Does Wind Affect Tanning? The Essential Guide
At first thought, it would seem obvious that wind would not affect tanning much at all.
The sun still shines directly onto your skin, and the UV rays, which are responsible for tanning, can’t be blown away in a breeze.
Many people who enjoy surfing, sailing, or participating in outdoor activities find their skin sensitive and red after spending a sunny day in the wind. Does the wind actually affect tanning?
The answer is yes; the wind actually plays a significant role in the tanning or burning process when exposed to the sun. Wind reduces the skin’s natural sun protection, allowing more UV rays from the sun to penetrate and cause skin damage.
How Wind Affects Tanning
There are several ways that wind can affect tanning, potentially leaving the skin sunburned and damaged after a day spent outdoors.
Wind acts as a direct irritant to the skin, causing the upper layer of skin to shed, leaving the newly exposed skin open to sunlight.
This newly exposed skin is sensitive and more vulnerable to damage from UV rays.
The two types of UV rays that affect the skin are UVB rays, which cause sunburn, and UVA rays, which contribute to ageing, wrinkles, and skin darkening, leading to a tan.
Over an extended period, the damage caused by these UV rays accumulates, leading to DNA mutations that can develop into skin cancer.
The outer layer of the skin, the stratum corneum, which sits at the top of the epidermis, is also involved in tanning in the wind.
This layer provides a much-needed protective barrier to the skin, while still allowing essential items to penetrate, such as air, light, and hydration.
The stratum corneum contains urocanic acid, a natural form of sunscreen that absorbs certain UV rays. It is equivalent to an SPF 1.5 but reduces DNA damage from sun exposure by nearly 33%.
In the wind, these cells can become dry and weak, and may even shed their outer layer.
This causes the skin to lose some of its natural sun protection, making it more vulnerable to sun damage.
When the sun hits these newly exposed skin cells, the immune system in the outer layer of the skin attempts to recognise and repair the damage, but has a harder time doing so.
Wind vs. Sunscreen
Wind can affect the natural sun protection provided by the outer layer of the skin, so it makes sense that it would also impact any sunscreen applied to the skin.
This sunscreen will be coated onto the stratum corneum, which will dry and shed if exposed to wind over an extended period, taking the sunscreen with it.
Due to this risk, it is crucial to practice proper sun safety when in the wind and to reapply sunscreen continuously throughout the day to protect your skin.
How To Protect Your Skin From The Wind
You will need to put in some extra effort when out in the sun and wind; applying sunscreen every now and then just won’t suffice.
Here are some ways to further protect your skin in the sun and wind:
Exposure
You will need to limit your exposure to the sun and wind when outdoors. Shelter yourself from the wind when you can.
Don’t be fooled by how you feel, either; the wind will cool your skin down, so you most likely won’t feel the full effect of the sun’s warmth and, therefore, not be aware of the damage it is causing your skin.
Wind Protection
Where possible, cover as much of your skin as you can. Choose clothing that offers UV protection, and wear items such as long sleeves (we loved this long-sleeved UV shirt on Amazon), long pants, a windbreaker, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat.
If out in the snow, don’t forget to wear a ski mask and goggles for extra protection.
If you plan to spend time in the water, consider using a wetsuit, rash vest, or other swimwear and clothing that provides sun protection.
The same risk of sunburn from wind applies to motorcyclists as well; they should invest in a thick leather jacket and a full helmet with a sun shield.
Protective Sunscreen
It is essential to remember to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours.
Look for a rich, thick cream sunscreen that will not be as easily removed from the skin as a dry spray or light lotion.
The extra moisture that these thicker sunscreens offer can help decrease the dryness of your skin and potentially reduce the likelihood of the outer layer of skin shedding.
The Cooling Factor
There is another reason why people tend to get so sunburned in the wind, and it is because they simply cannot feel the heat or the effect the sun is having on their skin.
The wind will cool the skin down, which warps the perception of burning and heat.
This will lead to many people not seeking out shade or protection because they just do not feel the need to.
This will mean that they stay in the sun’s direct rays for longer, which will ultimately lead to severe sunburn and damage.
It is essential to remember that even though you may feel cool in the wind, the sun’s rays are still reaching your skin and potentially burning it.
Related Questions
Can I tan when it is cloudy?
Most sunburn actually occurs on a cloudy day, as people are unaware that it is possible to tan under clouds and therefore do not protect their skin as they would on a sunny day.
Clouds do not completely stop UV rays from penetrating down, and the skin will still be affected by the rays.
Dark, black clouds block out more UV rays than normal white, fluffy clouds, but not completely enough to protect the skin from damage.
Does temperature affect the chances of tanning?
The temperature has no effect on how a person may tan. You will tan just as much in a cold climate as you will in a warm one.
The sun’s UV rays will still penetrate down towards the skin, and that is really the only thing that matters when tanning.
It is even possible to tan in temperatures below freezing, so it’s always better to be safe than sorry!
Is fair skin more vulnerable to sun damage?
People with pale or fair skin usually find that they burn much more easily than those with a darker skin tone.
This is because the presence of melanin helps to block out UV rays, which damage the skin, and those with darker skin tone have more melanin in their skin.
This leaves those with pale skin more susceptible to skin damage and sunburn.
Can I tan when skiing in the snow?
It might not be the hottest day out when skiing on the slopes, but there is still a very real chance that your skin can be sunburned.
Not only can it be burned by direct UV rays from the sun, but snow also reflects the sun’s rays at a high rate, so these secondary UV rays can cause even more damage to the skin.
It is essential to properly protect your skin when skiing, using the right clothing, equipment, and sunscreen, especially on windy days.
Is windburn a real thing?
Windburn refers to the burning and reddening of the skin that occurs when exposed to cold, windy air outdoors.
Some believe that windburn is actually a form of sunburn experienced in colder months, but skin that has been windburned tends to be drier and more sensitive than skin burned in the summer months.
Can wind and sun burn the eyes?
Wind and sun can have a damaging effect on the eyes, burning and drying them just as they do the skin.
This can cause pain, irritation, and obscured vision. Medication, such as eye drops, may be prescribed by a doctor, or the eyes may recover on their own if the damage is not too severe.
When out in the wind, goggles and sunglasses can drastically reduce the risk of eye damage, saving much pain and irritation.
Tanning In The Wind
While it is possible to tan in the wind, you will most likely end up with a sunburn and sensitivity rather than you will a golden, bronze glow.
The wind dries and sheds the skin, leaving newly exposed skin open to damage from the sun’s rays. As a result, your skin will be more damaged than it would be if it were actually exposed to the sun.
If it is windy and sunny, take extra precautions to protect your skin.
Don’t even try to tan when it is windy out; rather, save the tanning for a still, breeze-free day when you know your sunscreen won’t be shed and you will be able to feel the heat and effect the sun is having on your skin.
