Why L.A. Residents Shouldn't Snooze On Winter Sun Protection

This article is not medical advice.

Although winter temperatures in Los Angeles range from pleasantly warm to comfortably brisk, the risk of being exposed to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun is always present — no matter the weather. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), UV rays are an invisible kind of radiation that comes from the sun, tanning beds and sunlamps. These potentially harmful UV rays can damage skin cells and even cause most skin cancers.

Fortunately, there are plenty of ways Los Angeles residents can protect themselves against UV rays.

Why Is Winter Sun Protection So Vital?

When the sun isn’t as bright or temperatures are on the chillier side, a person taking a casual walk or dining outside might think UV rays are less likely to reach them. However, UV rays can reach people even on cloudy and cool days. Those UV rays are also capable of reflecting off surfaces such as water, concrete, sand and snow.

visit the EPA website and search your ZIP code or city and state.

Here’s The 411 On Sunscreen

While you should absolutely make sure to pack your favorite sunscreen for your next beach trip, sunscreen is essential every day of the year — no matter where you live. Sunscreen works by protecting against UV rays, so your skin absorbs less radiation. With protection from UV rays, your risk of skin cancer is decreased and your skin is protected from aging.

If you’re unsure of which type of sunscreen you should purchase, here’s a rundown of the two different types of this protective cream/lotion:

• Chemical sunscreens act like a sponge that absorbs the sun’s rays. They include ingredients such as avobenzone, oxybenzone and octisalate.
• Physical sunscreens (sometimes called mineral sunscreens) act like a shield that reflects the sun’s rays. They include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

In regard to the minimum sun protection factor (SPF) you should use, different medical organizations have different recommendations. Here are some specific guidelines:

• SPF 15 or higher, from the CDC and World Health Organization.
• SPF 15 daily and SPF 30 or higher if you’ll be in the sun, from the Skin Cancer Foundation.
• SPF 30 or higher, from the American Academy of Dermatology and American Cancer Society.

Opt For Protective Clothing And Accessories

If you were waiting for a chance to refresh your wardrobe, that chance just arrived. Certain types of clothing can actually help in protecting your body from UV rays. The CDC offers a number of suggestions on the types of clothing you should wear for maximum protection. Long-sleeved shirts and long pants and skirts provide ideal protection from UV rays. If you’re unable to wear longer clothing, the next best thing is a T-shirt or a beach cover-up.

For hat wearers, you’re best protected with a hat that has a brim all the way around that shades your face, ears and the back of your neck. Additionally, sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays and reduce the risk of cataracts.

Connect With The Health Care Professionals At GoodRx Care

If you’d like to speak with a health care professional following potential exposure to harmful UV rays, GoodRx Care allows you to do just that. GoodRx Care connects customers with professional, affordable online health care as soon as the same day. Simply select a service and tell them about your medical history and the presenting problem. From there, you'll get to discuss your personalized treatment plan with a licensed medical provider, as well as receive any necessary prescription by mail or via same-day pharmacy pickup. You can start your GoodRx visit at any time.

Visit GoodRx Care today to schedule a virtual visit with a specialist.