Does Your Toddler Need Sunscreen During Winter?

During winter, most parents tend to apply moisturiser on their baby’s skin but skip sunscreen as they feel that it is not necessary to use sunscreen during winter. One of the reasons for that is that there is little or no mention of sunburns caused by the winter sun, that’s because kids are covered well from head to toe to keep them warm during winter. 

But the truth is that a toddler needs sunscreen even during winter months even though it is cold. While sunscreen and keeping a toddler well hydrated are taken very seriously during Summer but not followed during winter. Sun safety and sunscreen even during winter months are as important as in summer. Here’s why.

Why Does A Toddler Need Sunscreen Even During Winter?

Since it’s cooler during winter, kids tend to play outdoors for more extended periods but the winter sun is as harmful or even more than summer. Here’s why.

Sun Rays Penetrate Through Dark Clouds In Winter

Don’t be fooled by the overcast dark clouds during winter because the sun’s rays can still penetrate them. The UV-A rays are present even during winter and these rays can penetrate clouds and penetrate even deeper into the skin and can harm the toddler’s tender, sensitive and delicate skin. Therefore it’s necessary to protect your toddler’s skin with a generous amount of baby-safe and natural sunscreen. 

Sun Rays Can Penetrate Glass 

You may think that your toddler is safe from the sun’s harmful rays while he/she is indoors but the sun’s strong UVA rays during winter can penetrate through glass windows as well. While the glass can block the UVB rays, the UVA rays cannot be stopped from penetrating the glass. Even a small dose of UVA rays can affect your toddler’s skin. Apply sunscreen to your toddlers even while they are indoors.

Harsh Winter Conditions Wears Away Sunscreen

During summer, we can feel the sweating and the sunscreen wear away, however, we cannot feel the same during winter because we don’t sweat due to the cold, but the truth is that winter sun too can wear away the sunscreen. The harsh winter conditions like strong winds and snow can wear away sunscreen easily even though we may not feel it. That’s the reason why just like in summer,  it is necessary to apply a layer of sunscreen every two hours, especially if your toddler is heading out.  

UV-B Rays Can Damage The Skin

While the UV-B rays are strongest during summer, they can damage your toddler’s skin even during winter in areas that are higher in altitude. That is because the snow reflects around 85% of the sun’s UV causing the exposed parts of the body to get sunburned. This increases the risk of skin cancer in toddlers. 

While choosing a sunscreen for your toddler make sure it is natural and contains non-nano zinc oxide mineral sunscreen as it effectively protects against sun damage, UVA and UVB rays.

Cover image source: freepik