Reducing the risk of skin cancer and sun damage during winter is discussed by Dr Martin Wade, Skin Cancer Expert from The London Skin and Hair Clinic, in this weeks article.

I advise all my patients to wear sunblock on their face every day as part of their skin care regime, not just to reduce the risk of skin cancer, but as the most effective single action one can take to reduce aging of the skin. There have been reports that sunblock is not necessary in the winter months in the United Kingdom, however the end point for this study was skin cancer risk rather than aging of the skin. When protecting the skin from the sun, we need to be aware of Ultraviolet A (UVA) as well as ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. An article in USA Today on the 29th December 2009 provided some interesting facts about UVA and UVB. According to Dr Perry Robins, president of the Skin Cancer Foundation, “UVB rays diminish in the winter, however UVA rays remain constant. UVA rays are about 30 to 50 times more prevalent than UVB rays”. “Though UVA rays are less likely than UVB rays to cause sunburn, they do contribute to sun cancer”. “The longer wavelength UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin than shorter wavelength UVB rays”. Dr Robins goes on to say that “the damage causes skin to lose its elasticity, leading to the classic signs of aging: wrinkles, sagging and brown spots”.

In order to protect the skin it is important to look for a sunblock that protects against both UVA and UVB and is of sufficient strength. SPF (sun protection factor) refers to protection from UVB rays and the number correlates to the degree of protection. An SPF of 15, for example, will give one 15 times their natural protection. In Europe a star system is used to grade UVA protection with 5 stars being the highest protection. I never recommend below an SPF15, but usually suggest SPF30 or above for general daily use. There is diminishing return as the SPF factor increases, in that the difference between SPF10 and 15 is greater than the difference between SPF45 and 50. Some countries cap the level of SPF that can be advertised to try and prevent people thinking they are “invincible” when using a high factor protection. Australia for example caps it’s advertising at SPF30, however a lot of sunblocks there have a higher SPF value.

Sunblocks have come a long way since the white thick creams of the past, and many are now suitable for everyday use, including gel formulations and lotions with a tint that can be worn under make-up. Ensure your chosen sunblock has a UVA filter.

Winter brings with it the opportunity for snow sports such as skiing and snowboarding. The factors of altitude and snow cover, increase the degree of exposure to the sun. As one is at a higher altitude less of the Earths atmosphere has absorbed the sun’s rays before it reaches your skin. In addition, the snow cover provides an excellent reflective surface for the sun’s rays. Even the presence of cloud cover doesn’t remove the risk from the sun and the exhilarating feeling of cool wind on the face can often mask the fact that one is being sunburnt.

For those on the snow then, it is very important to apply a very high factor sunblock to all exposed skin, including under the nose and the ears. Don’t forget area’s like the back of the neck, or exposed wrists as well. As skiing and snowboarding can be strenous and cause perspiration, make sure you reapply sunblock regularly. A tube of sunblock should be one of the essential pieces of kit you take out during a day of skiing.

Also pay special attention to your lips which are exposed to the elements and can be at risk of sun damage. Many lip balms do not have a satisfactory level of sun protection in them. Once again, choose a product that has a minimum SPF of 30 if you are on the snow and reapply regularly.

If you do get sunburnt, then aloe vera is a very good soothing gel to apply in order to reduce inflammation. Ensure that the product you use does not contain alcohol and is as close to 100% pure as possible. Aloe vera will not treat sun damage or skin cancer though.

If you are enjoying the snow this winter, I hope you have a fun safe time. Just don’t forget the sunblock.

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Find out more about skin cancer and general dermatology by visiting the websites of Dr Martin Wade and The London Skin and Hair Clinic.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be used for self-diagnosis and treatment. An accurate diagnosis can only be determined through a face to face consultation with a qualified Dermatologist.

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