Many people associate sunscreen with summer and beach days. As such, they wonder, “Why wear sunscreen in winter?” Winter conditions quietly expose your skin to UV-induced damage without the usual warning signs like sunburns and tanning.
This article answers why is sunscreen important in winter and explores conditions that increase exposure to winter UV rays. It also shares the year-round benefits of wearing sunscreen with expert dermatologist advice.
So do you need sunscreen in winter?
The Short Answer: Yes, You Need Sunscreen in Winter
It’s natural to wonder, “Is sunscreen necessary in winter?” Yes, it is. Here’s why:
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UV rays: While UVB rays may be less intense in winter, UVA rays are present year-round. They penetrate deeper into the skin, causing wrinkles, tanning, and burns.
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Increased UV exposure: Cold temperature delays your awareness of burning, while snow reflects back UV rays, doubling your UV exposure.
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Skin damage: UV exposure causes dryness, increases melanin, and breaks down skin collagen. This results in tanning, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots.
Understanding UV Rays: UVA vs. UVB
UVA Rays (Penetrate Deep, Cause Aging)
UVA rays, or “aging rays,” penetrate deep into the skin and break down collagen and elastin. Collagen provides structure to your skin, while elastin maintains flexibility. Over time, this damage leads to premature aging, including wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging.
UVB Rays (Cause Sunburn)
UVB rays damage the outermost layer of your skin, resulting in sunburn and tanning. Its intensity varies by season, with UVB being much stronger during the summer.
Why UVA Matters More in Winter (UVA penetrates clouds, glass, fog, snow)
Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays are not absorbed by the ozone layer. They’re strong enough to penetrate through clouds and windows and reach your skin. Since they’re persistent all year round, they matter more in winter.
Winter Conditions That Increase UV Exposure
Besides direct UV rays, here are some more factors that affect UV exposure:
Snow Reflection Boosts UV Up to 80%
Snow reflects 80 - 90% of the UV rays. As a result, shovelling, skiing, or any other snow-related activities double your exposure to UV rays, directly and indirectly from the reflected rays.
High Altitude = Higher UV Levels
The atmosphere gets thinner as you go higher, allowing UV rays to reach your skin easily. Stanford’s High Altitude Fact Sheet notes that for every 1000 ft elevation, UV intensity increases by 4%. Thus, winter vacations in the mountains or activities amplify the risk of UV-induced skin damage.
Cloudy Days Don’t Block UVA Rays
Overcast winter days often give you a false sense of security, comforting you with the cozy weather. However, 80% of the UV rays can pass through thin or scattered clouds, especially the aging UVA rays. As such, the risks persist.
Cold Weather Reduces Perceived Risk
Cold weather reduces sweating and discomfort. It delays your awareness of the skin’s burning sensation, which makes the sun exposure feel harmless. This delayed feedback leads to more prolonged exposure and cumulative damage.
Year-Round Skin Damage: What Happens Without Sunscreen
So, do you need sunscreen in winter or otherwise, too? Yes, you do. Here’s what happens if you skip it:
Premature Aging (Wrinkles, Fine Lines)
Skipping sunscreen allows the UVA rays to break down collagen and elastin much faster. It also causes UV-induced dehydration. This accelerates wrinkles, fine lines and loss of skin plumpness.
Hyperpigmentation & Dark Spots
UV exposure triggers the skin to produce excess melanin. Over time, this leads to stubborn pigmentation and darkening of dark spots, leading to uneven skin tone and patches.
Skin Barrier Damage in Harsh Weather
Cold, dry winds take away the moisture from your skin, leaving it dehydrated. The UV radiations further worsen it, weakening your skin’s protective barrier. As a result, your skin loses moisture quickly and becomes less effective at defending itself against irritants. Hence, leading to increased sensitivity, rebound oiliness, redness, and even micro tears.
Increased Skin Cancer Risk
UV-induced damage compounds quietly over time. UVB rays, in particular, can damage the DNA of the cells directly, while UVA rays do it indirectly. Thus, increasing your risk of developing skin cancer.
