SPF and Sunscreen in Winter: Does it Matter?

You might be well aware of the benefits of wearing sunscreen in the summer sun and on holiday, from protecting your skin from dangerous sunburn to reducing the effects of aging, but what about in the winter months? We’ve done the research so that you don’t have to. Read on to find out more about wearing SPF and sunscreen in winter.

What is SPF?

Let’s start with the basics. What actually is SPF and why is it important? Well, put simply, SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and essentially means the number on a bottle of sun cream that lets you know how strong the sunscreen is i.e. how well it protects your skin against sun rays and ultimately sunburn.

SPF is important because it protects your skin from ultraviolet (UV) sun rays which can cause uncomfortable and painful sunburn, skin ageing such as sun spots and lines, as well as skin cancer.

Should You Wear Sunscreen in Winter?

Put simply, sunscreen is an important step in your skincare regime all year round. That’s because although you can’t see or feel the effects of the sun in colder months, the sun’s rays are invisible and are present even on the cloudiest of days. To understand this, it helps to know the difference between the different types of UV rays. For instance, UVB rays are the ones that you feel penetrate the skin, whereas UVA on the other hand comes from a longer, lower energy ray — meaning that you might not feel it but it’s still affecting your skin just as much.

So, if you want to protect yourself from skin ageing, hyperpigmentation, skin cancers and sunburn it’s best to make sure that you have a sun cream as part of your everyday skincare routine all year round, and one that protects from both UVA and UVB rays too.

SPF in Winter: Our Top Picks

You probably already know the importance of wearing SPF every day, but we know that the hardest part is turning this crucial step into an unforgettable part of your winter skincare routine. And the key to making this a reality is often finding the right sun cream for you. So let’s dive into all the options to help you find out the best one for you.

Body SPF in Winter

Let’s be honest, winter weather usually means lots of layers so it’s rare that much body skin is exposed to the sunlight. However, incorporating a body moisturiser with an SPF in it means that SPF in winter is something that you don’t need to worry about. Try the Clarins Brightening Body Veil Moisturiser for dual protection against sun damage with SPF 20 whilst also helping to even out the skin’s tone and leave it soft, smooth, and hydrated. A win-win.

Lip SPF in Winter

Lip SPF is something to think about in the winter months too, especially if you are planning on hitting the slopes on a skiing trip. Try the Elizabeth Environmental Defense Eight Hour Targeted Sun Defense Stick with SPF 50 for ultra-high protection. Protects against sunburn, cell damage, and ageing meanwhile offering hydrating benefits for smooth lips for up to eight hours.

Try applying this product to other exposed, sensitive areas of skin such as your lips, nose, earlobes and even scars for short-term protection and long-term healthier-looking skin.

High-protection Winter SPF

If you’re looking for a reliable, sun-protector to see you through all twelve months, reach for Murad SPF Environmental Shield: City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum with SPF50. This revolutionary product uses Environmental Protection Technology to shield your face beyond UV rays including pollution, blue light and infrared rays to protect you from skin ageing from a number of sources. Meanwhile vitamin C helps to brighten the skin, toning and counteracting sun damage.

Sunscreen in Winter for Oily Skin

Another fan favourite, the Murad SPF Blemish Control Oil and Pore Control Mattifier is an oil-free, lightweight SPF moisturiser. A great option for the sweaty summer months or for all year round if you have more oily skin. SPF45 protection that minimises the pores by up to 54% whilst delivering 10 hours of oil, shine and pore control.

Winter SPF for Dry, Sensitive Skin

For dry, sensitive skin try the Avène Suncare Sun Cream. The perfect go-to daily SPF for dry, sensitive skin including UVB, UVA and blue light HEV sun protection. Water, sweat and sand resistant, this one can be a key product for your yearly skincare routine. With an added bonus of ocean-friendly sun filters that are respectful of marine biodiversity. Click here to find more cruelty-free and sustainable beauty products.

Explore More Skincare

Not found the product for you? Simply browse our extensive range of skincare for more SPF and sun cream products. Or to stay on top of the latest beauty, makeup and skincare trends, visit the allbeauty blog.