Did You Know? Winter Sunlight Can Be Twice as Dangerous

Did You Know? Winter Sunlight Can Be Twice as Dangerous
      As winter approaches, many people become complacent, thinking the sun isn't as harsh as in summer, and neglect skin protection. But the shocking truth is that the WinterSun can be more dangerous to your skin and eyes than you think. Although you don't feel the burning heat, Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, especially UV-A, remains just as intense, and sometimes even more so. This can lead to cumulative skin damage and premature aging. Here is why the winter sun is doubly dangerous.

Why is the Winter Sun More Dangerous Than It Feels?

• UV Radiation Does Not Decrease : Although the temperature drops, the intensity of UV-A and UV-B radiation that penetrates the atmosphere and reaches the Earth's surface does not decrease along with the cool sensation.
• Lack of Cloud Cover as a Shield : The winter sky is often clearer and has less cloud cover, allowing UV radiation, especially UV-A (which causes wrinkles and aging), to penetrate directly and more intensely to the skin.
• Complacency is Key : Because the heat is not felt, people tend to stand outdoors to soak up the warmth for longer periods and neglect applying sunscreen. This leads to the skin unknowingly being exposed to excessive amounts of UV radiation.
• Intensity of the UV Index : During the daytime (around 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM), the UV Index in Thailand remains at a very high to extreme level, meaning the skin can sunburn within just 15-25 minutes, even if the air is cool.

Dangerous Effects on the Skin
      Exposure to UV radiation in winter without protection leads to short- and long-term skin problems

• Premature Skin Aging : UV-A radiation penetrates the dermis layer, continuously damaging collagen and elastin, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and loss of firmness.
• Dry and Weakened Skin : The dry air in winter causes the skin to lose moisture and weakens the skin barrier (Skin Barrier Damage). When the skin is dry and weak, it becomes even more susceptible to sun damage and easily irritated.
• Dark Spots and Dullness : UV radiation stimulates the production of melanin pigment, slowly causing the accumulation of melasma, freckles, and dark spots.
• Skin Cancer Risk : Prolonged and cumulative UV exposure increases the long-term risk of skin cancer.

Simple Tips That Can Help You

• Apply Sunscreen Daily : Choose a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher and a PA+++ rating to protect against both UVA and UVB, even when indoors.
• Boost Hydration : Use a thicker moisturizer than usual and drink enough water to strengthen the skin barrier.
• Extra Protection : Wear covering clothes, a wide-brimmed hat, and UV400 protected sunglasses to shield your eyes from danger as well.

      The winter sun is twice as dangerous because even though the cool temperature makes you feel the sun isn't strong, the intensity of UV-A and UV-B radiation reaching the Earth's surface does not decrease with the cool sensation. Moreover, the clear winter sky allows UV radiation to penetrate directly and more intensely to the skin, leading to cumulative skin damage and premature aging.


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