When it comes to skincare, one of the most common misconceptions people have is that sunscreen is only necessary during the warmer months. After all, when the sun isn't shining brightly and the temperatures are cooler, it might seem like there's no need to worry about sun protection. However, this is a dangerous myth. In reality, wearing sunscreen every day, even in winter, is just as important as during the summer months. Whether you're enjoying a ski trip in the mountains, taking a winter walk, or simply going about your daily routine, sunscreen plays a vital role in protecting skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation, regardless of the season. In this blog, we explore why sunscreen is an essential element in your skincare routine year-round.

5 Reasons You Should Wear Sunscreen Daily in the Winter

If you’ve ever asked, “Do you need sunscreen in the winter?” You’re not alone. Many people think cooler winter weather and less intense heat from the sun mean that sunscreen isn’t needed in the winter. Unfortunately, that’s just not the case. There are many reasons to wear sunscreen daily, including the top 5 reasons described below:

1. Protect from UV Radiation and Reduce Risk of Sunburn

One of the most significant reasons to wear sunscreen every day, is to protect yourself from harmful UV radiation. Ultraviolet (UV) rays, specifically UVA and UVB rays from the sun, are present year-round and can damage skin even when it’s cold, cloudy, or overcast. UVB rays, responsible for causing sunburn, damage surface level skin cells, leading to painful burns and long-term damage. These rays are less intense in the winter but still pose a risk, especially if you're outside for extended periods. UVA rays, on the other hand, penetrate deeper into the skin and cause long-term damage, including premature aging and increased skin cancer risk. These rays are just as strong during the winter months, making sunscreen an essential part of your winter skincare routine.

Additionally, snow and ice increase the risk of sunburn in the winter. Snow is highly reflective, and it can bounce UV rays back onto skin, intensifying the exposure. This is especially concerning if you're spending time outdoors in areas with high snow cover, like skiing or snowboarding.

2. Prevent Premature Skin Aging

Another compelling reason to wear sunscreen in the winter is to prevent premature skin aging. UV exposure is a leading cause of fine lines, wrinkles, and age spots. While you might think that winter sun is less potent, the sun's damaging rays can still reach your skin and contribute to the development of these signs of aging. UVA rays, which are responsible for premature aging, penetrate deeper layers of the skin and break down collagen, the protein responsible for maintaining skin’s firmness and elasticity. This process accelerates the appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin. In fact, around 90% of the visible signs of aging are caused by UV radiation. By incorporating daily sunscreen use into your winter skincare regimen, you can protect skin from the cumulative damage caused by UV exposure.

3. Decrease Risk of Skin Cancer

One of the most serious reasons to wear sunscreen every day—no matter the season—is to decrease your risk of skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States, and its development is closely linked to UV radiation exposure. While sunburns are often associated with the summer, damage done by UV radiation is cumulative, meaning that the more exposure you have over the course of your life, the higher your risk. Regular use of sunscreen year-round significantly lowers risk of skin cancer. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, daily sunscreen use can reduce risk of developing melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, by up to 50%. The key to effective protection is daily use, even when the sun doesn't seem as intense.

4. UV Intensity During Winter Activities

Winter activities, such as skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and other outdoor adventures, make it more crucial to protect skin. If you live in or are visiting a higher-altitude area like the mountains, UV intensity increases significantly. This is because the atmosphere is thinner at higher altitudes, allowing more UV radiation to reach your skin. Additionally, the snow on the ground reflects UV rays, amplifying your exposure to the sun's harmful effects. When you're outdoors in snowy environments, it’s easy to forget about sun protection, especially since the cooler temperatures don’t make you feel hot or sunburned. However, the higher UV exposure, especially at higher altitudes, may lead to severe sunburns. If you're planning on spending a lot of time outside during winter, make sure to use a sunscreen for winter activities that protects skin from the sun's harmful rays.

5. Protect Sensitive Winter Skin

Cold weather and dry air in the winter leaves skin more vulnerable to dryness and damage, especially for those with sensitive skin. During this time, skin produces less natural moisture, leaving it prone to dryness, irritation, and even cracking. Combined with wind exposure, low temperatures, and drying heaters, these conditions weaken your skin’s natural protective barrier and make it more susceptible to damage from UV rays, which can further dry out and age skin. Sunscreen forms a protective barrier, keeping out harmful UV rays while providing hydration. Many sunscreens contain moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid and ceramides that help protect and nourish skin during harsh winter conditions. Using a sunscreen with hydrating properties can also help prevent your skin from feeling tight, irritated, or chapped.

Best Sunscreens for Every Skin Type and Need

To ensure you're getting the most out of your sunscreen during the winter months, it's important to choose the right product for your skin type and specific needs. Here are some of the best sunscreens for winter:

Sunscreen for Dry Skin:

Sunscreen for Darker Skin Tones:

Thicker Sunscreen Formulations for Harsh Winter Conditions:

Tips for Using Sunscreen in Winter

To make sure you're getting the most out of your sunscreen, keep these tips in mind:

  • Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas, including the face, neck, ears, and hands.
  • Reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you’re spending time outdoors or engaging in physical activity.
  • Choose a hydrating sunscreen to combat dry, winter air and keep skin healthy.
  • Don’t forget to protect lips. Use a lip balm with SPF protection to prevent chapping and burning.

Don’t Skip Your Sunscreen at Any Time of the Year

Wearing sunscreen every day is essential, no matter the season. There are numerous benefits of wearing sunscreen in the winter, including offering protection from UV radiation, preventing premature skin aging, and decreasing the risk of skin cancer. Don’t let the cooler temperatures fool you. UV rays are still at work, and your skin deserves year-round protection.

Explore DermSkincare

Whether you’re looking for the perfect sunscreen or you want to boost your skincare routine with high-quality product, the dermatologist-recommended products available at DermSkincare have you covered. Our knowledgeable dermatologists curated a list of skincare products that meet a wide range of needs. You can also come back to read our blog regularly for skincare tips.