Arizona is Arizona and even its nondesert regions tend to be mostly sunny year-round. This makes it even more imperative for us to wear sunscreen in the winter, a self-care step too many people around the country and world overlook.
Increased cloud cover and more time spent indoors fools many people into letting their guard down against the sun’s UV rays this time of year, but perhaps not surprisingly, they’re too strong to be defeated by clusters of water droplets or ice crystals suspended in the air.
The sun’s rays are weakened somewhat by winter clouds but are still a formidable force that can penetrate our skin, leading to premature aging and heightened risk of skin cancer.
Sunglasses are another line of defense that is more likely to be tossed aside in winter since the sunlight feels weaker and doesn’t make us as squinty. But they’re important to protect not just our vision but the more delicate skin on our eyelids and surrounding the eyes, which are some of the first spots to show signs of aging. Five to 10% of all skin cancers are found on the upper or lower eyelid.
Here are tips to remember about winter sunscreen use and transitioning into spring:
Apply, apply again
The guideline of applying sunscreen before you go out, then reapplying every two hours or after you perspire holds up in the winter as well as it does in summer. Cold winds and snow can chip away at the effectiveness of its protection just as much as the heat and humidity of summer.
Winter sports warning
The reflective power of snow and increased UV radiation at those elevations mean skiing, snowboarding and related pastimes increase your chances of getting sunburned. Use a good sport sunscreen of at least 30 SPF or higher if your skin burns easily.
Elevate your protection
UV rays gain strength with altitude, so living in the more elevated regions of the state adds a risk factor for us that the lower deserts with their brutal summer conditions don’t have. This is something to remember throughout the year.
Stay covered up
It’s easier to stay covered up in the winter, but it’s also easy to feel like shedding some of your layers in celebration when temperatures become unseasonably warm. Don’t try to establish your “polar bear” cred by wearing short sleeves and shorts when it’s still chilly out — you’re protecting yourself from the sun as well as the cold. At least wear sunscreen if you do!
Peak hours are the same
Sunlight is most intense between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., just like the rest of the year, so these are the times to avoid being outside for more than a few minutes, if you can. It can still be good to spend a few minutes daily exposing your unprotected skin to sunlight for vitamin D synthesis and other benefits, but this may not be the best time to do that.
Spraying it on isn’t enough
If you prefer spraying rather than slathering your sunscreen that’s OK, as long as you remember to apply enough of it and rub it into your skin afterward to guarantee even coverage and full protection. You should spray and rub it in everywhere besides your face until your exposed skin is glistening; for your face, spray enough into your palm to create a little puddle and rub it on.
Spring means higher UV
As winter heats up into spring, understand that you’ll need to be even more vigilant about limiting sun exposure. Keep wearing your sunscreen, but if you’re wearing one that’s below SPF 30 you’ll want to switch to something more protective. Don’t be too quick to ditch your long sleeves and pants and consider taking other measures like seeking shade when you do go outside, especially during peak hours. This is also a good time to check expiration dates on sunscreen left over from last year, as expired products may not offer full protection. Reapplying becomes even more important as days grow longer and more time is spent outdoors.
Don’t forget
One commonly forgotten spot is your hands, which receive consistent sun exposure every time you’re behind the wheel. UVA rays can penetrate car windows, meaning your hands are exposed during daily commutes, school drop-offs and long drives — even in winter. Over time, this can lead to premature aging, sun spots and an increased risk of skin cancer. Keeping a small bottle of sunscreen in your car and applying it to the backs of your hands before driving is an easy habit that helps protect one of the hardest-working and most visible parts of your skin.
In a state where sunshine is part of daily life, sun protection can’t be a seasonal habit. Winter may feel gentler, but your skin doesn’t get a break — and the small choices you make now add up over time. By keeping sunscreen, sunglasses and smart coverage in your year-round routine, you’re not just preventing a burn today, but investing in healthier skin for years to come.
Yearly Skin Checks
Yearly skin checks are another essential layer of protection, especially in a high-sun state like Arizona. A full-body exam by a dermatologist can catch skin cancers early, when they’re most treatable, and identify precancerous spots before they become a bigger concern. Many people assume changes will be obvious or painful, but skin cancer often develops quietly, in places you don’t regularly see, like the scalp, back or behind the ears.
Annual checks also help you get to know your own skin better. A dermatologist can track moles and spots over time, flag subtle changes you might miss and offer guidance tailored to your skin type, lifestyle and sun exposure. Think of it as preventive maintenance — a once-a-year appointment that can offer peace of mind and, in some cases, be lifesaving.
