The Surprising Truth About Winter Sun

Skin safety is crucial this time of year. 4 simple tips to protect your child.
Child dressed in winter clothing playing in the snow.

Sending your kids outside to play in the snow? Many parents run down a typical checklist: Coat, boots, hat and gloves. But what about sunscreen? 

“People receive 25% of their cumulative outdoor UV exposure before the age of 20,” says Keith Morley, MD, a pediatric dermatologist with the UVM Health Network. Snow reflects sunlight with incredible efficiency, providing nearly double the dose of ultraviolet (UV) rays, so skin protection can be especially important in winter, Morley explains. This is especially true for kids, whose skin is more sensitive to sunlight.

Even overcast days pose a threat. UVA rays (associated with signs of aging) and UVB rays (associated with sunburns) both penetrate cloud cover. There’s even evidence that some cloud formations cause UV rays to intensify as they scatter.

Is There Such a Thing as a Healthy Tan?  

A so-called base tan is a total myth, says Dr. Morley. Tans are precursors to sunburns, and research shows that five sunburns over a decade during childhood doubles the risk of developing melanoma later on in life. “Sun damage adds up over time,” he says. “So, if you can get ahead of that in the early years, you can do a lot of good.”

That’s not to say that kids shouldn’t be active and busy outside, of course. “Just do it in safe and responsible way,” advises Dr. Morley. 

4 Winter Sun Safety Tips 

Here’s how to protect kids who enjoy the great outdoors, no matter the weather.

1. Get the Right SPF Sunscreen 

Aim for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against UVA and UVB rays and is at least sun protection factor (SPF) 30. Mineral-based sunscreens containing zinc or titanium are highly effective and better tolerated by sensitive skin; they also sidestep concerns around potentially toxic ingredients in chemical sunscreens. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends only mineral-based sunscreens until six years of age. 

2. Apply Sunscreen Liberally and Often 

When it comes to sunscreen, more is better. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends one fluid ounce of sunscreen (a shot glass’s worth) to cover an adult body, slightly less for a child.

If your kid is bundled up with only their face showing, measure out a line of sunscreen the length of their index finger. If some residue remains after applying, you’ve put on enough to benefit from the product’s full SPF. Reapply every two hours. 

3. Use Sun-Protective Clothing 

Sunscreen isn’t the only line of defense: Hats and eyewear also offer valuable protection. A hat or helmet with a brim is even better, and goggles and sunglasses with UV protection can help prevent eye damage. Remember to apply sunscreen on areas left exposed, like the lips; they’ll benefit from an SPF lip balm. 

4. Establish Year-Round Sun Safety Habits

In the excitement of going outside to play, it’s easy for kids and caregivers to forget about sun safety. Here are a few tips to help you remember: 

  • Store sunscreen in visible, convenient places — next to the toothbrushes, near the front door or in the car. Just remember that extreme heat or cold will degrade sunscreen’s efficacy.
  • Keep stashes of sunscreen in multiple places: a well-sealed bottle in your kid’s backpack, ski bag, or school locker makes for a convenient back-up.
  • Set alarms on your phone to remind you to reapply sunscreen, especially when playing outdoors in the middle of the day.

With the right habits, you can protect your kids for the long game, says Dr. Morley. “It takes about 30 or 40 years of DNA damage to develop into skin cancers,” he says. “The time to intervene and create healthy habits is now.”

For more information about how to play it safe in the sun, check out the UVM Cancer Center’s Be Sun Safe community outreach initiative.  

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