Sunscreen is strongly associated with beaches and summer holidays, which makes winter protection easy to forget. But temperature and ultraviolet radiation are different things: a cold day can still involve meaningful UVA exposure, and cumulative UV damage does not reset when summer ends.
UVA is present throughout the year
UVA penetrates more deeply into the skin than UVB and contributes to photoaging and pigmentation. It can also pass through window glass. UVB levels vary more strongly by season and time of day, but winter is not a UV-free period.
Clouds do not block everything
Cloud cover can reduce UV, but it does not eliminate it. If you will spend meaningful time outdoors—walking, driving, skiing, working outside or sitting near strong daylight—daily broad-spectrum SPF remains a sensible habit.
Snow can increase exposure
Snow reflects UV radiation. At altitude, UV intensity also increases. Skiing and mountain trips are therefore situations where winter sun protection becomes particularly important: sunscreen, lip SPF, sunglasses and protective clothing should all be part of the plan.
Winter skin often needs a different sunscreen texture
Cold air, wind and indoor heating can make the skin drier. A mattifying summer fluid that felt perfect in July may feel uncomfortable in January. It is reasonable to switch to a more moisturising sunscreen or use a richer moisturiser underneath.
If you use retinoids or exfoliating acids
Winter is sometimes treated as “active season” because people spend less time at the beach, but retinoids and exfoliating acids do not make UV protection optional. Irritated skin is also less tolerant of wind and cold, so a gentle routine matters.
Do you need SPF when you stay indoors?
Context matters. If you spend the entire day away from windows and do not go outside, your exposure is different from someone who drives for an hour or sits by a bright window. There is no need to turn skincare into anxiety; build protection around your real exposure.
A practical winter routine
Morning: gentle cleanse → moisturiser if needed → broad-spectrum SPF 30+ on exposed skin. Reapply when you are outdoors for extended periods, particularly at altitude or around reflective snow.
Browse Sun Protection and choose a texture that your winter skin can tolerate comfortably.
Sources & further reading
- American Academy of Dermatology — How to apply sunscreen
- American Academy of Dermatology — Practice safe sun
Daily sunscreen is one tool. Clothing, shade, hats and sunglasses remain important parts of UV protection throughout the year.
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Browse sun protection and face SPF for dry skin.