Why you need sunscreen this winter

• UVA rays cause premature aging and skin cancer year-round
• Snow and clouds reflect or allow up to 80 per cent of UV rays
• Use broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher to prevent long-term damage

As winter arrives, it’s tempting to pack away your sunscreen with your summer clothes. After all, with shorter days and weaker sunlight, it feels less necessary. But this common habit overlooks a crucial fact about skin health.

The Invisible Threat of UVA Rays

Sunlight contains two main types of harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays: UVB and UVA. UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and are less intense in the winter. This is why you're less likely to get a visible burn. However, UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin, remain potent all year long. These are the rays primarily responsible for premature aging—think wrinkles, fine lines, and loss of elasticity. They contribute significantly to long-term skin damage and increase the risk for certain skin cancers. Because UVA rays are consistently present, daily protection is essential regardless of the season.

Deceptive Winter Conditions Amplify Exposure

Winter environments can be deceptively high-risk. Snow and ice are highly reflective surfaces, bouncing back up to 80% of the sun's UV rays. This means your skin gets a 'double dose' of exposure—from the sun above and the reflection below. This reflected glare can affect areas you might not normally protect, like under your chin and nose. Furthermore, UV radiation intensity increases with altitude, making protection even more critical during mountain activities like skiing or snowboarding, where a thinner atmosphere absorbs fewer rays.

False Security from Clouds and Windows

Don't let a grey, overcast day fool you. Up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through clouds and fog, meaning you are still exposed to damage even without direct sunlight. Similarly, if you spend your days indoors near a window, you're not entirely safe. While most glass blocks UVB rays (the burning rays), it allows a significant portion of UVA rays (the aging rays) to pass through. This means that daily incidental exposure while driving or sitting in a sunny room at home or the office adds up over time, contributing to cumulative skin damage.

Focus on Long-Term Health, Not Just Sunburn

The argument for winter sunscreen isn't about avoiding an immediate sunburn; it's about preventing long-term damage that accumulates slowly and silently. This cumulative exposure is a leading cause of what's known as photoaging—visible signs like wrinkles, rough texture, and sunspots that are not related to chronological aging. More seriously, this ongoing damage is a primary risk factor for developing all forms of skin cancer, including melanoma. Protecting your skin daily is one of the most effective ways to lower your lifetime risk and maintain healthier skin for years to come.

How to Choose and Use Winter Sunscreen

For effective yearround protection, your winter sunscreen should be 'broad spectrum', meaning it shields against both UVA and UVB rays. Dermatologists recommend an SPF of 30 or higher for daily use. Since winter air is often dry and strips moisture from the skin, look for a sunscreen with hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, ceramides, or glycerin. This allows your sunscreen to double as a moisturiser, simplifying your routine. Apply it generously to all exposed skin—including your face, neck, ears, and hands—about 15 to 30 minutes before heading outside, and reapply every two hours if you're active outdoors.