If protecting the skin from the sun’s rays is a common summer reflex (or almost) in the collective unconscious, what about in winter? Should we, or should we not, be slathering on sunscreen as the star that warms us grows shyer and temperatures drop drastically? Marie Avril, head of science communication and training at Novexpert, sheds light on this question that comes up every year.
Different sun depending on the season
To begin with, it is good to be interested in solar radiation and various ultraviolet rays. Considered the most dangerous, UVA rays can penetrate the various layers of the epidermis and cause long-term cell damage, from skin aging to skin cancer. Unlike UVB – responsible for sunburn – there are no visible warning signs of its harmful effects. And to protect yourself, it’s essential to take the right precautions and protect yourself with sunscreen. In winter too, although the radiation is weaker. It’s true that “UVB is rarer in winter,” explains the expert. This is due to the tilt of the earth at this time. Obviously, it all depends on your position on the planet. But we know that beyond 35 degrees latitude we no longer receive UVB in winter. So if we take the case of France – and more precisely Paris, which has 48° – we hardly get UVB in winter.” The risk of sunburn is then eliminated. On the other hand, UVA is still present. It is therefore necessary to continue to protect yourself from these harmful rays.
Benefit/risk ratio
If we continue to protect ourselves from the sun’s rays in winter, it is absolutely necessary to adjust our consumption. Yes, over-slathering on sunscreen is out of the question, “you have to master the application,” explains Marie Avril. It’s good to consider the percentage of benefits and risks.” And that’s where the sunscreens included in our sunscreen formulas come into play.
“There are two types of sunscreens, chemical and mineral,” explains the professional. The former have the advantage of absorbing UV radiation. However, they penetrate the skin very (or even too) quickly, which does not guarantee long-term protection. They are also mostly suspected of being allergenic and endocrine disruptors, in other words, they can disrupt the hormonal system if used too often. The latter (zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) acts as a barrier to UV radiation and enables its reflection. However, they come in the form of nanoparticles that can overcome all barriers in our body. They haven’t proven their security at this point.”
That’s why it’s a good idea to weigh the pros and cons before using our sunscreen. The goal is not overuse. In certain situations it will be necessary, even necessary. On the other hand, “we cannot consider it a treatment that is part of our daily beauty routine”. Everything lies in the right measure.
In what situations should you apply sunscreen in winter?
The importance of sunscreen in the mountains
When in the mountains, it is good to know that you are exposed to three main factors that require the use of sunscreen. On the one hand, the altitude. In fact, “every 300 meters, the energy of the UV rays increases by +4%,” explains the expert. In other words, if we climb 3000 m, the strength of UV radiation increases by 40%. The second factor (and we think about it much less), reverberation. However, you should know that when facing certain surfaces, especially the whitest ones (snow in the field of view), “85% of the sun’s rays are reflected back to us indirectly”. Even in the shadows we are not really protected. The third is related to external factors, such as low temperatures or wind, which delay the feeling of overheating, in other words, we do not realize that the skin is burning.
All three together have a real impact on our skin. This is why it is essential to apply sunscreen with an SPF 50 index on the places that do not cover our clothes and accessories: hands, neck and face (not forgetting the nose, ears and lips).
Also read: What sun protection to choose when skiing?
And in the city?
Many of us think about using sunscreen in the city. Again, it all depends on your daily activities during the winter. Here are three scenarios.
- I take public transport to my workplace and stay at home all day.
“If your work is inside; whether your journeys involve the subway, train or even car; and your walking time is less than 20 minutes outside, you don’t need sunscreen,” states the expert.
Another factor to consider: your office location. Is it near the window? Are you exposed to UV radiation several hours a day? “In this case, the use of sunscreen is recommended, especially if the window does not filter UV rays.”
- I work in an office, but I like to take a lunch break in the sun.
“If you work in an office but take your lunch breaks outside, you need to think about sunscreen. Remember that between noon and 4pm are the most dangerous hours, even in winter.” So the right gestures? Apply SPF 30 sunscreen to exposed areas 10 to 15 minutes before going outside. In this case, there is no point in applying sunscreen in the bathroom in the morning, it will no longer be effective at noon.
Can I wear sunscreen over my makeup? “Yes, solar filters will work the same,” explains the expert. In this case, you can use solar mists or sticks for easier application.
What if I prefer day creams with SPF? “I do not recommend using these products, which on the one hand contain a lower SPF than in sunscreens and on the other hand will no longer be effective during lunch if they are applied during our normal morning,” explains the pro. Often presented as an alternative solution when the sun’s rays are less, it has its limits. The expert clarifies: “When it comes to sun protection, it’s all or nothing. We add the right amount at the right time. There is no middle ground or room for “just in case”.
- I work outside most of the day.
If you are part of a team of outdoor workers (from construction trades to landscaping or surveying, etc.), it is essential not to neglect sunscreen, even if the UVB is lower. Because let’s not forget that UVA rays are very present. In addition, even if the cloud cover is significant, we apply sun protection to areas not protected by clothing.
The right dose of cream for application in winter
When it comes to the right dose, “there’s no really established, consensus answer in the scientific community,” the expert explains. Tests for protective factors are done with 2 mg of cream per cm2 of skin, but that’s huge and no one really sticks to it.” For this, he gives an alternative method that is easy to remember: “put a strip of cream on your index finger (from the tip of your index finger to the palm of your hand) and apply this amount of cream to each area of the body. The body is divided into 11 areas: 1. Face, head and neck 2. Left arm 3. Right arm 4. Upper back 5. Lower back 6. Upper torso 7. Lower torso 8. Upper right leg and knee 9 .Left upper leg and knee 10. Right lower leg and foot 11. Left lower leg and foot”. In winter, since we are covered by clothes, we apply the cream index to the face, head and neck area and the cream index to both hands. We refresh the application regularly, at least every two hours.