Skin Safety 101: Should You Wear A Hat Year-Round? 

It’s common practice to slather on some sunscreen when the summer rays are beating down. But do you need sunscreen in winter, too? It can be confusing, so we’re covering everything you need to know to stay sun safe 365 days a year.

There’s nothing quite like feeling those warm rays of sun on your face. But sunshine can be dangerous, too. So no matter what day of the year it is, it’s essential to properly protect yourself. That’s because UV rays can cause things like premature aging and skin cancer.  Here’s what you need to know:

UV Rays: The Basics

Not all sunshine is the same. There are some rays that can cause damage to your skin, and those are called UV rays.

What Are UV Rays?

Before we get into how to protect your skin from the ever-ominous UV rays, let’s start with what exactly UV rays are. And why you need to keep your skin safe from them. On a basic level, UV rays are a type of energy that is emitted from various light sources. They stand for ultra-violet rays and they emit more energy than other natural light rays. This is where their dangerous nature comes in. However, you typically only have to worry when you are exposed to high levels of UV rays, which typically occurs with prolonged sun exposure.

When you are exposed to too much UV, the rays can cause damage to your skin. This damage includes sunburn, premature aging, and cancer. Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer. And it typically forms on areas most exposed to the sun, like the face and hands. 

UV Damage Can Occur Any Day Of The Year

As you now know, UV rays come from the sun, which can affect you year-round. Even if the weather is cold, or the sun doesn’t feel as powerful UV rays are still out and about. In fact, even cloudy days have UV ray risk. That’s because the rays can reflect off surfaces like water, cement, and snow.

What To Know About UV Rays In Winter

Ultraviolet rays remain constant throughout the year. They are not season-dependent and they are not weather-dependent. UV rays are still around when it's cold and they can still penetrate through clouds and fog. UVA rays can also go through glass, so it’s still possible to cause damage to your skin if you are spending a sunny winter day indoors. 

So, Do You Need UV Protection In Winter?

Absolutely. It’s essential to use UV protection in the winter. Your first line of defense against UV rays in the winter is usually clothing. When you’ve got a puffy jacket and long pants on, you might feel covered. However, your face, head, and neck are typically exposed no matter how many jackets you put on. And, as we learned earlier, these areas of the body are where you are most likely to get cancer. So, no matter the month, it’s a good idea to use a hat to protect from the sun, too.

UV rays might sound scary. But luckily, there are steps that you can take to reduce your contact with UV rays. This includes wearing sunscreen year-round; using protective clothing such as hats, and reducing your UV exposure.

Hats To Protect From The Sun: A Year-Round Solution

Hats are a great choice for year-round sun protection. You don't have to reapply sunscreen, you don't have to worry about your skin breaking out, and they are zero-maintenance.  Not only are hats in winter functional in protecting your skin from UV rays, but they also can add a stylish touch to any outfit. Regardless of the season. However, make sure you have a hat that truly protects you.

Does a hat protect you from the sun?

Not all hats offer protection from UV rays. To be sure you’re covered, look for hats with UPF ratings of 25 or higher. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor. When a hat has a UPF rating, that means that it’s been tested to ensure that UV rays don’t pass through the material. It’s kind of like SPF, but for clothing!

You’ll typically find hats to protect from the sun with ratings between 25 and 50+ UPF. A high UPF rating means more sun protection. The gold standard is UPF 50+, which protects you from 99.5% of UV rays.

Want to make the switch to a UPF-rated hat that’ll keep you covered all year round? Check out these versatile styles:

1. Gunsmoke Western Toyo Hat

If you’re looking for an edgy hat to keep the rays off your face, this is the winner. With a 50+ UPF rating and a shapeable brim made of paper straw, you can add a bit of Western flair to your look. Not only is it eye-catching, but it’s also sun-blocking. 

 

2. McCloud Sun Protection Ladies Gardening Hat

 There’s nothing more relaxing than digging in the dirt to produce beautiful flowers, vegetables, and herbs. But along with a beautiful garden comes a lot of sun exposure. This hat is made just for green thumbs. Thanks to its wide brim, it offers protection from the sun during those long gardening days. With this hat on your side, you’ll never have to deal with the pain of a sunburnt neck again.

 

3. Arizona Wool Gambler

When the weather cools, it’s just as important to protect yourself from those winter UV rays. The Arizona Gambler hat is up for the task. Made of 100% Australian wool, this hat will keep you safe from the sun. And, it’ll keep your head warm, too. While typical winter hats like beanies fail to offer full protection, this gambler style has you covered.

 

4. High Sierra Shapeable Leather Hat

If you’re looking for your next adventure hat, look no further. This UV-blocking hat is perfect for winter, fall, spring, and summer days. It is made from cowhide and enhanced with oils and waxes to make it waterproof. So whether you’re working in the hot sun or weathering out a winter storm, this versatile hat has your back.

UV rays can feel scary, but protecting yourself is easy! Gear up for some (safe) time under the sun with our collection of UPF 50+ sun protection hats.