When we think of sunburn, we often imagine hot summer days at the beach, basking in the warm sunlight. However, what many people don’t realize is that the sun can be just as dangerous during the winter months, especially in snowy environments. The combination of snow and altitude can expose you to high levels of ultraviolet (UV) radiation. This may result in sunburn, eye damage, and increased risk of long-term skin problems like cancer.
How Winter Conditions Increase UV Exposure
It’s easy to assume that UV exposure diminishes during the colder months, but this is far from the truth. The sun may feel weaker in winter, but several factors can actually intensify your exposure to harmful UV radiation, especially in snowy and mountainous environments.
Reflective Properties of Snow
Snow is highly reflective, and this can intensify your exposure to UV rays. In fact, snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation. It means that even if the sun is lower in the sky, UV rays can hit you from both above and below. In comparison, sand reflects only about 15%, and water around 10-30%. As a result, being in a snowy landscape significantly increases your overall exposure to harmful UV rays.
| Surface | UV Reflection Percentage |
|---|---|
| Fresh Snow | 80% |
| Old Snow | 50-60% |
| Sand | 15-25% |
| Water (clear) | 10-30% |
| Grass | 3-5% |
| Asphalt | 4-6% |
Altitude and UV Intensity
UV intensity increases with altitude. For every 1,000 meters (or about 3,280 feet) you ascend, UV radiation levels increase by approximately 10-12%. This is because the atmosphere, which filters out some of the harmful UV rays, becomes thinner as you go higher. Winter sports enthusiasts are particularly at risk, as they often spend hours at high altitudes without realizing the increased danger.
Cooler Temperatures, False Sense of Security
One of the most misleading aspects of winter UV exposure is the cold itself. Because it’s cold outside, people tend to forget about sun protection. The sensation of cool air on your skin tricks your body into thinking it’s safe. You may not feel the burn immediately, but the damage is still happening. This is particularly dangerous in windy conditions, where the wind further reduces the feeling of heat on your skin, masking the effects of sun exposure.
Why UV Rays Are a Year-Round Concern
Source: Sungrubbies
There are three types of UV radiation: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Only UVA and UVB reach the Earth’s surface, and both can cause skin damage. While UVB rays are more intense in the summer, UVA rays remain fairly constant throughout the year. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging and skin cancer. This makes winter sun exposure no less harmful than summer exposure.
It’s also worth noting that UV rays can penetrate clouds. On overcast winter days, up to 80% of UV rays can still reach your skin, so cloudy conditions are not as safe as you may think.
The Science of Sunburn in the Cold
Sunburn is essentially your skin’s reaction to excessive UV radiation. When UV rays penetrate the skin, they cause cellular damage. The skin responds by producing more melanin, the pigment responsible for tanning. However, when the exposure is too intense for the melanin to handle, the skin becomes inflamed, which is what we experience as sunburn.
Cold weather doesn’t slow this process. In fact, the combination of high UV exposure due to snow reflection and altitude, along with cooler temperatures, can make sunburn more likely. The damage might not be immediately visible, but it can manifest later with redness, peeling, and in severe cases, blistering.
The Role of Winter Activities
Many winter activities put people at increased risk for sunburn without them even realizing it. Whether you’re skiing, snowshoeing, or hiking, UV rays reflecting off the snow increase your exposure. Plus, winter sports often involve prolonged periods outdoors, increasing the likelihood of significant UV radiation exposure.
The common winter sunburn scenarios are:
- Skiing or snowboarding. Long hours at high altitudes, combined with reflective snow, lead to a high risk of UV overexposure.
- Winter hiking. Even at lower altitudes, the reflection off snow in bright sunlight increases UV exposure.
- Ice skating on lakes. The ice can act as a reflective surface, bouncing UV rays back up, even on cloudy days.
- Driving in snowy areas. Sunlight reflecting off snow-covered roads can enter through car windows, increasing UV exposure for drivers and passengers.
Source: Mattias Olsson on Unsplash
Prevention: Protecting Your Skin in Winter
Now that you understand the hidden risks of UV exposure in winter, how can you protect yourself?
Use Sunscreen
Just as you would in summer, apply broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Make sure to cover all exposed areas of skin, including the face, neck, and ears. Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you’re sweating or engaging in snow sports.
Wear UV-Protective Sunglasses
Snow blindness, or photokeratitis, is a painful eye condition caused by excessive UV exposure. This happens when UV rays reflect off the snow and hit your eyes, causing temporary vision impairment and even damage to the cornea. To prevent this, always wear sunglasses that offer 100% UV protection, or better yet, opt for goggles with UV filters if you’re skiing or snowboarding.
Cover Up
Wearing a hat with a brim and clothing that covers your skin is another layer of protection against UV rays. While you may bundle up for warmth, make sure you also protect your skin from direct sun exposure.
Protect Your Lips
Lips are particularly vulnerable to UV damage, as the skin there is thin and lacks melanin. Using a lip balm with SPF can help protect this sensitive area.
Monitor UV Levels
Before heading out, check the UV index for your area in the Rain Viewer app. This index provides a daily forecast of UV radiation levels, allowing you to plan and protect yourself accordingly.
Final Thoughts: Winter Sun Safety is Essential
The winter months may feel like a break from the dangers of sun exposure, but the reality is that UV radiation doesn’t take a holiday. Snow’s reflective properties, combined with high altitudes and a false sense of security from cooler temperatures, make winter sunburn a real and serious issue. The key to protecting yourself is awareness: wear sunscreen, cover up, and use eyewear. By doing so, you can enjoy winter’s beauty without suffering its hidden dangers.
