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Sunburn in Winter — Why Snow Reflects UV Better Than Sand

Published on Dec 10, 2025 | 1:14 PM

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You might bundle up and skip sunscreen in the cold, thinking the sun can’t reach you through clouds or snow.
But winter sunlight has a sneaky side: snow reflects UV rays, meaning you can burn even faster than in summer.

 

Why You Burn While It’s Snowing

  • Up to 80% of UV rays reflect off snow, compared to 25% off sand.
  • Clouds only block about 20% of UV light.
  • Cold temperatures numb your skin, so you don’t feel it burning.

💬 That’s why skiers often end up with “raccoon eyes”—burned cheeks, pale goggle marks.

 

Common Cold-Weather Mistakes

  • Forgetting sunscreen because it’s cloudy.
  • Not reapplying during long outdoor time.

  • Skipping lip balm with SPF (leading to cracked, sunburned lips)

Protect Your Winter Skin

  • Apply SPF 30+ before skiing, sledding, or shoveling.

  • Reapply every 2 hours (even in overcast weather).

  • Don’t forget ears, nose, and under your chin—UV bounces upward from snow.

  • Use wraparound sunglasses to protect eyes from UV reflection.

Bottom Line

Cold doesn’t cancel UV.
If you’re outdoors for more than 15 minutes, sunscreen still matters—yes, even while it’s snowing.

If your skin feels tight, red, or blistered after winter sun exposure, connect with CallOnDoc.com for fast, same-day treatment advice.

 

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Shelly House, FNP,

Shelly House, FNP, is a Family Nurse Practitioner and Call-On-Doc’s trusted medical education voice. With extensive experience in telehealth and patient-centered care, Ms. House is dedicated to making complex health topics simple and accessible. Through evidence-based content, provider collaboration, and a passion for empowering patients, her mission is to break down barriers to healthcare by delivering clear, compassionate, and practical medical guidance.

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