From sunny skies to wintry weather, UV rays can be harmful

 Sunscreen comes in many forms, including within makeup and face wash. Even though most do not associate sunburn with winter weather, UV can still reflect off snow and ice. Photo Provided, Charles Fox
Sunscreen comes in many forms, including within makeup and face wash. Even though most do not associate sunburn with winter weather, UV can still reflect off snow and ice. Photo Provided, Charles Fox

Sunscreen should be applied to all areas of the face — including ears, lips and neck — and should be applied every 2-3 hours after initial application.

Although bathing suits have been put away and the sweltering heat is long-gone, harmful UV rays remain an issue. 

“Even though temperatures may drop and skies may become cloudy, the amount of UV that reaches the Earth remains the same,” said Pam Manet, a licensed practical nurse at Lifetime Skin Care Center in Muncie, Indiana. 

Despite the typical association of sunburn with summertime, sunburn can happen just as easily in the winter.  

“Short-term effects may be sunburn due to the ability of UV rays to bounce back, reaching the skin twice on reflective surfaces such as snow and ice,” Manet said. “Long-term effects may be the aging of the skin and skin cancers.” 

According to the American Cancer Society, Melanoma is the second most common skin cancer in people ages 15-29, and the most common skin cancer in people ages 25-29. 

“It is always important to protect yourself,” said Jonna MacDougall, co-founder of Outrun the Sun.

Junior natural resources major Moe Koons, said she takes precautions by wearing makeup that contains SPF; although the ratio varies for all foundations. 

“I use a moisturizer that contains SPF, and sometimes a tinted moisturizer or BB cream containing SPF as well,” Koons said. “I do this because I think it’s important to take care of your skin, especially when going outdoors. Having that added barrier can really protect your skin and have lasting benefits as well.”

While wearing makeup with SPF is beneficial, there are some drawbacks. 

“Makeup with SPF in it is helpful because it provides the same barrier that sunscreen would,” MacDougall said. “However, if you are in the sun for an extended period of time, you’re supposed to reapply sunscreen, and people don't usually re-apply their foundation or makeup.” 

Manet recommends a Broad Spectrum sunscreen and an SPF of 30 to 50 year-round for optimal results. 

Sunscreen should be applied to all areas of the face — including ears, lips and neck — and should be applied every 2-3 hours after initial application, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Contact Kiersten Hardy with comments at kphardy@bsu.edu.

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