Is Sunscreen Important in Winter?

Yes, sunscreen is important in winter because UV rays, especially UVA, remain strong year-round and can penetrate clouds, windows, and reflect off snow. Protecting your skin in winter prevents damage, premature aging, and skin cancer.

 

When people think of sunscreen, the first image that often comes to mind is a

sun-soaked summer day at the beach; however, the importance of sunscreen

extends far beyond the warm summer months. While it’s easy to associate

sunscreen with summer’s intense UV rays, many overlook its significance during

the winter. This blog explores why sunscreen should remain a part of your

skincare routine year-round, focusing on the colder months.

Understanding UV Radiation

 

To fully understand the importance of sunscreen in winter, it’s essential to

comprehend UV radiation first. The sun emits three types of ultraviolet (UV) rays:

 

• UVA: These rays penetrate deeply into the skin, causing premature

aging and can cause long-term damage.

 

• UVB: These are responsible for sunburn and can significantly affect skin cancer development.

 

UVB rays may decrease in intensity during winter, but UVA rays remain

consistent throughout the year, penetrating through clouds and even windows.

These rays are just as capable of causing skin damage in January as they are in

July.

 

Winter Myths About Sunscreen

 

1. “The Sun Isn’t Strong in Winter”

While the sun may feel weaker during the winter due to the tilt of the Earth, UV

rays can still cause significant harm. Snow, ice, and water surfaces reflect up

to 80% of UV rays, meaning exposure can double in snowy

environments.

 

2. “Clouds Protect Me From UV Rays”

Clouds may reduce visible sunlight, but up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate

through clouds. This is why overcast winter days can still result in UV damage, a

phenomenon known as “invisible sunburn.”

 

3. “I’m Mostly Indoors in Winter”

Even indoors, you’re not completely shielded. UVA rays can penetrate through

glass windows, exposing your skin to long-term damage, mainly if you spend

time near windows or in cars.

 

Why is sunscreen important in winter?

 

1. Skin Cancer

Skin cancer, including melanoma, basal cell carcinoma, and squamous cell

carcinoma doesn’t take a holiday in the winter. Continuous exposure to UVA rays

Without protection, your risk can increase over time. It has been proven and is

slowly coming out that using carcinogenic mainstream sunscreens only

enhances and speeds up your chances for skin cancer, along with many other

types of cancer as the chemicals and toxins in those sunscreens go straight to

your bloodstream and onto your liver, where it overtaxes and compromises the

health of your liver – the precursor to almost all cancers.

 

2. Premature Aging

UVA rays are a primary culprit for photoaging, leading to wrinkles, fine lines,

and age spots. Failing to use sunscreen in winter can accelerate these effects as

UV damage accumulates over a lifetime.

3. Hyperpigmentation and Uneven Skin Tone

Prolonged exposure to UV rays can exacerbate hyperpigmentation, making skin

tone appear uneven. This is especially concerning for individuals with pre-

existing conditions like melasma.

 

Unique Winter Scenarios Requiring Sunscreen

 

1. Skiing, Snowboarding, and Outdoor Activities

If you’re hitting the slopes, you’re at a higher altitude where UV exposure is

more intense. For every 1,000 feet of elevation, UV radiation increases by

approximately 4% to 5%, making sunscreen an absolute necessity. This is why

we developed and tested Sun Milk™ at Lake Tahoe altitude. You cannot

replicate this level of UV intensity, thin air, and overall strength of the sun at sea

level like you can in the high mountains

 

2. Commuting and Driving

Many people spend significant time in cars during the winter. UVA rays can

penetrate car windows, exposing your face, hands, and arms to potential

damage.

 

3. Winter Vacations

Whether you’re heading to a snowy destination or escaping to a tropical beach,

sunscreen is essential. Even snowy areas with overcast skies can reflect

significant UV rays.

 

Choosing the Right Sunscreen for Winter

 

To ensure optimal protection, look for these features in a sunscreen:

 

• SPF Appropriateness: Everyone is different, and your level of ‘tan.’

or length of sun exposure dictates what level of SPF you need. As we’ve come to

learn anything above “SPF30” from the mainstream sunscreen companies is

simply marketing – unless you’ve gone to a zinc oxide-laden product that can

then be closer to SPF50.

 

• Responsible Interaction: As we discuss on our website, everyone

NEEDS sunlight and Vitamin D to live a long and healthy life. You do not want to

block the sun entirely; you want to be aware of burning and overexposure, but

getting some sun is paramount. We developed Sun Milk for this exact reason: to

get away from the cancer-causing, toxin-rich mainstream sunscreens and offer

people an all-natural, all-organic, reef-safe, human-safe sunscreen that enables

safe and responsible interaction with the ever-important sun.

 

• Moisturizing Formula: Winter air is dry, so sunscreen with

hydrating ingredients like coconut oil or sweet almond oil can double as a

moisturizer. Sun Milk is a blend of 5 natural ingredients, 4 of which not only

moisturize your skin but make it radiant and healthier, and it feels fantastic on

your skin as a result.

 

Tips for Incorporating Sunscreen into Your Winter Routine

 

1. Apply Daily: Make sunscreen application a non-negotiable part of

your morning routine, even if you’re staying indoors.

 

2. Reapply Every Two Hours: Reapply more frequently if you’re

outdoors or sweating.

 

3. Don’t Forget All Exposed Areas: Include your ears, neck, lips,

and hands.

4. Layer Effectively: Apply sunscreen as the last step of your

skincare routine but before makeup.

 

5. Non-Comedogenic: In the winter, we are mostly bundled up,

which means your face and hands will likely be what get the most sunscreen.

DO NOT use any sunscreens on your face that are not non-comedogenic, as it will

clog your pores and cause your skin to break out. For this reason, Sun Milk was

developed to be non-comedogenic, so our product has no limitations like

most, if not all, mainstream sunscreens.

 

The Science of Year-Round Sunscreen Use

 

Dermatologists and skin care professionals unanimously agree on the importance

of year-round sunscreen use. A 2013 study published in the journal Annals of

Internal Medicine found that consistent sunscreen use significantly reduced signs

of aging by 24% over four years.

 

Moreover, the Skin Cancer Foundation estimates that 90% of skin aging is

caused by UV exposure, underscoring the necessity of protection during all

seasons. When this exposure is coupled with a toxin and carcinogen-filled

sunscreen (take your pick, Sun Bum, Coppertone, pretty much 97% of the

sunscreens on the market today), it’s not only made worse but is amplified to

levels unsafe for humans. Sun Milk is not only reef-safe, but most importantly, unlike 97% of the sunscreens on the market, it is also human-safe.

 

Sunscreen as Part of a Holistic Skincare Routine

 

Using sunscreen in winter doesn’t negate the need for other skin care measures.

Combine sunscreen with these steps for maximum protection:

 

• Cleanse Gently: Use a hydrating cleanser to combat winter

dryness.

 

• Moisturize: Lock in hydration with a rich moisturizer, especially for

dry skin types.

 

• Use Antioxidants: 

Incorporate serums with Vitamin C or

niacinamide to combat free radicals caused by UV exposure.

 

Conclusion 

 

The need for an all-natural sunscreen transcends seasons. In winter, the

combination of reflective snow, persistent UVA rays, and high altitudes can make

UV exposure is even more insidious. Incorporating sunscreen into your daily

routine, you not only protect against skin cancer but also maintain youthful,

healthy skin for years to come.

Don’t let winter’s chill fool you—UV rays are relentless. Make sunscreen your

constant companion, no matter the season. Your future self and your overall

health will thank you.