WASHINGTON — After a cold, snowy week, the ski slopes and skating rinks are bound to be packed this weekend. But if you plan on spending time outdoors, don’t forget the sunscreen.
Dermatologists say it is as easy to damage your skin in the winter as it is in the summer, and the glare of snow and ice makes the harmful rays of the sun even more potent.
“Whether it is 105 degrees in July in the summer, or whether it is 10 degrees in D.C. in the winter, it is still important to wear sunscreen every day,” says Dr. Howard Brooks, with Skin Cosmetic Dermatology of Georgetown.
It’s a must-do for all skin types and all races. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays. The AAD also says to use an SPF 30 or higher sunscreen and reapply every two hours.
Brooks says a lot of patients wonder why they need to reapply so often in the winter when they are not sweating.
“It’s because the oils in our skin can break down the SPF,” he explains.
In the colder months, it’s best to use a moisturizer with a sunscreen already in it to provide protection from both the sun and the harsh winter environment. Outdoor winter sports enthusiasts — especially skiers — need to be extra-vigilant.
“We do know that skiers, because of the higher altitude, are more prone to get sun-induced skin cancer,” Brook says.
Most of us don’t realize that skin cancer can also turn up on the lips. It’s important to use a lip balm in the wintertime that has sunscreen in it. Brooks says to check the label, but adds that most lip balms nowadays do have SPF 30 or above.
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