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.
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Your Protection Strategy
Have we made it clear that you need to be wearing sunscreen? You can also protect yourself with clothing, and hey, it keeps you warm, too. A hat is a great way to shield your scalp, gloves to cover your hands, a scarf to hide your neck and chest. Bundle up!
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The Scenario: The Work Day
Aside from the fact that you're exposed to the UVA rays coming in through your office window, there's another sneaky source of damage lurking in your office -- visible light, the kind emitted by lightbulbs. While this is a different type of energy than the sun's rays, it can cause skin damage and worsen melasma, says Gohara.
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Your Protection Strategy
Gohara suggests looking for a sunscreen that contains iron oxides, which have been shown to block visible light. Find them in Colorescience Sunforgettable Brush-On Sunscreen SPF 30, $57. The powder formula also has the added benefit of being super easy to reapply throughout the day, even over makeup.
The Scenario: Chapped Lips That are Actually Sunburned
While it is more likely for your lips to become wind-burned rather than sunburned in the winter, notes Gohara, the latter can still happen. Especially because even if you're being diligent about applying sunscreen on your face, most people often forget to shield their lips.
