Do you have to wear sunscreen in Winter?

Yes. Yes, you do have to wear sunscreen in Winter. Every day, just as you should in Spring and Summer and Autumn. Sunscreen should be a 365 days a year, all-time essential to your morning skincare routine! An here is why.

The sun is always there

She may be hiding behind clouds, she may be a little further out from our side of Earth but she is there. Winter brings along grey, gloomy days the sun’s rays still penetrates through. And more importantly, can still cause damage to your skin.

There are two types of rays to watch out for when it comes to the sun. UVB rays are more worrisome on sunny days and the less scary of the two. UVA rays are more scary as they penetrate through clouds and glass causing deeper skin damage. They’re the main reason to wear sunscreen in winter. UVA rays are one of the biggest causes of premature skin ageing and increase the risk of skin cancer.

When it comes to anti-ageing, sunscreen is pretty much the most trustworthy investment. Let’s put it this way, if you’re spending loads of money on retinol, vitamin C and collagen products but not wearing sunscreen…you’re wasting your time and money.

We’re not saying those formulas and products don’t work – they absolutely do! But first and foremost you need sunscreen in winter and all year round.

ALSO SEE: THE BEST ANTI-AGEING PRODUCTS FROM THE W&H BEAUTY AWARDS

It’s not just about being outside

Even if you’re a real homebody in winter or work all day in an office sunscreen in winter is a must. The dangers of skin damage are inside too. As mentioned, the Skin Cancer Foundation have noted that glass blocks UVB rays well, but not UVA rays. This means if you sit near a window, or even when you’re driving in your car, travelling on a bus or plane, you may be hit by damaging UVA rays.

Even this small dose of sunlight may impact your skin. Studies have shown that people who sit near a window have more wrinkles and deeper crow’s feet on the side their face is exposed to the window.

Want to find your perfect sunscreen? Read more here:

Your guide to sunblock for every skin type

 

Cover image by Pavel Danilyuk on Pexels.