Sunscreen Benefits: Why Daily Use Matters Even in Winter
Below is a list of year-round sunscreen benefits:
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Hydration & barrier protection: Hydrating and barrier-supporting ingredients reduce moisture loss and keep your barrier intact for better sun protection. For example, our Gel Sunscreen contains Phospholipids & Glycerin to prevent dryness and irritation.
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Anti-aging: Sunscreens reflect UV rays or absorb and transform them into heat. As such, it prevents UV rays from penetrating and breaking down skin collagen. Thus, it prevents premature aging.
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Prevention of sunburn during outdoor activities (skiing, hiking): sunscreens create a protective film on your skin, restricting UV rays from burning your skin.
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Even skin tone: Besides UV filters, sunscreens may contain ingredients like Niacinamide found in Fluid Brightening Sunscreen with SPF 50+ or Kojic Acid in SPF 50 PA++++ Detan Sunscreen Body Lotion to fade pigmentation and brighten your skin.
How to Choose the Right Winter Sunscreen
SPF Levels
A higher SPF number means greater protection. Opt for SPF 30-50 for daily UV protection and SPF 50+ for prolonged outdoor exposure.
Mineral vs. Chemical
Mineral sunscreens reflect UV rays, reducing redness and irritation. It makes them gentler, especially for sensitive skin types. However, they’re slightly thicker and heavier. As a result, they may leave a white-cast.
In contrast, chemical sunscreens are well-suited for oily and combination skin. They’re lightweight and absorb quickly, leaving behind no white-cast or clogging your pores.
PA Rating for UVA Protection
Opt for PA+++ or PA++++ rated sunscreen for the Indian climate for high protection. The more pluses, the stronger the protection from UVA rays.
Moisturizing Formulas for Cold Weather
Hydrating ingredients like Phospholipids, Glycerin, and Allantoin keep your skin hydrated, counteracting UV-induced dryness and preventing oil rebound.
How to Properly Apply Sunscreen in Winter
Here’s how to make the most of your sunscreen:
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Amount needed: Take two fingers of sunscreen or ¼ teaspoon for face and neck. Apply evenly 15-20 minutes before stepping out.
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Reapplication frequency: Reapply every 3 hours.
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Layering with moisturizers/serums: Remove all impurities with a face wash. Follow with a targeted serum and a suitable moisturiser for hydration. Finish with sunscreen. Let it sit for a couple of minutes before applying makeup.
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Indoor application importance: UVA rays can pass through windows. Even blue rays from your devices can damage your skin. So, it is best to apply sunscreen even when you’re indoors.
Common Myths About Winter Sun Protection
Most individuals skip sunscreens because of myths and misconception. Below are some common myths debunked:
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Myth |
Fact |
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“You don’t get tan in winter” |
Tanning is caused by UVA rays, which are present all-year round. |
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“Clouds block UV” |
They don’t. 80% of UV rays, especially UVA, are strong and pass through clouds and windows to affect your skin. |
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“Dark skin doesn’t need sunscreen” |
Although darker skin has more melanin, it still experiences UV damage, pigmentation, and aging. Thus, making sunscreen important. |
Dermatologist's Advice on Winter Sunscreen Use
As per a board-certified dermatologist, “If you’re outdoors and can see your hand in front of your face, there is enough UV exposure to cause skin damage.”
Another board-certified dermatologist commenting on the cumulative UV exposure ascertained, “increases your risk of skin cancer and accelerates the aging process.”
“Don’t overlook the ears, nose, lips, back of neck, and tops of the hands and feet,” shares another board-certified dermatologist and University of Texas professor.
Conclusion: Make Sunscreen a Year-Round Habit
So, why wear sunscreen in winter? Winter UV rays are still strong enough to damage your skin. They cause dehydration, premature aging, and hyperpigmentation, leaving your barrier compromised. The cold winter air and snow only worsen it further.
Sunscreens protect your skin by blocking UV rays, offering hydration, and even toning your skin. Make it a year-round habit to protect yourself from long-term skin damage and skin cancer risks.
