Every reason you need to wear SPF this winter

Even when autumn turns to winter, pond surfaces turn to thick ice, and vitamin D supplements are pulled from the back of the cupboard… slacking on your SPF is not an option.  

I hate to say it, but summer is well and truly over. The leaves are brown-y orange, the air is crisp, and you might even spot the odd Christmas display. One thing that hasn’t changed with the seasonal shift, though? Our skin’s need for sun protection. 

Just because we’ve waved goodbye to golden hour sunsets doesn’t mean we’ve waved goodbye to damaging UV rays. Trust me, they’ll pierce through clouds like nobody’s business and wreak havoc, just like they do in the summertime. 

So, without further ado, here’s how to keep your skin UV-protected this winter, alongside our go-to protective products.  

What are the benefits of wearing sunscreen in the winter? 

In the months you’re forced to double up on socks and sleep with a hot water bottle, it’s hard to believe your skin is still susceptible to sun damage. Nonetheless, the sun’s UV rays are just as powerful throughout autumn and winter. In fact, the ozone layer is at its thinnest towards the end of the year, so those pesky rays can creep through clouds with ease. 

While ultraviolet radiation through September to February may not cause sunburn, it can cause long-term skin damage, like premature ageing, collagen breakdown, and hyperpigmentation.  

Additionally, many people exfoliate more in winter months due to flaky, dry skin that’s brought on by colder temperatures. This process brings young cells to the surface, which are more vulnerable to sun damage and photosensitivity.  

Enter: Sun Day, our ultimate Facial UV Defence. This SPF50 broad spectrum sunscreen is your personal bodyguard, fighting off all those harmful UVA and UVB rays. Oh, and it’s waterproof, so you’ll be prepared for those seasonal downpours! 

Packed with hydrating hyaluronic acid, calming banana flower extract, and nourishing prebiotics, Sun Day effortlessly sinks into the skin, offering maximum protection without leaving a trace. Doubling up as a moisturising primer, it’s a great base for our Beauty Booster Sheer Foundation (which also contains low-level SPF, but it’s always best to layer up).   

What SPF should I wear in the winter?  

It’s a widely circulated myth that SPF15 provides enough protection for the winter months – however many dermatologists would advise wearing SPF50 every day, including in the winter.  

UVB rays can damage your skin year-round, not to mention the fact they’re even more harmful when reflecting off of icy surfaces. Snow reflects up to 80% of the sun’s UV light, meaning you’ll bear the brunt of twice the UV exposure when the streets transform into a winter wonderland. So, if this winter turns out to be a white one, make sure you layer on SPF50 to ward off increased risks of skin cancer and skin damage – because SPF15 just isn’t going to cut it! because 15 just isn’t going to cut it! 

Used as an addition to Sun Day, our SPF50 Sun Stick is a pocket rocket skin protector that’s a godsend if you’re looking to carry sunscreen in your handbag. The battery pack equivalent of sun protection, this handy roll-on balm means you’ll never get caught short when you’re out and about and in need of a top-up.  

With a soothing and sensory mix of active ingredients – including vitamin E, cottonseed oil, marshmallow root extract and tamanu oil – dab on our sunblock stick if you see any redness appearing and it’ll soon erase any inflammation and discomfort. It’s also great for sensitive skin types that need extra TLC, plus it’s been independently tested and is safe to use on babies above six months old.  

Is SPF good for your skin? 

Gone are the days of using gloopy, ghost-white chemical sunscreen to protect yourself from sun exposure. In the past, sunscreen was wholly unglamorous, inevitably leaving you with oily skin *and* a potential breakout. Nowadays, though, many SPF products are multipurpose and offer far more than just UV protection. 

A prime example would be our natural, reef-safe Sun Day formulation. Yes, we’ve already mentioned plenty of this superstar’s beauty benefits, but it’s also worth noting that this powerful, nutrient-dense formula is packed with plant polymers instead of the pore-clogging silicone found in many sunscreens. This SPF50 cream also boasts aloe vera, which famously keeps your complexion ultra-plump and fresh, as well as hibiscus extract – an antioxidant that fights free radicals from causing inflammation and damage. 

Meanwhile, if you’re looking for SPF50 protection but don’t want to compromise on an all-year-round glow, Skin Shade Tinted Facial Cream is the one or you. Everyone loves a multitasker, and this is one of our does-everything delicacies. Improving the appearance of your skin by adding radiance to dull patches and calming down redness or flare-ups, it simultaneously protects your skin from sun damage using zinc oxide and titanium dioxide mineral filters. 

The ultimate multi-talented makeup/skincare hybrid, Skin Shade’s golden jojoba and coconut oils make your skin silky-smooth, while wild hibiscus flower and mountain pepper extracts boost your radiance, whatever the weather. The result is protected, quenched, and glow-y skin that lasts.   

CONCLUSION: Now that you know the answer to ‘should I wear sunscreen in winter?’, you can make sure you’re fully protected. Come rain, sun, or snow, SPF is your skincare BFF – no matter your skin type.