A delightful winter activity, to be sure, but a dangerous one for your skin. "Snow reflects 80 percent of rays, which is comparable to the sand or water," explains Gohara. That means a day spent on the slopes without SPF can be as bad for your skin as a day at the beach.
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Your Protection Strategy
While your body is likely bundled up, your face is probably exposed, making a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30 a must. Gohara suggests opting for a moisturizing formula, which will also help combat the drying effects of the cold and wind. One to try: Kate Somerville Daily Deflector Moisturizer SPF 50+ Anti-Aging Sunscreen, $48. Pop on a pair of googles too; they're ideal for protecting the sensitive skin around your eyes, which, BTW, is especially susceptible to burning.
If you're not going outside, you don't need sunscreen, right? Wrong. The sun's UVA rays, those responsible for signs of aging, can penetrate through glass. So even when you're snuggled up on the couch watching the snow fall outside, your skin is vulnerable. "Picture that faded picture hanging in your living room. The same thing can happen to your skin," points out Gohara.
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Your Protection Strategy
Sorry to be repetitive (actually, we're not sorry because this is important), but once again, using a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 every darn day is the best thing you can do. Make sure it's labeled broad-spectrum, which indicates that it protects from both UVA and UVB rays. Other than that, the formula you pick is a matter of personal preference. We like Exuviance Sheer Daily Protector SPF 50, $42, which is also tinted, a nice option for makeup-free days. Also important: Use at least a nickel-size amount for your entire face to ensure you're getting adequate protection.
When temps are frigid, you're obviously not going to be outside for hours on end, but even short amounts of time can be problematic. Sun damage is cumulative, so a minute spent grabbing the mail, five minutes popping out of the office to grab coffee, ten minutes walking the dog -- these all add up and can result in serious skin damage.
