Do You Really Need Sunscreen in Winter? (Yes, and Here's Why)
Clouds, snow and car windows don't block the UV rays that age your skin. Why SPF matters in winter, how to wear it, and how monthly facials help.
Violetta 4 min read
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Once the leaves fall and the days get short, sunscreen is usually the first thing to drop out of a skincare routine. It's cold and gray, and you're barely outside.
The UV rays that cause dark spots, fine lines and loss of firmness don't take the winter off, though. Here's why SPF should stay in your routine through a New England winter, and how to wear it without feeling greasy.
UVA vs. UVB: The Part Most People Don't Know
There are two kinds of UV rays to think about:
- UVB rays cause sunburn. They're strongest in summer, which is why we connect sun protection with the beach.
- UVA rays reach deeper into the skin and cause most visible aging: wrinkles, sagging and uneven pigment. They stay fairly steady all year, and they go through clouds and window glass.
So you probably won't burn in January, but the damage that shows up later as aging still adds up.
Three Winter Sources of UV You Might Not Expect
1. Cloudy Days
Up to 80% of UV rays can get through cloud cover. A gray sky isn't protecting you.
2. Snow
Fresh snow reflects up to 80% of UV light back at you, so on a bright winter day you get it from above and below. If you ski, skate or just shovel the driveway, your skin is getting more exposure than you'd think.
3. Your Car and Office Windows
Glass blocks most UVB but lets a lot of UVA through. Your daily commute on 93 or 95 counts as sun exposure.
Why Winter Skin Needs Extra Protection
Cold air, wind and indoor heating all weaken your skin barrier. When it's compromised, your skin gets more reactive and more prone to irritation and redness, and it has a harder time recovering. Leaving out SPF on top of that adds stress your skin doesn't need.
Winter is also when many people start retinol, peels and other active treatments, because there's less sun. Those make your skin more sensitive to UV, so if you're using them, daily SPF matters even more.
How to Wear SPF in Winter (Without Hating It)
- Pick a moisturizing formula. Winter sunscreens can be richer. Look for ones with hyaluronic acid, ceramides or squalane so SPF and hydration happen in one step.
- Use SPF 30 or higher, broad spectrum. "Broad spectrum" means it protects against UVA, which is the main concern in winter. Our everyday pick is Face Reality Daily SPF 30 Plus, a lightweight, acne-safe formula that layers easily under makeup.
- Apply it last in your morning routine, before makeup. Use about half a teaspoon for the face and neck.
- Don't forget your neck, chest and the backs of your hands. They're often the first places to show age.
- Go higher for snow days. Skiing or a long walk in fresh snow calls for SPF 50. Face Reality Power Mineral SPF 50 is 100% mineral and gentle on sensitive, wind-chapped skin. Reapply every couple of hours outdoors.
- Use an SPF lip balm. Lips burn and chap easily in the cold.
What SPF Can't Fix, a Facial Can
Sunscreen prevents new damage. To deal with the dullness, dryness and leftover summer pigment that show up in late fall, professional treatments help.
Winter is a good season for facials. Your skin isn't dealing with intense sun, so it's an ideal time to exfoliate, rebuild hydration and work on uneven tone. Our Glow Facial is a 60-minute treatment customized to your skin, with dermaplaning included when it's right for you, and it finishes with SPF. For deeper work on sun damage and texture, DMK Enzyme Therapy treats the face, neck and décolleté.
Make It a Habit With the Glow Membership
Like sunscreen, facials work best when they're consistent. Your skin renews itself roughly every four weeks, so a monthly facial keeps it on track through the seasons.
With our Glow Membership, you get one Glow Facial every month for $110/month, less than the regular $130 price, plus member perks. Your esthetician gets to know your skin and adjusts every treatment as the weather changes.
Start Your Winter Skin Routine in Woburn, MA
New to Beauty Republic? Your first Glow Facial is $79. Book online, or start with a free 15-minute skin consultation and we'll build a winter routine around you.
