The winter sun can still harm your skin

South African winters are milder when compared to other countries, allowing us to stay active outdoors – running, playing sports, or having a somewhat cooler braai with friends is still an option. However, we do seem to think that since it is colder, we don’t have to worry about sun damage and often forget about sun protection. Just because the sun isn’t making you sweat, doesn’t mean it can’t harm your skin.

“What many people don’t know is that in winter UVB rays, the ones that “burn” your skin, decrease, but UVA rays, the ones that go deep into your skin and cause damage, remain the same,” says Themba Ndlovu, brand manager for Clere Active. “We often just assume that during winter we are safe from the sun.”

Keeping an active lifestyle in winter is just as important as in summer and, for many, this means being outside. Even though you may be covered up at the beginning of the workout, by the end you have stripped down to shorts and short sleeves, exposing your unprotected skin to the sun. “It’s these moments that we don’t account for when we are getting ready to leave for our workout,” says Ndlovu.

Ndlovu offers the following options when working out in the winter sun:

• Just as in summer, try to avoid being in the sun between 10am and 3pm, as far as possible. This is the time when the sun’s rays are at its strongest.
• Use a sunscreen on your face to try and limit the damage done to your skin. UVA rays can cause wrinkles and premature aging.
• Use an SPF lotion to keep your skin protected and moisturised throughout the day. Clere Active SPF Dual Protection lotion with SPF 15, with its unique Promoist formula, including glycerine, omega oils and Vitamins E & A, offers quick absorption to help protect your skin from the sun and dryness. It also gives you the option of applying one lotion to your skin, and not two.
• Even in winter it is important to wear a hat to protect your scalp and ears from sunburn.