Why Your Skin Needs Sunscreen In Winter Too

Winter is slowly knocking on our doors. While we are busy keeping our woollens ready, it is also time to amp up our skincare routine. If you are wondering that now is the time to keep your sunscreen aside, because the weather is going to get cloudy, then you are making a big mistake. Let us tell you that sunscreen is an essential ingredient even in winter. This article will help you understand why.

To get a better understanding of this, the editorial team of OnlyMyHealth reached out to Dr Shireen Furtado, Sr Consultant – Medical and Cosmetic Dermatology, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore. Read ahead.

Do We Need Sunscreen In Winter?

One of the most common questions that skincare enthusiasts often ask is: do we need sunscreen in winter? Our expert answers this for you.

“Yes, sunscreen is needed in winter too. Even though the weather feels cool, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are still strong and can damage your skin. UV rays can cause tanning, early wrinkles, and even skin cancer over time. In winter, the sun’s rays can reflect off surfaces like snow, water, and buildings, increasing your exposure. Clouds may block sunlight, but UV rays can still pass through them. Using sunscreen protects your skin from these harmful rays and keeps it healthy. It also prevents dryness and dark spots caused by sun damage. So, applying sunscreen daily especially on the face, neck, and hands is important, even during cold or cloudy winter days,” shares Dr Furtado.

Choosing The Right Sunscreen In Winter

Every season has different skincare needs. It is important to choose the right products. “In winter, choose a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Even though the weather is cool, UV rays can still harm your skin. Pick a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 for daily use, and SPF 50 if you spend more time outdoors or near snow,” answers the expert.

She adds that for dry skin, use a cream-based sunscreen with moisturising ingredients. “For oily or acne-prone skin, a gel-based or matte sunscreen works better. If your skin is sensitive, go for a mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Always check that it is water-resistant and non-comedogenic. Apply it generously on exposed areas, even on cloudy days, and reapply every few hours for complete protection,” shares Dr Furtado.

Also Read: Beyond SPF: Sunscreen Myths That Increase Skin Cancer Risk

Benefits Of Using Sunscreen In Winter

Now that we know that use of sunscreen during winter is indispensable, let’s take a look at the benefits it has to offer. Dr Furtado jots them down for us:
Using sunscreen in winter protects your skin from harmful UV rays that can cause damage even on cloudy or cold days.

• It helps prevent tanning, sunburn, dark spots, and early signs of ageing like wrinkles.
• UV rays can also reflect off glass, and water, increasing exposure; so sunscreen acts as a shield.
• It keeps your skin tone even and reduces the risk of skin cancer caused by long-term sun damage.
• Sunscreen also prevents dryness and irritation that can worsen in cold weather by locking in moisture.
• Applying sunscreen daily on your face, neck, and hands keeps your skin healthy, soft, and glowing throughout winter, even when the sun doesn’t feel strong.

Mistakes To Avoid While Using Sunscreen In Winter

On this note, Dr Furtado shares some of the common mistakes people make while using sunscreen in winter:

• Applying too little sunscreen or skipping it altogether, just the weather feels cool.
• Many forget to reapply it every few hours, especially after sweating or wiping the face.
• Some use sunscreen only on sunny days, but UV rays can still harm skin on cloudy or foggy days.
• People also miss applying it on areas like ears, neck, and hands, which are equally exposed.
• Using expired sunscreen or mixing it with makeup before applying can reduce its effectiveness.
• Another mistake is not using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with at least SPF 30.

To protect your skin properly, apply enough sunscreen evenly every morning, even indoors or during cold weather.

What Is The 3-Finger Rule For Sunscreen?

You must have heard of the three-finger rule for sunscreen? Our expert tells us what it is all about.

Dr Furtado explains, “This 3-finger rule is an easy process to measure how much sunscreen you need for your face and neck. You should squeeze the sunscreen along the length of three fingers – the index, middle, and ring. This amount is usually enough to give full and even coverage to your face and neck. Using less than this may not provide proper protection from the sun’s harmful UV rays. It helps prevent tanning, sunburn, and skin ageing. Many people use too little sunscreen, which reduces its effect. By following the three-finger rule, you make sure your skin is well protected. Remember to apply sunscreen 15–20 minutes before going out and reapply every few hours for best results.”

Also Read: Should You Apply Sunscreen To Chickenpox Scars? We Asked An Expert

The Final Word

Your skin needs sunscreen in winter too. Even though the weather feels cool, the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are still strong and can damage your skin. UV rays can cause tanning, early wrinkles, and even skin cancer over time.Using sunscreen protects your skin from these harmful rays and keeps it healthy.