“Is Summer Sun Different from Winter Sun? Your Skin Thinks So”

“Is Summer Sun Different from Winter Sun? Your Skin Thinks So”

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When we think of sun damage, most people picture hot afternoons in May or June. But here’s the catch: winter sun can harm your skin just as much — sometimes even more.

Yes, the summer sun feels stronger because of the heat, sweat, and tanning. But your skin doesn’t care how hot it feels — it reacts to UV rays, not temperature.

Let’s break down why your skin reacts differently to summer and winter sun, and how you can protect it all year round.

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☀️ Summer Sun: Harsh, Hot, and Direct

In summer:

• UVB rays (responsible for sunburn) are at their peak.

• You get tanned or burned faster.

• You sweat more, which can clog pores and cause breakouts.

• More outdoor activities mean longer sun exposure.

So in summer, we see:

• Pigmentation increasing

• Acne worsening

• Heat rashes or sun allergies

➡️ Common myth: “I’m darker in summer, so I must be more damaged.”

✅ Truth: That’s just surface-level tanning. Real sun damage happens deeper in the skin.

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❄️ Winter Sun: Sneaky and Silent

In winter:

• The UVB rays reduce, so you don’t burn easily.

• But UVA rays (which cause aging, pigmentation, and long-term damage) are still very active — and you don’t feel them.

• People often skip sunscreen in winter because “it’s not hot.”

Your skin might look better in winter — but if you’re not protecting it, UVA rays quietly:

• Break down collagen

• Deepen pigmentation

• Trigger rosacea or eczema flare-ups

• Cause long-term dullness and premature aging

➡️ Bonus warning: If you’re in the mountains (even on a winter trip), the UV exposure increases with altitude. Snow also reflects UV rays — that’s double damage!

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🧴 So, Should You Use Sunscreen All Year Round?

Absolutely yes.

In fact, UVA rays are present even when it’s cloudy, rainy, or cold. They penetrate windows — so even if you’re indoors or in your car, you’re still exposed.

✅ Use a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50, even in winter.

✅ Reapply every 3–4 hours if you’re outdoors.

✅ Don’t forget ears, neck, back of hands, and lips.

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🧠 Your Skin’s Memory is Long

Sun damage builds up over time.

Even if you’re young now and don’t “see” damage — your skin remembers every unprotected exposure.

This can lead to:

• Early fine lines

• Uneven skin tone

• Freckles or dark spots

• Skin sensitivity

• In some cases, even skin cancer in the long run

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👨‍⚕️ What We Recommend at Our Clinic

At Dr. Rizwan’s Skin, Cosmetic & Laser Clinic in Shahjahanpur, we always educate our patients:

• Summer needs sweat-proof sunscreen + oil control.

• Winter needs sunscreen + extra hydration.

• Sunscreen is not seasonal — it’s daily skincare.

If you’re unsure what kind of sunscreen is right for you, book a consultation and we’ll guide you based on your:

• Skin type

• Outdoor exposure

• Current concerns (pigmentation, acne, etc.)

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Final Takeaway

The sun doesn’t take a break. Neither should your skincare.

Summer sun burns, but winter sun ages.

Your skin feels both — so protect it in every season, not just when it feels hot outside.

📍Written by Dr. Mohd Rizwan Khan

Dermatologist | Dr. Rizwan’s Skin, Cosmetic & Laser Clinic, Shahjahanpur

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