Sunburn in Winter? Why Riders Still Get Burnt (and How to Stop It)

You're out for a winter ride. It's a bit crisp, maybe even cool. You've got your helmet on, doing its job. So why, when you get home, do you notice that tell-tale redness creeping up your neck or around your eyes?

It's a common misconception that the sun is harmless in winter. Here in Australia, that couldn't be further from the truth. Our UV levels, even on cloudy days and during cooler months, can be dangerously high. As equestrian riders, we spend extended periods outdoors, often with our faces exposed to the elements, even with a helmet. This blog post is a no-nonsense guide to understanding why you can still get sunburnt during winter rides and, more importantly, what practical steps you can take to prevent it.

The Sneaky Culprit: UV Radiation

Sunburn isn't just about heat. It's caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun. While the intensity of UV radiation is lower in winter compared to summer, it’s far from zero. In Australia, the UV Index can still reach moderate to high levels even during the winter months, particularly in northern regions and at higher altitudes. Remember, it's the UV rays that damage your skin, not the heat.

Why Helmets Aren't Always Enough

Equestrian helmets are designed for impact protection, not comprehensive sun coverage. While they might shield the very top of your head, they often leave significant areas of your face and neck exposed. Consider these common exposure zones:

The temples and sides of your face: Often not fully covered by the helmet's brim.

Your nose and cheeks: Especially the upper parts, can be directly hit by sun coming from above or at an angle.

Your ears: A significant portion of your ears can be left vulnerable.

Your neck: The back and sides of your neck are prime targets for reflected sunlight and rays that bypass the helmet.

Around the helmet strap: The skin under and around your helmet straps can also get burnt if not protected.

Even if you're only out for an hour or two, repeated exposure over time accumulates. This isn't just about a bad tan; it's about long-term skin health and significantly increasing your risk of skin cancer. We’re talking about the most common cancer in Australia, and prevention is always better than cure.

Objections Handled: "But it's not that sunny!"

I hear it all the time. "It's too cold to get burnt." "The sun isn't strong today." You might also think that if you're under shade (like a large tree), you're safe. Here's the hard truth:

Cloud Cover is Deceiving: Up to 90% of UV rays can penetrate light cloud cover. So, even on a hazy or overcast winter day, you're still receiving a significant dose of UV radiation.

Altitude Matters: The higher you go, the stronger the UV radiation. If you ride in hilly or mountainous areas, your exposure is amplified.

Reflection is a Killer: Snow, sand, water, and even light-coloured surfaces like arena footing can reflect UV rays, increasing your overall exposure. Riding near water or sand-based arenas means you're getting sun from above AND below.

Time of Day: While the sun is lower in the sky during winter, UV radiation is still present and can be harmful during peak daylight hours. You’re likely riding when the sun is at its strongest, even if it doesn’t feel as intense as summer.

Practical Sun Protection for Riders

Let's cut to the chase. You need a multi-pronged approach. Your helmet is essential for safety, but it's only one piece of the puzzle. Here’s what you actually need to do.

Sunscreen: Your First Line of Defence

This is non-negotiable. Forget the idea that you only need sunscreen in summer or on bright, sunny days. Always wear a broad-spectrum, high SPF sunscreen. "Broad-spectrum" means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays, both of which are damaging.

SPF 30 or Higher: Aim for SPF 30 as a minimum, but SPF 50+ is even better for Australian conditions.

Apply Generously: Don't skimp! Most people don't apply enough. You need about a teaspoon for your face alone.

Reapply: If you're riding for extended periods (over 2 hours) or if you sweat a lot, reapply every two hours. Even water-resistant formulas need topping up.

Don't Forget 'Often Missed' Spots: This includes your ears, the back of your neck, your hairline, and even under your chin and on your eyelids (use a gentle formula for these areas or wear sunglasses).

Protective Clothing: More Than Just a Jacket

While your riding top might cover your torso, arms and legs are still exposed. Look for UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) rated clothing for maximum protection. Even standard long-sleeved riding shirts offer more protection than a t-shirt. Consider:

Long-Sleeved Riding Shirts: Choose lighter colours and tighter weaves for better sun blockage.

