Most people stash their sunscreens away at the end of their vacations, convinced that the winter sun poses no threat. This is one of the most common skincare myths – UV radiation is present year-round, regardless of temperature or weather, and sun protection should be a permanent part of your routine. Did you know that even on a cloudy December day, your skin is vulnerable to photoaging? Find out why. SPF 50 should be part of your routine 365 days a year.
The winter sun seems mild and harmless, but this is deceptive. UVA radiation, responsible for premature aging i wrinkle formation, penetrates the atmosphere with the same force year-round. Low temperatures don't mean lower UV levels—it can even increase the risk of damage if you're exposed to snow, which reflects up to 80% of sunlight.
In winter, the skin is more sensitive and susceptible to irritation from frost, wind and dry air. Regularly applying SPF not only protects against photoaging but also supports the skin's protective barrier and prevents moisture loss. This is especially important for those using retinoids or acids, which make the skin more susceptible to sun damage.
UV radiation intensity varies with the seasons, but it doesn't disappear completely even in the coldest months. In summer, when the sun is at its highest, UVB radiation peaks between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., while UVA radiation remains constant throughout the day. In autumn and winter, the angle of incidence decreases, reducing UVB intensity, but UVA radiation still reaches the skin with similar intensity.
Here's what UV activity looks like in different seasons:
The surfaces around us act as a mirror for UV radiation, increasing the skin's actual exposure. Snow reflects up to 80-90% of sunlight, which means that during winter outdoor activities, skin is attacked both directly and from below. Water reflects approximately 25% of UV, meaning even under a beach umbrella, you're not fully protected.
Concrete and sand also contribute to increased exposure – reflect 10-15% and 15-20% of radiation, respectively. In cities surrounded by glass and concrete buildings, rays are reflected multiple times, reaching the skin from different directions. Therefore, even in the shade, it's worth using SPF, especially when walking on snowy mountain trails or on city streets on a sunny day.
Sun protection in the city differs from that needed on the beach primarily in terms of exposure time and radiation intensity. In the city, you spend most of the day indoors, and exposure to the sun is shorter but more frequent – on your way to work, during lunch, or a walk. SPF 30 applied in the morning is sufficient, although it's worth refreshing it at midday if you spend more time outdoors.
At the beach, however, you are exposed to continuous, intense exposure for several hours. An additional factor is the reflection of rays from the water and sand, which increases the risk of sunburn. Here, sun protection is essential. SPF 50 or 50+, renewed every 2 hours and after each contact with water. Regardless of location, UVA protection should be a priority – it is responsible for the long-term effects of photoaging.
Staying at home or in the office does not mean complete protection from the sun. Standard window glass allows up to 75% of UVA radiation through while blocking most UVB. This means that sitting by a window for several hours a day exposes you to the same factors that lead to wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and discoloration.
UVA radiation penetrates deep into the dermis, damaging collagen and elastin fibers. The effects aren't immediate but accumulate over time, leading to visible photoaging. Therefore, even on days spent indoors, it's worth applying SPF 30 as part of your morning routine—especially if you work at a desk near a window or frequently travel by car.
Inclusion SPF Adding sunscreen to your daily routine doesn't have to be complicated—just treat it like any other skincare step. It's best to apply sunscreen in the morning, as the last step after your serum and moisturizer, about 15-20 minutes before leaving the house. Give the product time to absorb and create a protective layer before applying makeup.
Here's a simple schedule for applying SPF every day:
The skin on your lips, eyes, ears, and décolleté is thinner and more susceptible to sun damage, so it requires special attention. Lips lack melanin, which naturally protects against UV radiation, making them susceptible to dryness, cracking, and breakouts. Apply a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher several times a day, especially in winter and summer.
The skin around the eyes is delicate and loses elasticity more quickly when exposed to the sun. Choose eye creams with sunscreen or apply your daily SPF lightly, avoiding direct contact with the mucous membranes. Don't forget about your ears, jawline and neck – these areas are often overlooked, yet it's precisely there that the first signs of photoaging become visible. A well-balanced skincare routine addresses the needs of even the most sensitive areas of the face.
Effective sun protection is a combination of several methods that together create a solid barrier against UV radiation. Sunscreen is essential, but it's worth supplementing it with additional measures – wide-brimmed hats protect the face and neck, sunglasses with UV 400 protection protect the eyes, and tightly woven clothing provides a physical barrier against radiation. Avoiding the sun during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and using the shade significantly reduces the risk of skin damage.
Our approach to skincare is key to ensuring that protection is not only effective, but also easy to incorporate into your daily routine – regardless of the season.
Yes – blue light emitted by screens and artificial lighting can contribute to photoaging and hyperpigmentation, so it is worth choosing cosmetics with antioxidants and filters that protect against HEV.
Children require mineral sunscreen with SPF 50+ as their skin is thinner and more sensitive – reapply every 2 hours and avoid direct sun between 10am and 4pm.
SPF 30 will work well in the city for short exposures, while SPF 50 or 50+ is necessary for long-term outdoor exposure, by the water, in the mountains and for sensitive skin.
The most effective combination is high SPF (50+), protective clothing, hats, UV-filtering glasses and avoiding the sun during peak hours.
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