Sunscreen in Winter: Why Bother? 5 Reasons to Protect Yourself
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We often forget it 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 penetrate through clouds and reach us. UVA rays are responsible for skin aging, so it is necessary to pay attention to them even in winter.
The absence of sun cream 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 term. Indeed, incorporating SPF into your morning ritual, even when the sky is overcast, is to offer your face a discreet yet incredibly effective protection.
Here’s an essential point about a beauty routine to maintain beautiful skin and protect it all year round.
1/ It’s cold, but UV rays are still just as strong
A little reminder from class if it’s been a while: there are different rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. Fortunately for us, UVC rays are stopped by the ozone layer. UVB rays are responsible for sunburns and decrease in intensity during winter. But UVA rays, the sneakiest, remain 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 feeling of cold is not a reliable indicator of the presence of UV rays. The sun may be hiding… but its effects remain very much present, which is all the more reason to keep your SPF close at hand, even when you go out wrapped up in your scarf.
2/ The impact of sunlight in winter
Contrary to what we might think, the sun does not sleep in winter. Its rays may be less warm, but UV rays still manage to penetrate clouds, fog… and even windows! We just don’t really see it, but while UVB rays, responsible for sunburns, decrease significantly in the cold season, UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and age it prematurely, remain present at 80 to 90% throughout the year. The result: even on gray days, the skin can suffer daily micro-aggressions that weaken the epidermis. And if you have ever taken a walk in the mountains in winter, you know that with the reflection on the snow, the sun can be formidable.
3/ A 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, preserving the 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 for longer.
4/ How to store your sunscreen
Here’s a little beauty journalist tip: I mix my sunscreen (organic and preferred) into my moisturizer jar.
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 the creams away from heat, direct light, and temperature fluctuations. Once opened, a sunscreen usually remains effective for 6 to 12 months: watch out 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 replace it. A poorly stored cream, even an expensive one or SPF 50, will no longer protect properly.
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, a sunscreen with SPF 30 is more than sufficient for daily use in the city, provided it offers good UVA protection (look for UVA logos surrounded by a circle or “broad spectrum” mentions). For fair, sensitive skin or during mountain stays, opt for SPF 50. If you already have a skincare routine, choose a fluid, lightweight texture that easily integrates into makeup. Dry skin types will prefer a richer, even nourishing formula, while combination skin may prefer a mattifying gel-cream. The essential thing is to choose a product that you will enjoy applying every day, even in the middle of January.
Image credit: © Photo by freestocks on Unsplash
