As the temperature keeps dropping, you may be bundling up nicely against the cold; but are you sun-protected? No matter how many layers we wear, one part of the body — our head and neck area — tends to remain exposed to the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) radiation year-round. Not coincidentally, the face, head and neck are where the majority of skin cancers occur. But we’ve got advice that’ll keep you covered.

Many people apply moisturizer to delicate facial skin to minimize windburn and chapping. However, long-term signs of aging like wrinkles don’t come from the wind or cold, but from the sun’s UV radiation. A sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF, which measures defense against the sun’s UVB rays) of 15+ helps keep skin supple and protected. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends sunscreens that also have some combination of these UVA-protective ingredients: avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide, and zinc oxide.

Apply a nickel-sized dollop of sunscreen to the face 30 minutes before going outside. And be sure to reapply after two hours outdoors, or immediately after swimming or sweating heavily.

Deciphering the Labels
To find a suitable sunscreen for dry skin, check the ingredient list for emollients (such as oils derived from fatty acids, various plants and vegetables); these will help keep the skin smooth. Also look for humectants like glycerin, which attract and bind with moisture to keep skin hydrated. If you’re confused by label lingo, take note: creams tend to be thicker and richer in texture than lotions or gels, and better suited to dry skin. Alternatively, if you’re worried about greasiness, look for the appellation “oil-free” or “water-based” on the container or packaging.

Studies show that .6 percent of all cancers in the US are on the lips, and men are especially at risk. The lower lip, which receives greater sun exposure, is especially vulnerable to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), the second most common skin cancer. Protect your lips from sun damage as well as chapping and peeling with a lip balm, stick, or gloss that has an SPF of 15 or higher.

More than 30 percent of all facial basal cell carcinomas (the most common skin cancer) occur on the nose, making it the most frequent site for skin cancers of the head and neck. Consider applying an extra dab there of thicker-textured, physical sunscreens, like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide.

Melanoma (the deadliest skin cancer) of the head and neck is particularly dangerous. According to recent research at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, patients with melanomas of the head and neck — including the scalp — were almost twice as likely to die from the disease as patients with melanomas on other areas, including the trunk, facial skin, and ears. Luckily, there’s a simple way to help protect these vulnerable areas: hats. Look for hats with:

• Wide Brims: Hats with at least a 3”-brim encircling the crown protect the face, ears, and neck. Examples include the bucket, cowboy, and outback.
• Dark Colors: Dark- or bright-colored hats absorb UV radiation better than paler colors.
• Opaque Materials: The denser the fabric, the greater the protection. Look for closed-weave or tightly-woven fabrics.

If you can’t cover your head, a gel, liquid, or spray sunscreen should be applied to part lines, cowlicks, and any place the hair is thinning.

Many of us forget to protect our ears. But while they are not as common a site for skin cancer as other parts of the face, they are a common site for actinic keratosis, a skin precancer that can lead to SCC. So it is important to protect them. As with the scalp and neck, a broad-brimmed hat is best, and sunscreen is vital, too. In winter, you’ve got another option — earmuffs!

The eye area is small, but the effects of sun damage to the skin here can be enormous: Skin cancers of the eyelids account for 5-10 percent of all skin cancers. UV-blocking sunglasses provide the most effective protection.

When purchasing sunglasses, look for:

• A tag stating that the sunglasses block 99-100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
• A pair large enough to shield the eyes, eyelids, and surrounding areas. Wraparound styles, with UV-protective side shields, are best.
• A close fit: choose a pair that doesn’t slip down the nose. (Loose-fitting sunglasses allow more UV in.)

Hats also help protect the eyes, as well as the rest of the face; for help on choosing headwear, see the Scalp and Neck section.

If you do a lot of driving or will be in the snow, consider polarized lenses to minimize the sun’s glare. Tinted lenses can also be helpful. For visibility on solid-color surfaces (like ski slopes or dark roads), brown lenses provide the greatest color contrast.

So whether you’re headed to the slopes or just around the block, our winter sun safety guide will help you put your best face forward!