Can You Get a Sunburn in Winter? Dec 1, 2020 / by Complete Family Dermatology Team

When we get bundled up in our coats, hats, and gloves, we tend to stop thinking about our sun exposure. But, the answer is yes, you can get a sunburn in winter. Contrary to what most people think, the sun’s ultraviolet rays can be just as damaging to your skin when it’s cold and cloudy outside. This blog will address how winter sunburns and skin damage can occur and why you should apply sunscreen during the winter.Even though you’re likely to be covered from head to toe, any exposed area can get a sunburn in winter. In fact, the snow and ice can reflect up to 80% of the UV rays, which means you can get hit from two angles. It’s important to be extremely cautious, especially when you’re outdoors for an extended period of time, like while skiing or shoveling snow. Overexposure to these UV rays can cause DNA damage and ultimately can lead to skin cancer.