Bright summer days are not the only time you need to be careful in the sun. Larner Assistant Professor of Medicine Santana VanDyke, M.D., a dermatologist with UVM Health, warns that the sun’s UV light remains constant year-round. Factor in the fact that snow reflects up to 80 percent of UV radiation, and the effective result is essentially doubled exposure, WCAX-TV reports.
“I’ve actually seen some of the worst sunburns in the wintertime, especially with my skiers and snowboarders … The common misconception is, it’s cold outside so I don’t need sunscreen. But unfortunately, that’s just not true,” Dr. VanDyke says.
She recommends applying SPF 50 sunscreen every day and reapplying if you’re spending time outside, looking into sun-proof gear and clothing, and knowing how to spot signs of skin cancer.
Finding skin cancer early, when it’s small and has not spread, makes it much easier to treat.