Should I Wear Sunscreen in the Winter?

A common misconception is that once cooler temperatures have arrived, there is no longer a need to wear sunscreen. While the burning UVB rays are not as strong in the winter, the UVA rays that cause wrinkles, sun damage, and premature aging to your skin are just as strong year-round! UVA rays can cause skin cancer. These are the rays that make you more tan. These rays can penetrate glass and clouds and they are not lessened on a cloudy day. They are just as present in winter as they are in the heat of summer.

While you may not be out in the sun as much in colder weather, incidental sun exposure from driving in the car (such as your morning or evening commute) will cause damage if you are not effectively protected.

To be fully protected, make sure you are wearing a broad-spectrum physical sunscreen- with zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide listed as the active ingredients. For a list of Dr. Flanagan’s favorites, click here.

Don’t be caught unprotected this fall and winter. Stop by our Birmingham or Jasper location to take advantage of one of our sunscreen specials – we offer them continually year-round!