Why You Should Wear Sunscreen in Winter

Why You Should Wear Sunscreen in Winter: Do you wear sunscreen in the wintertime? Before you scrunch up your nose at the thought, hear us out. There are a ton of reasons why applying SPF during the cooler season should be a must rather than an optional. Read on to find out why.

4 Reasons to Wear Sunscreen in Winter

Think you’re completely protected from the sun just because it’s a grey, cloudy day? Think again! Unfortunately, unless you’re in a pitch black windowless room, those pesky rays can reach through clouds and still cause skin damage. It’s indirect sunlight but you’re still at risk from some of the harmful side effects of sun exposure.

You’re at risk from sun exposure when the UV index is 3 or higher

It’s advised to wear sun protection whenever the UV index is 3 or higher. It’s important to note that the UV index can change during the day, so unless you’re regularly checking this a day that starts with a low UV index could quickly reach over 3 by the middle of the day. For this reason, we recommend wearing sunscreen everyday or making sure you check the UV index rating daily. If you’re planning on ducking out of the house at all, even if you’re spending most of the day indoors you’ll want to make sure you’ve got some sun protection on.

You can still get burnt on cloudy days

This is the big one- UVA rays are present all year round and can penetrate through clouds and even windows.‘UVA/UVB-what?’ we hear you ask. Let’s do a little recap on the differences. UV is made up of both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays are the ones mainly responsible for causing premature ageing and present themselves as fine lines and wrinkles. However, it’s important to note they may also play a role in causing skin cancer. On the other hand, UVB rays are the really dangerous ones that cause skin to burn and lead to skin cancers. Make sure you always choose a broad spectrum sunscreen that provides protection against both UV rays.

Keep premature ageing at bay

Whether you’re an avid winter sports lover or simply driving your car or working near a window during the wintertime, you’re exposed to some UVA rays. If you want to keep your skin looking fresh as a daisy for longer, then the best think you can do is reach for the sunscreen bottle. Applying in the morning in-line with your current skincare regime is the best way to minimise incidental exposure. Sunscreen is really the number one product you can use to help with anti-ageing and avoiding wrinkles or sun spots.

Snow reflects sunlight making you more susceptible to sunburn

Planning a trip to the mountains or skiing this winter? You’re actually at more risk of UV exposure the higher elevated you are. UV radiation has been found to rise by 5% with every thousand feet you go above sea level. Add to this the fact that the snow actually reflects sunlight right back at you, and you’re at serious risk of sunburn even in the wintertime. Remember to reapply regularly if you’re in the mountains as wind and harsh elements wears away sunscreen quite quickly.

How to choose winter sunscreen:

When it comes to choosing sunscreen to wear in the wintertime there’s a few things to consider:

Water resistant: Choose water resistant so that your sunscreen stays on for as long as possible despite the wind, rain and sweating if you’re skiing.

Broad spectrum: Always chose a sunscreen that offers protection from both UVA & UVB rays.

SPF30 or SPF50: Even in the winter time it’s important to choose high protection as UVA rays can still penetrate through clouds and cause sunburn.

Hydrating formula: The cold is particularly harsh on skin, so it’s important to keep your skin extra nourished and hydrated during the winter season.

Best Sunscreen to wear in Winter

Here’s a roundup of the best sunscreen to wear this winter in 2022.

Supreme Screen SPF 50+ by Ultra Violette

Doubling as an SPF 50 moisturiser and sunscreen in-one, this is an all round favourite no matter the time of year. It’s hydrating, offers high SPF protection, and has a fresh, clean scent. Supreme is perfect for normal to dry skin and never leaves a white cast so you can also wear it comfortably under makeup. We love this one during winter especially since it’s packed with Kakadu Plum, an incredible ingredient known for its mega skin brightening powers which is important during the cooler months of the year.

Clean Screen SPF 30 by Ultra Violette

If you prefer a mineral sunscreen formula try Ultra Violette Clean Screen. It has a lightweight gel texture, zero fragrance and offers SPF30 protection. Clean Screen is perfect for those with acne-prone skin or if you frequently breakout when wearing sunscreen. It’s also alcohol-free, and packed full of hydrating Pentavitin, making it ideal for winter.

Inspired to start wearing sunscreen this winter? Make sure to apply every morning before you leave the house even on a grey, cloudy day to keep your skin flawless and healthy.