Why Sunscreen Should Not Keep Away During Winter

Medha Chawla

Publish : 01 Dec 2024, 05:14 PM

Photo: Collected

Even though the sun may feel mild or remain hidden during winter, it doesn't mean UV rays are absent. In fact, this is the season to be extra cautious of UV A rays, experts say.

In Short

Sunscreen application is just as important during winter as it is during summer
It is important to reapply sunscreen after every 2-3 hours, even during winter
Choosing the right sunscreen is of utmost importance

The winter sun feels so comforting; one could spend an entire afternoon simply sitting, reading, listening to music, or engaging in simple pleasures like eating peanuts or knitting, all while basking in its warmth. This soul-soothing sun is the reason we all enjoyed our November picnics—before, of course, smog ruined those plans.

The winter sun feels more like an ally, unlike the harsh summer sun that requires strict protection to avoid issues like heatstroke. As a result, people often neglect sun protection during the chilly season, and sunscreen eventually takes a backseat. Dermatologists, however, strongly recommend using sunscreen during winter.

That sunscreen is only required during summer or when stepping outside is a myth.

Even though the sun may feel mild or remain hidden at times during winter, it doesn't mean UV rays are absent. This is the season to be extra cautious of UV A rays.

"Sunscreen is not just for summer; UV rays are present throughout the year, regardless of temperature. While UV B rays might be weaker during winter, UV A rays penetrate deeper and cause premature ageing and skin damage," says Dr Ruben Bhasin Passi, Consultant, Dermatology, CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram.

"UV radiation, UV B radiation, infrared (IR) radiation, and blue light are present year-round, regardless of the season. Broad-spectrum protection is crucial to shield the skin from these harmful rays and prevent damage," adds Dr Sagar Gujjar, MD Dermatologist, Founder and Head of Skinwood, Mumbai.

Essentially, you need sunscreen in winter because UV rays are still present, even on cloudy days, and can cause skin damage, premature ageing, and increase the risk of skin cancer.

What about the application?
Applying sunscreen is not enough; you need to reapply it every 2-3 hours. The rule remains the same even during winter.

"Sunscreen effectiveness typically lasts for 2-3 hours after application, regardless of the type used. To ensure continuous protection, reapply, especially during peak hours between 11 am and 2 pm if you're outdoors between 9 am and 4 pm," says Dr Sagar Gujjar.

Similarly, the amount of sunscreen you use shouldn't decrease in winter. Follow the two-finger rule for applying sunscreen to your face, even during reapplication.

"Although the winter sun feels softer, this does not mean that you can use less sunscreen. UV A rays cause ageing and damage your skin, and their intensity does not change with temperature or the strength of the sun," explains Dr Passi.

When you are in a snowy area, generous usage of sunscreen becomes even more imperative.

"Snow and ice can reflect UV rays, thus increasing exposure. A smaller amount of sunscreen leaves parts of the skin unguarded and puts it at risk of damage," explains Dr Passi.

How to choose the right sunscreen
To ensure proper sun protection, it is important to choose a good sunscreen. PS: an expensive or trending product does not necessarily mean it is effective. You can also find effective sunscreens at a pharmacy.

Here's a quick guide to help you select the right sunscreen:

Broad-spectrum protection: Choose a sunscreen that offers protection against both UV A and UV B rays.

Non-comedogenic: Opt for a sunscreen labelled "non-comedogenic" or check its ingredients to ensure it won’t clog your pores. You can even use ChatGPT to check ingredients.

PA value: Pay attention to the PA value, which indicates protection from UV A rays. PA+ means low protection, PA+++ is high, and PA++++ indicates very high UV A protection. Experts recommend PA+++ for regular use.

SPF factor: Contrary to popular belief, there is barely any difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50. SPF measures how well a sunscreen protects you from sunburn.

"A sunscreen with SPF 15 blocks 93% of UV B radiation, SPF 30 blocks 97%, SPF 50 blocks 98%, and SPF 100 blocks 99% of UV B rays from reaching your skin. So, there isn’t a significant difference between SPF 30 and SPF 100," writes Dr Jaishree Sharad in her book The Skincare Answer Book. Ideally, a sunscreen should be SPF 30 or above.

Skin type: Choose a sunscreen suitable for your skin type. For oily or acne-prone skin, opt for non-comedogenic, oil-free formulas. For dry skin, look for hydrating ingredients like glycerine, hyaluronic acid, or ceramides. For sensitive skin, physical sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are ideal, as they are less likely to irritate.

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