Why Wearing SPF Is *Still* Important In The Winter

We all know how important sunscreen is, but in the winter? When it’s snowing and you feel like you haven’t seen the sun in days, you might find yourself asking if you *really* need it, or if you can skip that step in your skincare routine. We’re here to clear the air and tell you that yes, SPF is still so important in the winter. 

But… it’s cloudy?
Even though we might be fooled into thinking that cloudy skies and cool temps mean we can’t experience skin damage, UV rays can be just as damaging in the dead of winter, with 80% of them passing through the clouds. UVB rays, on one hand, are way more intense in the sunnier months, but UVA rays are just as present year round. (And if you need a little refresher on the difference between UVA and UVB rays, check out our article on Understanding Sunscreen). To keep your skin healthy and protected from the wrinkles, fine lines, and skin aging that can happen with too much sun exposure, applying SPF daily is a must. 

I’m indoors all day--do I still need it?
Even if you’re spending most of the winter hunkered down indoors, it’s smart to continue applying sunscreen as UVA rays also penetrate glass. They’re truly everywhere. 

Okay! Where do I get started?
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that’ll keep your skin protected year round, we have just the thing. Although there’s no one-size-fits all sunscreen recommendation for every person (as we mentioned in this article, many different factors determine your SPF needs including your family history and the activities you’ll be enjoying), the American Academy of Dermatology recommends using at least SPF 30.