve rounded up five reasons to incorporate SPF into your daily skincare routine all season long.

Five Reasons to Wear Sunscreen During Winter

Snow Nearly Doubles Your Exposure to UV Rays

If you live in a place where snow is the norm this time of year, you best bundle up! Did you know that snow reflects back 80% of UVA rays, nearly doubling your exposure?

UVA Rays Can Go Through Glass

Peeking out your window at the morning’s fresh snowfall can be quite beautiful. But even if you prefer the view from inside your home where it’s toasty warm, you’re still at risk for UVA skin damage. Glass and clouds do block some of the UVB rays, but 50-60% are still able to pass through your windows.

The Earth is Closest to the Sun in the Middle of Winter

You may not have much interest in studying the solar system, but there’s one thing you should definitely know: the changes in season are a result of the tilt of the Earth. What does this mean for you? In the northern hemisphere, we’re closest to the sun about two weeks after the winter solstice, which is on December 21 this year. That makes today the perfect time to kick off your sunscreen habit!

The Atmosphere is Thinner at High Elevations

This may not apply directly to all my readers, but if you live or travel to take in those breathtaking mountain views, keep in mind UV increases by nearly four percent for every 1,000-foot increase in elevation. That means a day in the mountains, where it’s likely much colder than a day on the beach, is actually where you’ll be exposed to more skin damage!

The Ozone (The Earth’s “Sunscreen”) is Thinnest During Winter

The ozone is what protects the Earth, functioning as it’s sunscreen if you will. It filters out and protects us from harmful UV rays, but from December through March, those levels of protection plummet.

Now, I don’t share these tips to discourage you from enjoying the winter wonderland wherever you are, but it’s important to be in the know! You know what they say… better safe than sorry!

What’s Your Favorite Sunscreen?

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