THINK YOU CAN DITCH SUNSCREEN IN WINTER? THINK AGAIN!

As the leaves turn golden and the air gets crisper, it's easy to push the sunscreen to the back of your bathroom cabinet. After all, we've been conditioned to associate sun protection with scorching summer days, haven't we? But, as a founder of SOL LABS, our journey into the world of skincare has shown us the unseen side of sun damage – and it doesn't pause for winter.

Personally, I remember the turning point for me. It was a brisk winter morning during a family trip to Colorado, and I was sipping my coffee, looking out over a frost-covered lawn. The sun was just peeking through the clouds, weak but persistent. It hit me then – the sun never really goes away, so why should our protection?

The Unseen Enemy: UVA and UVB Rays in Winter

The sun emits two types of harmful rays – UVA and UVB. UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn, are indeed stronger in the summer. But UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin, causing premature aging and long-term damage, remain constant year-round. They can easily pass through clouds and even windows. So, that cozy spot by the window where you like to read? It's not as safe as you might think.

Snow: Nature's Reflective Mirror

On a ski trip a few years back, I learned a surprising fact: snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays. That means you're not just getting hit from above – you're also getting a dose of reflected UV from below. It's like a double whammy for your skin. And if you love hitting the slopes, remember, UV exposure increases by about 4-5% with every 1,000 feet of elevation. That's a lot when you're up in the mountains!

The Misleading Comfort of Cold Weather

One of the biggest misconceptions I've encountered is the idea that if you're not feeling hot, you're not getting burned. This is far from the truth. UV radiation has nothing to do with temperature. I've seen more people come back from winter vacations with sunburn than I can count. It's the silent, unseen danger of a winter sun. You might have seen those people on ski slopes that have that infamous “goggle tan” where their face gets burned around their goggles? Yep…proof that UV doesn’t discriminate for cold weather or snow.

Why Natural Sunscreens Are a Winter Must-Have

In creating SOL LABS, our goal was to craft a sunscreen that's kind to your skin and the environment, regardless of the season. Chemical sunscreens, with ingredients like oxybenzone and octinoxate, not only pose risks to marine life but can also be harsh on your skin, especially when it's already battling the winter elements.

That's why I advocate for mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These natural protectors sit on your skin's surface, creating a barrier that reflects UV rays. They're less likely to cause irritation – a common concern in winter when your skin is already more sensitive due to the harsh, dry weather.