Sun-Protective Accessories: Think about neck gaiters or buffs made from UPF fabric that can be pulled up over your face and neck on particularly sunny days.

How to Install this type of protection around your helmet straps can further shield vulnerable areas.

Headwear: Beyond the Helmet

This might seem counterintuitive, but headwear worn under your helmet can provide an extra layer of protection. Some equestrian helmets are designed to be worn with thin caps or balaclavas, often made from moisture-wicking materials. While they might not offer significant UV protection on their own, they can help reduce direct sun exposure on your scalp, which can be just as susceptible to burning.

The Power of a Brim

This is where innovation meets rider safety. Standard equestrian helmets often have very limited brims. This leaves large areas of your face, neck, and ears exposed. This is why we developed

Products – specifically designed to add a significant brim to your existing helmet. A well-designed helmet brim can:

Shield your face: Significantly reducing the sun that hits your cheeks, nose, and forehead.

Protect your neck: By extending downwards, it covers more of your neck area.

Reduce glare: Making it easier to see and potentially reducing eye strain.

Check out

Products to see how a proper brim can make a real difference to your sun protection.

Winter Rider's Sun Safety Checklist

Before you tack up for your next winter ride, run through this quick checklist:

[ ] Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen generously to all exposed skin (face, ears, neck, hands).

[ ] Reapply sunscreen if riding for more than 2 hours or significant sweating.

[ ] Wear long-sleeved riding apparel, ideally UPF rated.

[ ] Consider a neck gaiter or buff for extra neck and lower face protection.

[ ] Ensure your helmet fits comfortably but doesn't leave large gaps for sun exposure.

[ ] Investigate adding an extended brim to your helmet if your current one offers minimal coverage.

Products offers solutions.

[ ] Wear sunglasses that offer UV protection to shield your eyes and the delicate skin around them.

Step-by-Step Sun Protection Application

Taking the time to apply sun protection correctly can save you a lot of pain (and long-term damage) later. Here’s a simple process.

Step 1: Assess the UV Index

Quickly check the UV forecast for your area. Even if it's moderate, protection is still recommended. For days with a UV index of 3 or higher, sun protection is essential.

Step 2: Apply Sunscreen

Clean Skin First: Ensure your face and neck are clean and dry. Apply moisturiser before sunscreen if you use it, and let it absorb.

Face: Use about half a teaspoon. Gently rub it in, paying attention to your forehead, temples, nose, cheeks, chin, and around your eyes.

Ears: Don't forget these! Apply liberally to the front and back of your ears.

Neck: Apply a good amount to your entire neck, front and back. This is a common spot for sunburn.

Hands: If your hands are exposed, apply sunscreen.

Allow to Dry: Let the sunscreen dry for a few minutes before putting on your helmet. This helps it stay in place and prevents it from smudging.

Step 3: Don Gearing

Base Layer: If using a thin cap or balaclava, put it on now.

Helmet: Put on your helmet. Ensure it sits correctly and is fastened.

Neck Gaiter/Buff: If using one, pull it up to cover your neck and lower face as needed.

Sunglasses: Put on your UV-protective sunglasses.

Step 4: On the Ride

Monitor: Be mindful of the sun's position. If you start to feel a warming sensation on your skin, it's time to seek shade or reapply.

Reapply: At the first opportunity (e.g., during a break), reapply sunscreen, especially if you've been sweating.

Step 5: Post-Ride Care

Check: After your ride, inspect your skin for any signs of redness.

• Moisturise: If you feel any dryness or tightness, apply a soothing moisturiser or aloe vera.

It's Not Just About Winter

While this post focuses on winter, the principles apply year-round. Australian sun is relentless. Taking sun protection seriously, even when it's cool, is investing in your long-term health. Don't wait until you're peeling to realise you've made a mistake. Visit our

FAQ for more information on rider safety and sun protection, or browse our

Products to see how you can better protect yourself.

Remember, the best defence against sunburn on and off the horse is consistent, proactive protection. Don't let the cooler weather fool you – the sun's UV rays are always a threat.

For more tips and information, be sure to check out the rest of our

Blog!