Can I get sunburn in winter as well?
April 22, 2022 | 30,00 EUR | answered by Ludwig Engel
Dear Dermatologist,
My name is Adele Jung and I am reaching out to you with a question regarding my skin. In the past few weeks, I have noticed that my facial skin has become more sensitive and reacts faster when I am outside in the cold for a longer period of time. I have had a mild sunburn on my face a few times already, even though we are in the middle of winter. Is it possible that I am actually getting sunburned in winter?
I am concerned about my skin, as I know that sunburn can damage the skin long-term and increase the risk of skin cancer. I am already using a moisturizer with SPF, but apparently this is not sufficient to protect my skin from harmful UV rays.
Can you explain to me why my skin is more prone to sunburn in winter and what measures I can take to better protect my skin? Are there specific sun protection products that you can recommend? Should I also apply sunscreen regularly in winter, even though the sun is not as strong as in summer?
I would greatly appreciate your expertise and advice to improve my skin health and prevent further damage.
Thank you in advance.
Sincerely,
Adele Jung
Dear Mrs. Jung,
Thank you for your question regarding your sensitive skin in winter and the possibility of getting sunburned despite cold temperatures. It is indeed possible to get sunburned in winter, as the UV radiation from the sun is present all year round, even though it may be weaker in winter compared to summer. Especially in higher altitudes or on reflective surfaces like snow, UV radiation can be intensified and damage the skin.
The sensitivity of your skin in winter can have various causes. One of them could be the dry and cold air, which weakens the skin barrier and makes it more susceptible to external influences. The use of heating in closed spaces can also dry out and irritate the skin. Additionally, the combination of cold and wind can further weaken the skin barrier and cause irritation.
To better protect your skin and prevent sunburn in winter, I recommend using a moisturizer with sun protection factor as well as a specific sunscreen for the face. This sunscreen should have a minimum sun protection factor of 30 and protect against UVA and UVB rays. Be sure to reapply the sunscreen regularly every few hours, especially if you are spending extended periods of time outdoors in the cold.
In addition to external care, it is also important to support your skin from the inside out. Drink enough water to hydrate the skin and maintain a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables that contain important nutrients for the skin.
If your skin continues to react sensitively despite the mentioned measures, I recommend scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist in your area. He or she can examine your skin more closely and provide personalized recommendations for your skin health.
I hope that my advice helps you and wish you all the best for your skin health.
Best regards,
Ludwig Engel, Dermatologist
