Do you need sunscreen in cold weather?

On clear and cold days, is sunscreen necessary? (Ngan, 13 years old, Long An)

Reply:

In the cold season, when you have kept warm from head to toe, sunscreen is still necessary and irreplaceable.

Even if the sky looks clear on a winter morning, UV radiation can still penetrate and affect our skin. The risk of sunburn can still increase when you participate in winter activities because you are still exposed to high intensity sunlight for a long time.

You can protect your skin by always seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, and applying sunscreen to all exposed skin.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher that is water resistant, apply it at least 15 minutes before going outside, and reapply at least every 3 hours or after swimming or sweating.

For extra coverage, choose sun-protective clothing and accessories designed to protect against the sun, such as wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and sunglasses with UV protection, and look for products labeled with a UV protection factor (UPF) to protect your skin.

The above measures and suggestions should be followed regardless of an individual's skin type and color.

MSc. Dr. Nguyen Duy Quan
Department of Dermatology - Ho Chi Minh City Dermatology Hospital

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