Do you need SPF in winter?

In autumn, as darker evenings draw in and temperatures drop, a familiar shift happens in many bathroom cabinets. The sunscreens that were a summer daily driver are often relegated to the back of the shelf, saved for a winter sun holiday. This is an understandable impulse; when the sky is a blanket of cloud, applying sun protection can feel counterintuitive.

However, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun reaches the earth’s surface every day of the year, regardless of the weather. The common recommendation to wear a sun protection factor (SPF) daily stems from an understanding of the different types of UV rays and their effects on the skin, even during the coldest, greyest months of the year.

Understanding UVA and UVB rays

To understand the reasoning for year-round sun protection, it helps to distinguish between the two main types of UV rays that affect the skin: UVA and UVB. Most of us are familiar with UVB rays. Their intensity fluctuates significantly throughout the year, peaking in the summer months when the sun is strongest. They are the primary cause of sunburn and are partially blocked by clouds and glass. A simple way to remember their effect is 'B for burning'.

UVA rays, on the other hand, behave differently. They maintain a more consistent level of intensity throughout the year, meaning they are still present on a cloudy December day. UVA rays can also penetrate clouds and glass, so your skin is exposed even when you are indoors near a window or driving a car. These rays penetrate the skin more deeply than UVB, and their effects are associated with the skin’s structural ageing process. The mnemonic here is 'A for ageing'. Because exposure is cumulative over a lifetime, protecting the skin from UVA is a long-term consideration.

Why daily protection is recommended

The constant presence of UVA radiation is the main reason why daily SPF application is widely advised. A product labelled 'broad-spectrum' is formulated to protect against both UVB and UVA rays, offering more complete coverage. Making this a regular part of your morning routine helps to mitigate the cumulative effects of incidental sun exposure.

This kind of exposure happens during everyday activities you might not associate with sun damage – a short walk to the bus stop, sitting by a bright window in an office, or running errands in the car. While a single day’s exposure is minimal, it adds up over years. Incorporating a broad-spectrum sunscreen into your simple skincare routine is a straightforward, preventative step. The right product can provide a good base for the day, much like a moisturiser.

Choosing a texture for winter

One of the biggest deterrents to using sunscreen in winter is the memory of thick, greasy holiday formulas. Modern formulations, however, are far more varied and cosmetically pleasant. The texture you choose can be adapted to your skin type and the season. During winter, when central heating and cold winds can leave skin feeling drier, a more nourishing, cream-based SPF might be suitable. Some formulas are rich enough to replace your regular day cream, streamlining your morning.

Conversely, if you have oily or combination skin, or simply dislike the feeling of heavy layers, there are many lightweight options. Look for fluid, serum, or gel textures that absorb quickly without leaving a residue. There are two general categories of sunscreen: mineral (or physical) and chemical. Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier on the skin, while chemical sunscreens absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat. They can feel different on application, so it may be worth exploring which type you prefer. For help with skin dryness, choosing a moisturiser is a useful next step.

How to wear SPF under make-up

A primary concern for those who wear make-up is how sunscreen will perform underneath it. The wrong formula or application technique can cause foundation to pill, slide, or separate during the day. The key is to treat your sunscreen as the final step in your skincare, applied after your moisturiser but before any primers or cosmetics.

After applying a sufficient amount to your face and neck, allow it to absorb fully for at least five to ten minutes before proceeding with make-up. This waiting period is crucial for preventing pilling and ensuring an even base. Many contemporary sunscreens are also formulated with priming properties, creating a smooth surface that can actually improve the look and wear of your foundation. Finding a texture that works for your skin type is the foundation for successfully incorporating it into a simple make-up routine.

What about reapplication?

The standard advice for sunscreen is to reapply it approximately every two hours, but this guidance is mainly for periods of continuous, direct sun exposure, such as a day at the beach. For a typical winter day spent mostly indoors, the need for reapplication is less pressing. If you apply a generous layer of a high-factor, broad-spectrum product in the morning, this may be adequate for a day spent in an office away from windows.

However, if you work next to a large, bright window, go outside for a long lunch break, or are engaging in winter sports, reapplication is important. At high altitudes, UV radiation is more intense, and snow can reflect up to 80 per cent of UV rays, meaning they hit your skin twice. For reapplying over make-up, spray, mist, and powder formats have been developed to make the process simpler without disturbing your foundation. For any specific concerns about your skin's health or how to protect it, a conversation with a GP or dermatologist is the best course of action.