Should You Wear SPF Every Day in Winter?

The debate over wearing SPF during winter months often sparks lively discussions in the skincare community. On one side, advocates argue that consistent sun protection is essential to prevent UV damage and support long-term skin health. On the other, skeptics in regions with low UV levels see daily SPF in winter as unnecessary or even wasteful.

So, where does the truth lie? As with most skincare topics, the answer depends on a mix of factors like your environment, habits, and skincare goals. In this article, we’ll explore why sunscreen is important, when it’s indispensable, and how you can tailor your routine to find the right balance.

Let’s Remind Ourselves: Why Do We Wear SPF at All?

Before diving into the seasonal debate, it’s worth taking a moment to reflect on why sunscreen is such an integral part of skincare:

To Protect Against Skin Cancer

Sunscreen shields your skin from harmful UV rays, significantly reducing the risk of skin cancer.

To Prevent Premature Skin Aging

Exposure to the sun’s rays is one of the main factors contributing to wrinkles, fine lines, and other signs of aging. Regular sunscreen use helps slow these processes by protecting the skin from both UVA and UVB radiation.

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s explore when sunscreen use is especially important—even during winter—and when it might not be as critical.

When Winter Sunscreen Is Essential

While winter often brings shorter days and weaker sunlight, there are certain situations where sunscreen remains vital. Let’s take a closer look.

Living in Regions Where the UV Index Stays High

If the UV index in your area exceeds 3 during the winter months, sunscreen is still necessary. This is common in places closer to the equator or at higher altitudes, where the sun’s rays are stronger year-round.

For outdoor enthusiasts or those spending a lot of time in the sun, reapplying every two hours is ideal. For office-goers or those indoors most of the day, applying SPF in the morning and refreshing with an SPF powder or stick when heading out may suffice.

Using Skincare Ingredients That Increase Photosensitivity

Certain active ingredients, such as AHAs (like glycolic acid) or retinoids, can make your skin more sensitive to sun. If your skincare routine includes such actives, sunscreen use becomes essential even on overcast, low-UV days to avoid irritation and damage.

Managing Hyperpigmentation

If you’re prone to dark spots or hyperpigmentation, SPF helps keep these areas from worsening or recurring. It’s a simple but effective way to maintain an even skin tone year-round.

Outdoor Winter Activities

Planning a ski holiday or love hiking in the mountains? It’s important to know that UV radiation increases by about 10% for every 1,000 meters you ascend. Fresh snow can reflect up to 90% of UV rays, amplifying your exposure. Whether you’re skiing or simply enjoying the mountain air, sunscreen protects exposed skin from sunburn and long-term damage.

What About Low-UV Regions?

Now, for those of us living in regions where the sun is shy in winter—think northern Europe or other similarly cloudy areas — does daily SPF still make sense? Here’s where opinions diverge, but there are some considerations worth noting:

Habit and Consistency

Skincare routines can be tricky to adjust from season to season. Many people prefer to stick with a consistent habit, and sunscreen can be a low-effort addition to ensure year-round protection.

If the UV index rarely rises above 1 or 2 where you live, a good compromise might be switching from standalone sunscreens to a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher. This keeps your skin protected while simplifying your routine.

Cloudy Days and Indirect Exposure

It’s a myth that clouds block UV rays entirely—they only reduce UV levels by about 50%. This means you can still accumulate exposure during your morning commute, quick errands, or the dog walk. Incorporating SPF into your routine ensures you’re covered without overthinking every outdoor moment.

Common Concerns About Winter Sunscreen

While the benefits of SPF are clear, some common objections are worth addressing.

“Sunscreen in Winter Is a Waste of Product and Money.”

It’s true that UV exposure is lower in winter, but that doesn’t mean it’s absent. If cost or convenience is a concern, a hybrid product like a moisturizer with SPF can be a great alternative. It simplifies your routine while still offering protection.

“Does SPF Cause Vitamin D Deficiency?”

This is a common worry, but research suggests that sunscreen has minimal impact on vitamin D levels in real-world use. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen to block UVB rays completely, and missed spots (like the scalp, ears or hands) still allow for some sun exposure. If you’re concerned about vitamin D, it’s always worth discussing with your doctor, but skipping SPF isn’t the best answer.

Striking a Balance

The truth is, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to winter SPF use. Your decision should be guided by your location, lifestyle, and skincare goals. 

At Happy Skincare, even in northern Germany where UV levels drop significantly in winter, we opt for daily SPF. Why? Because we use actives like AHAs, enjoy the occasional sunny spell, and believe in forming simple, protective habits. By switching to SPF moisturizers during the colder months, we ensure our skin gets the care it needs without adding unnecessary steps.

Wearing SPF in winter might not be as crucial as during summer’s peak UV hours, but it’s a practice that offers more benefits than drawbacks. Whether you’re braving the slopes, managing sensitive skin, or simply maintaining your routine, sunscreen can be a small but impactful addition to your winter skincare.

References: 

Wong M. Sun Protection and Vitamin D Deficiency. Lab Muffin Beauty Science. December 18, 2016. Accessed October 14, 2024. https://labmuffin.com/sun-protection-and-vitamin-d-deficiency/

Neale RE, Khan SR, Lucas RM, Waterhouse M, Whiteman DC, Olsen CM. The effect of sunscreen on vitamin D: a review. Br J Dermatol. 2019 Nov;181(5):907-915. doi: 10.1111/bjd.17980. Epub 2019 Jul 9. PMID: 30945275.