When the temperature drops and the days get shorter, it can be tempting to tug on your coat and forget about sun cream until spring. But we all know by now — or should — that winter doesn't give our skin days off. As such, one of the smartest things that we can do for it is to find an SPF that we get along with beautifully and wear it daily come rain or shine.
UVA: the all-year skin ager
Why? Because while UVB levels certainly dip in the winter, UVA rays — the ones most associated with ageing, as well as pigmentation, conditions like rosacea, and long-term skin damage — remain very much present all year round, penetrating clouds, windows and even our clothes, regardless of whether the sun feels hot or not.
As aesthetician and founder of KMP Skin Katharine Mackenzie Paterson reminds us, “where there is light, there can be UV damage," adding that around 80 per cent of skin ageing is now thought to be attributed to UV exposure. It’s a statistic that I’m sure you’ll agree — makes winter SPF slacking feel far less tempting,
What to look for in a winter sunscreen
As such, what is crucial at this time of year is to ensure that your sunscreen of choice delivers excellent UVA as well as UVB protection. This is why experts are particularly insistent that we use a broad-spectrum sunscreen, checking that it has a strong UVA rating, such as a five-star system, a PA+ rating of more than four, or a PPD of 16+.
While summer SPFs tend beautifully to our warmer-weather needs — often focusing on being lightweight, waterproof, or mattifying for example — winter brings with it cold winds, dry air and central heating, all of which can leave the skin barrier compromised. Accordingly, at this time of year you may want to look for richer, hydrating formulations enriched with the likes of squalane, ectoin or hyaluronic acid, which work to soothe and strengthen skin while keeping UV rays at bay.
Concerned about the pigmentation from last summer's UV exposure? Abi Cleeve, skincare educator and MD of Ultrasun UK advises that SPF / skincare hybrids incorporating rainbow algae or hexylresorcinol are also great options for those wanting work on refining their skin tone “over the winter months.”
SPF vs Vitamin D
And what about vitamin D? A fairly common concern is that wearing winter sunscreen might block your intake of vitamin D — but dermatologists argue otherwise. The UVB levels in winter are already too low for meaningful vitamin D production, so incidental sun exposure won’t normally cut it anyway. As such, vitamin D supplementation is the safest and most effective bet for most of us.
Application rituals for cold weather
Last but by no means least, application habits can shift in the colder months. While long, warm, sunny days require regular SPF reapplication, winter is more forgiving - unless you're heading out into glare-prone terrain, such as a ski slope, at which point it’s back to regular application.
Final thoughts: SPF is not seasonal
In conclusion, winter sunscreen is far from a beauty “extra.” Choosing a broad-spectrum, skincare-hybrid SPF can help your skin battle the harsh winter elements, slow down ageing, and defend against invisible daily damage.
My top winter SPF picks
Allies of Skin Sunless Tan SPF 50 Sunscreen + Self-Tanner 3-in-1 Skincare, SPF and a teeny tiny whisper of self-tan in one clever formula — perfect for breathing a subtle glow back into winter-washed skin. (£56, uk.allies.shop)
iS Clinical Extreme Protect Treatment SPF30 Sunscreen A beautifully rich but fast-absorbing cream that wraps skin in serious protection, while delivering an impressive roster of reparative skincare benefits (£80, spacenk.com)
Kiehls Ultra Light Daily Defense SPF 50 PA ++++ A featherweight daily shield that offers high protection without heaviness, making it an easy, everyday essential for nearly all types. (£45, kiehls.co.uk)
La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVAir Daily Fluid SPF50+ Formulated for those who dislike the feeling of SPF, this ultralight fluid disappears instantly, while hydrating and refining skin with hyaluronic acid and niacinamide. (£25, boots.com)
Ultrasun Face Fluid Sun Protection Anti Pigmentation SPF50+ An excellent daily option formulated to prevent and minimise dark spots, while delivering long-lasting high UVA and UVB protection in a light, wearable fluid. (£23, boots.com)
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+ A silky, beautifully hydrating screen with squalane which feels a bit like a primer to wear. Ideal for those who want high protection with plump skin and a fresh, radiant finish. (£34, ultraviolette.co.uk)
Augustinus Bader The Sunscreen SPF 50, This very premium, very velvety SPF leans on the brands’ TFC8 complex to support skin repair while offering robust, broad-spectrum, protection. (£105, cultbeauty.co.uk)
Garnier Vitamin C Daily UV, Invisible Brightening Fluid, SPF50+ This wallet-friendly SPF is a beauty editor favorite which works hard to brighten dull winter skin with vitamin C, while offering invisible, weightless protection. (£13.50, boots.com)
