Sunscreen in Winter: Why Bother? 5 Reasons to Protect Yourself
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We often forget this when the sun shines less… and yet, dermatologists will tell you: sun cream is just as essential in winter as it is in summer. The reason? UVA rays pass through clouds and reach us. UVA rays are responsible for skin aging, so it is necessary to take care of it even in winter.
The absence of sunscreen in winter is a habit that we still neglect too much, even though it could transform the appearance and health of our skin in the long run. Indeed, incorporating an SPF into your morning routine, even when the sky is overcast, is like offering your face a discreet yet remarkably effective protection.
A crucial point about a beauty routine to maintain beautiful skin and protect yourself all year round.
1/ It’s cold, but UV rays still pass through
A little reminder from class if it’s been a while: there are different types of rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Fortunately for us, UVC rays are blocked by the ozone layer. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and decrease in intensity during winter. But UVA rays, the most insidious, are present all year round, whether it’s 30 °C in the middle of summer or 3 °C on a January morning.
These UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to skin aging, loss of elasticity, and pigmentation spots. And to make matters worse, they pass through both clouds and windows: yes, even behind your window or in the car, they continue their little work quietly.
In short, the sensation of cold is not a reliable indicator of the presence of UV. The sun may hide… but its effects remain very much present, all the more reason to keep your SPF handy, even when bundled up in your scarf.
2/ The impact of the sun’s rays in winter
Contrary to what one might think, the sun does not sleep in winter. Its rays are certainly less warm, but the UV rays continue to pass through clouds, mist… and even windows! We just don’t really see it, but UVB rays, responsible for sunburn, decrease significantly in the cold season, yet… UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and age it prematurely, remain present at 80 to 90% all year round. As a result: even on gray days, the skin can suffer daily micro-aggressions that weaken the epidermis. And if you’ve ever taken a walk in the mountains in winter, you know that with the reflection off the snow, the sun can be formidable.
3/ Sunscreen in winter protects against premature aging
Applying sun protection in winter is not a superfluous gesture, but a true anti-aging ally. UVA rays, very present in the cold season, accelerate skin aging by causing oxidation, loss of collagen, and pigmentation spots. A sunscreen applied every morning acts as an invisible shield that preserves softness, firmness, and evenness of the complexion. In short: it’s one of the simplest beauty habits… and one of the most effective for keeping skin youthful longer.
4/ How to store your sunscreen
A little beauty journalist tip: I mix my sunscreen (organic and preferred) into my moisturizer.
I want to emphasize that you need a day cream and a night cream and of course, it is not necessary to add sunscreen to your night cream.
Keep creams away from heat, direct light, and temperature variations. Once opened, sunscreen generally remains effective for 6 to 12 months: watch for the little “PAO” icon on the packaging. If the texture changes, if the product smells different, or if it separates, it’s better to change it. A poorly stored cream, even if it’s expensive or SPF 50, no longer provides proper protection.
5/ Which cream to choose?
The key word is texture! I recommend choosing a light and pleasant cream, as you will be applying it to your face all year round.
In winter, an SPF 30 sunscreen is more than sufficient for daily use in the city, as long as it protects well against UVA (UVA logos surrounded by a circle or “broad spectrum” mentions). For fair or sensitive skin, or during mountain stays, opt for an SPF 50. If you already have a skincare routine, choose a fluid, lightweight texture that integrates easily with makeup. Dry skin types will appreciate a richer, even nourishing formula, while combination skin types will prefer a mattifying gel-cream. The essential thing: choose a product that you will enjoy applying every day, even in the middle of January.
Image credit: © Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
