Why You Still Need Sunscreen in Winter

Sunscreen is usually associated with summer: beach days, heat and sunburn. However, ultraviolet (UV) radiation affects the skin year-round, including the winter months.

The sun may feel weaker in colder seasons, but our skin is still exposed to UV radiation on a daily basis. Over time, this exposure contributes to premature ageing, pigmentation and long-term skin damage.

Understanding how UV radiation behaves in winter helps explain why sunscreen remains an essential part of a daily skincare routine, regardless of the season.

There are two main types of ultraviolet radiation that affect skin health: UVA and UVB.

In winter, sunscreen use can feel less intuitive. However, certain environmental factors can actually increase overall UV exposure.

Snow plays a significant role. It can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, meaning the skin is exposed not only to direct sunlight from above, but also to reflected rays from below. This increases total exposure, particularly to areas such as the nose, chin, jawline, and under the eyes.

If you want a deeper breakdown of how reflection affects exposure, read How UV Rays Behave on Snow vs. Non-Snow Surfaces.

In addition, everyday winter activities — such as walking outdoors, commuting, or spending time outside on clear days — contribute to cumulative UV exposure, even without prolonged time in the sun.

Low temperatures and cloud cover often create a false sense of protection.

Cold weather reduces the sensation of sun exposure, meaning UV damage can occur without the warning signs commonly associated with sunburn. In addition, cloud cover may soften visible light, but it does not block UVA radiation, which continues to reach the skin year-round.

Because the effects of UVA exposure are gradual rather than immediate, damage often goes unnoticed until it becomes visible years later.

Regular sunscreen use helps protect the skin from daily UV exposure and supports overall skin health over time. Beyond preventing visible sun damage, sunscreen also plays an important role in maintaining skin stability.

UV exposure can weaken the skin barrier and increase inflammation, making the skin more reactive and slower to recover from environmental stress. Daily sunscreen use helps reduce this ongoing strain, supporting a healthier baseline.

This is especially relevant during winter, when the skin barrier is already challenged by cold air, wind, and indoor heating.

If winter sensitivity and dryness are a primary concern, see How to Strengthen Winter Skin for barrier-focused support.

Sunscreen should be applied as the final step of a morning skincare routine, regardless of season.

In colder months, comfort matters. Sunscreens with hydrating or nourishing textures are often easier to use consistently, particularly when the skin is drier or more sensitive.

The most effective sunscreen is one that fits easily into your routine and feels comfortable on the skin and that you actually enjoy using. Consistency matters more than intensity as daily use has a far greater impact on long-term skin health than occasional use of very high-SPF products.

For a longer-term perspective on why this habit matters, even when no visible damage is present, read The Less Obvious Benefits of Daily Sunscreen.

Sun damage does not happen at once: it develops gradually over time. The same is true for protection.

Using sunscreen every day, including during winter, is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support long-term skin health. While the benefits may not be immediately visible, they accumulate quietly in the background, helping protect the skin year after year.

Sunscreen isn’t seasonal. It’s cumulative.