5 Reasons You Need SPF in the Winter

It’s easy to forget about the sun when you’re all bundled up, but don't let the cool temps fool you. Here are five reasons why you should wear SPF this winter.

1. 1. Snow reflects up to 80 percent of UV light. UV rays are reflected off snow, so you could be hit by the same ray twice! The same thing happens with water, so whether you’re swimming in the Gulf of Mexico or snowboarding in Colorado, minimize the risk with sunscreen.
   2. Up to 80 percent of the sun's rays can penetrate clouds. Though you may not feel or see the sun, its damaging rays are still hard at work.
   3. Daily use of SPF 15 or higher sunscreen reduces the risk of developing melanoma by 50 percent. 1 in 50 people will be diagnosed with melanoma, but you can greatly reduce your risk with daily sunscreen use. If you only choose one skincare item, make it SPF. Even better, combine color and care with a tinted moisturizer, like Moisturizing Tint SPF 30+, to save yourself an extra step.
   4. The face, head and neck are where the majority of skin cancers occur. The sun’s UV rays don’t shut off in the winter, even though it feels like it sometimes, and even when you layer up with jackets and sweaters, portions of your skin are still exposed.
   5. UV radiation exposure increases 4 to 5 percent with every 1,000 feet above sea level. To put it in perspective, the base altitude in Vail, Colorado is 8,120 feet. You might be inches deep in snow on your ski vacation, but you’re also thousands of feet closer to the sun. Designed for delicate, sensitive skin, Solar Shade SPF 50 is a great daily sunscreen. Plus, it’s small enough you can fly with it when you travel! Check out our TSA travel tips.