Sunscreen in Winter: Why It's Still Essential
As the days grow shorter and the temperatures drop, many people relegate sunscreen to the back shelf, assuming that the sun rays are less harmful during the winter months.
“Why do I need to apply sunscreens in the dark winter months?”. That’s the question of many of you.
And that’s also the reason why we create this blog post: To answer your question, give you some advice on how to choose suitable sunscreen for your skin types. And so much more.
Keep scrolling to discover your perfect winter shield.
Do I need sunscreen in winter?
The answer is absolutely yes! Winter sun is just as harmful as summer sun, even if it doesn't feel that way.
UV rays are categorized by their wavelength:
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UVA (longest wavelength)
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UVB (medium wavelength)
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UVC (shortest wavelength)
UVC has the highest energy level and can cause severe burn of the skin and eye injuries. However, it’s absorbed by the Earth’s atmosphere (Phew, that’s a relief).
Unfortunately, this is not the case for UVA and UVB since both of these two rays can get through the ozone layer.
Fact #1: UVA accounts for 95% of the UV radiation that reaches Earth. (It's everywhere!)
Fact #2: UVA can penetrate windows and clouds.
Whether you are standing in the middle of the park enjoying the cold breeze, in your car running errands or sitting indoors near a window sipping hot chocolate, UVA can damage your skin cells like an aging machine (those ugly fine lines, wrinkles, brownish spots). Overexposure to UVA can also lead to skin cancer.
What about UVB? UVB is responsible for suntan, sunburn, and blistering in severe cases.
Even more concerning: UVB can bounce off surfaces like water, sand, snow, pavement, or even grass. That means it can hit you twice, increasing your risks of skin damage.
Not to mention at higher altitudes, these rays become more harmful. “With every 1000m in altitude, UV levels increase by approximately 10 per cent.”
So it’s REALLY important that you layer that SPF on.
How can I choose the right sunscreen for winter?
Broad spectrum
Broad spectrum sunscreen can shield you from both UVA and UVB; in other words, give you complete protection.
SPF
SPF 15: is enough if you go out for a short time (30 - 45 minutes), and are away from peak sun (10am - 4pm).
SPF 30 and higher: if you go our for more than 45 minutes, or are in peak sun. However, if you are at high altitudes (like a ski resort), or play some winter sports, choosing sunscreen with SPF 50 is recommended.
Water resistant
Harsh wind, rain, and physical activities can reduce the effectiveness of your sunscreen more quickly than you expect. Therefore, choose water-resistant sunscreen for longer protection against sun rays.
Note: Water-resistant sunscreen can be difficult to remove. Try using a cleansing oil to easily remove them and prevent clogged pores.
Moisturizing formula
Sunscreen with “water-grabbing” substances like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, lactic acid, and glycols can help the skin retain moisture by regulating the skin's top layer and drawing water into the skin.
Note: Before choosing sunscreen with moisturizing formula, answer this question: “How much moisture is in my routine?”. Your routine doesn’t contain only sunscreen but also other products: cleansers, toners, lotions, serums, moisturizing creams (to name a few). All your skincare products should combine well with each other to give you a perfect hydrated skin, not just sunscreen alone.
Non-irritating ingredients
Irritants include drying alcohols, fragrances, essential oils (such as lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus), menthol, camphor, and clove.
Dry weather and heaters can make your skin (especially dry and sensitive skin) became irritated easily. Therefore, shun away these irritating ingredients as much as possible.
Lightweight
Sunscreens with niacinamide as an active ingredient and that are non-comedogenic can give you a lightweight feel on your face.
These products can prevent clogged pores and breakouts, making them a good choice for people with acne-prone or oily skin.
How can I apply sunscreen in winter?
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Apply to all exposed skin, including the face, ears, lips, and hands.
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Reapply every two hours if you are sweating or swimming.
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Sunscreen application for makeup: Apply sunscreen to your skin before applying your makeup base. Consider using gel sunscreens for your makeup because they are lightweight, non-greasy, and do not interfere with makeup application.
Snow may not sizzle like summer, but that doesn't mean your skin is safe. Give your skin protection against harmful sun rays, and it will thank you later.