What You May Not Know about Winter Sun Exposure

This temperature drop really has us re-evaluating our time spent out of the comfort of our warm home. We make a plan of attack and run from our car to the grocery store, to work, etc.  But one thing we shouldn’t run from is our daily sunscreen application, EVEN on a cloudy and frigid day.

It’s easier to remember to protect your skin during the spring and summer. The sun’s rays hit your skin, and the warmth is a nice reminder to lather on the protective lotions. But when you’re bundled up and facing the polar vortex, it’s really hard to remember what that warmth feels like on your skin – and all too easy to forget that you still need some SPF defense against the sun’s harmful rays.

Your face and neck are still exposed to UV rays as the ozone layer thins out during the winter months. This causes UVA and UVB rays to become even more harmful to your skin. And if we get another bout of snow, the sun’s rays are reflected on the glistening white dusting and ice. So remember to protect your skin from sun and weather burn with SPF 30 at least 30 minutes before heading outside.

While our winter coats and layers are likely to protect most of our skin, we should still take care of the skin we’re in. Switch to creamier moisturizers during the dry winter months. Just because you go outside, away from the fireside’s glow, doesn’t mean your skin has to lose its healthy glow. We’ll help your skin look cozy, inside or outside, this winter.

Call us today at 865-690-9467 for help with your winter skincare routine or if you have any questions about your skin. Skin health is an important part of total body wellness. Schedule an appointment with one of our board certified physicians to get your skin the care it needs so it can reach its fullest, healthiest potential.