Why You Still Need Sunscreen in Winter (Yes, Even When It’s Cold)

When temperatures drop, sunscreen is often the first thing people stop using. After all, if the sun doesn’t feel strong and you’re not spending hours at the beach, why would your skin need protection?

The truth is simple: cold skin still needs protection.
UV damage doesn’t take the winter off—and neither should your sunscreen.

As a licensed esthetician, I see the long-term effects of year-round sun exposure every day: premature aging, uneven pigmentation, weakened skin barrier, and loss of collagen. Many of these changes could have been minimized with consistent daily SPF use—even during cooler months.

UV Rays Don’t Disappear in Winter

One of the biggest skincare myths is that sunscreen is only necessary in summer. In reality:

• UVA rays, which are responsible for premature aging, penetrate clouds and windows and are present all year long

• Winter sun can still cause cumulative skin damage

• Reflected UV rays from surfaces like pavement, water, and even clouds can intensify exposure

Even on overcast or cold days, your skin is still absorbing radiation that breaks down collagen and elastin beneath the surface.

Cold Weather Can Make Skin More Vulnerable

Winter conditions can actually increase your skin’s sensitivity to UV damage.

Cold air, wind, and indoor heating:

• Dry out the skin

• Weaken the skin barrier

• Increase inflammation and redness

When the barrier is compromised, UV exposure causes more damage with less resistance. This makes sunscreen just as important—if not more important—during colder months.

Daily Activities Still Equal Daily Exposure

You don’t need to be sunbathing to experience sun damage.

Common winter activities that still expose your skin include:

• Driving (UVA rays pass through glass)

• Walking your dog

• Sitting near windows

• Running errands

• Outdoor exercise

If daylight touches your skin, sunscreen belongs in your routine.

Sunscreen Is an Anti-Aging Essential

If you’re investing in professional treatments like facials, chemical peels, microneedling, or advanced skincare products, sunscreen is what protects that investment.

Consistent SPF use helps:

• Prevent fine lines and wrinkles

• Reduce hyperpigmentation and sun spots

• Protect results from professional treatments

• Preserve collagen and skin firmness

Skipping sunscreen in winter can undo progress you’ve worked hard to achieve.

What Kind of Sunscreen Should You Use in Winter?

Winter sunscreen should feel comfortable, hydrating, and easy to wear daily.

Look for:

• Broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher

• Lightweight or moisturizing formulas

• Zinc oxide or mineral-based options for sensitive skin

• Products that layer well under moisturizer or makeup

Apply every morning as the final step in your skincare routine—rain, shine, or cold.

One sunscreen I especially love for year-round protection is Skin for Life Sol Defense SPF 30 Tinted Sunscreen. This broad-spectrum, mineral-based SPF uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to physically block harmful UVA and UVB rays rather than absorbing them into the skin, making it a gentler option for all skin types, including sensitive or barrier-compromised skin. The light tint helps even out complexion and doubles as a subtle makeup base—so you’re more likely to wear it every day—while its silky, non-greasy finish leaves skin looking radiant and natural. It’s a perfect winter SPF because it protects your skin against damaging rays that are still present even when the temperature drops, helping prevent premature aging, pigmentation changes, and cumulative sun damage. I personally wear it as my foundation everyday!

Consistency Is the Real Skincare Secret

Great skin isn’t about perfection—it’s about consistency.

Using sunscreen only part of the year still allows cumulative damage to occur. When SPF becomes a daily habit, your skin stays healthier, stronger, and more resilient over time.

Cold skin still needs protection.
Your future skin will thank you for what you do today.

Professional Guidance Matters

If you’re unsure which sunscreen is right for your skin type, lifestyle, or current treatments, professional guidance makes all the difference. Personalized skincare ensures you’re protecting your skin without irritation or heaviness—no matter the season.

— Diane Shadgett, Licensed Esthetician
Advanced Skincare & Skin Health Education