Provo sits at roughly 4,500 feet above sea level, and that elevation makes the sun a bigger concern than most residents realize. The thinner air up here filters out less ultraviolet radiation before it reaches your skin and eyes, which means a cloudy February afternoon in Utah Valley can deliver more UV exposure than a summer day at the beach.
SPF Isn’t Just for Summer: Year-Round Sun Protection for Your Eyes and Skin
According to the Skin Cancer Foundation’s patient education site, UV radiation exposure increases by about 10 percent for every 1,000 feet of elevation gain, and it can pass through clouds with little resistance. Snow makes it worse, reflecting a large share of UV rays back up toward your face during the exact months many people put sunscreen away for the season.
That’s what makes SPF an important daily habit rather than just a summer accessory, and why your eyes need the same year-round defense as your skin.
What UV Damage Actually Does to Your Eyes
Ultraviolet radiation doesn’t stop at the surface of your skin. It penetrates the cornea and lens, and over years of unprotected exposure, that accumulation contributes to some of the most common eye conditions ophthalmologists treat.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) notes that accumulated UV exposure raises the risk of cataracts, pterygium (a growth on the surface of the eye), and even certain eye cancers. Short bursts of intense exposure carry their own risk too: a few hours in bright, reflective conditions like snow or high altitude can trigger photokeratitis, a painful, temporary sunburn of the cornea that causes redness, light sensitivity, and blurred vision.
UV exposure can also aggravate the tear film, contributing to the irritation, redness, and grittiness associated with dry eye syndrome. If dry, irritated eyes are already part of your day, consistent UV protection is worth adding alongside a dry eye treatment plan built around your specific symptoms.
Sunglasses Are Eye Protection, Not Just an Accessory
Style matters, but function matters more. The AAO’s sunglasses guidance recommends lenses that block 100 percent of UVA and UVB radiation, regardless of lens color or darkness. Oversized or wraparound styles offer an added edge by limiting the UV rays that sneak in from the sides, which matters at elevation and on reflective snow days alike.
If you rely on prescription lenses, pairing your everyday eyeglasses with a properly rated pair of prescription sunglasses closes a gap many people overlook. Eye Clinic & Aesthetics of Provo offers a broad range of designer and leading brand sunglasses and eyeglasses, because UV protection is not something to save for ski season or summer road trips. It belongs in your daily routine, January through December.
What UV Damage Does to Your Skin
The same rays affecting your eyes are breaking down collagen and elastin in your skin every day you go outside unprotected, even in winter. Over time, this shows up as fine lines, uneven pigmentation, and the kind of sun spots that seem to appear overnight but were actually years in the making. It also raises the long-term risk of skin cancer, particularly on frequently exposed areas like the face, neck, and hands.
Broad-spectrum SPF is the front line of defense, and here’s what that looks like in daily practice:
- A broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher, reapplied every two hours during extended outdoor exposure
- A daily moisturizer or serum that layers SPF into your existing skincare routine, rather than treating it as a separate step
- UV-blocking sunglasses and, when possible, a wide-brimmed hat for hikes, drives, or afternoons outside
- Reapplication on cloudy or snowy days, since both cloud cover and snow reflection can intensify rather than reduce your exposure
Building the right regimen for your skin type takes more than grabbing whatever bottle is on the shelf. Our team can help you find broad-spectrum sunscreens and daily skincare products that fit your routine and your skin’s specific needs.
Already Dealing with Sun Damage? Timing the Treatment Matters
If years of sun exposure have already left their mark in the form of dark spots, uneven texture, or visible sun damage, there’s good news: those concerns are treatable. The timing of treatment, however, makes a real difference in your results.
Autumn and winter are the ideal windows for many corrective treatments, precisely because UV exposure is lower and skin has time to heal without the added stress of intense summer sun. We covered this in detail in two previous posts:
- How Chemical Peels Transform Dull Skin for a Radiant Holiday Glow, which explains how chemical peels resurface skin and reduce the look of sun-related discoloration
- Why Winter Is the Best Time to Treat Sun Damage with IPL Photofacials, which walks through why lower UV months reduce the risk of complications during and after treatment
Beyond peels and photofacials, options like microneedling, radiofrequency treatments, and customized facials can address texture, tone, and collagen loss tied to years of sun exposure. Each works best as part of a plan built around the season and your skin’s current needs, and our aesthetics team can help map that out during a consultation.
Make Protection a Habit, Not a Season
The goal isn’t to avoid the outdoors, especially living somewhere as scenic as Utah Valley. It’s to build habits that hold up in every season: daily SPF, UV-rated sunglasses, and a skincare routine that supports your skin instead of leaving it exposed. If you’re ready to treat existing sun damage, the cooler months ahead offer a smart window to get started.
Book Your Eye Appointment and Skin Consultation Today
Our eye care team is ready to help you find the right prescription or non-prescription sunglasses to keep your eyes healthy for years to come. And our aesthetics team can help you put together a year-round protection plan and a treatment schedule that fits your skin and your calendar.
If you’re a regular at our office, ask about our in-office vision plan for convenient payments and our spa membership for ongoing access to the treatments and products that keep your skin protected long after summer ends.
Contact us to schedule a consultation with the Eye Clinic & Aesthetics of Provo team.
