Shorter days and colder air don’t mean your skin is safe from the sun. UV rays remain active throughout winter, and when combined with dry indoor air, they can leave your skin vulnerable to irritation, redness, and long-term damage.
A winter skincare routine to prevent sun damage keeps your skin hydrated, healthy, and protected from UV exposure all season long.
Why Sun Protection Still Matters in Winter
Even when it’s cold or cloudy, up to 80% of UV rays reach your skin. Snow and ice reflect sunlight, which can increase exposure — especially on your face, scalp, and neck.
Dermatologists emphasize that UV protection is a year-round priority. UV radiation contributes to premature aging and increases the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers such as basal cell and squamous cell skin cancers.
Wearing sunscreen daily, even in the winter, remains one of the most effective ways to protect your skin’s health.
Step-by-Step Winter Skincare Routine
1. Use a gentle cleanser
Cold weather and indoor heat can dry out your skin. Use a mild, non-foaming cleanser to remove dirt without disrupting your skin’s natural oils.
2. Moisturize with rich, barrier-repairing ingredients
Look for moisturizers with ceramides, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin to help your skin retain hydration. For daytime, choose a formula that includes SPF for added convenience.
3. Apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily
Use SPF 30 or higher, even if you’ll be indoors most of the day. UVA rays penetrate glass and contribute to long-term skin damage.
4. Protect exposed skin outdoors
Before going outside, apply a balm or cream to areas like the nose, lips, and cheeks. This creates a protective layer against wind and cold.
5. Hydrate from within
Drinking enough water helps keep your skin hydrated from within, while using a humidifier at home can add moisture to dry winter air and support the skin’s barrier.
6. Reapply SPF for outdoor activities
Snow glare can intensify UV exposure during skiing, hiking, or other winter sports. Reapply sunscreen every two hours while outdoors.
Indoor vs. Outdoor UV Exposure
Indoor UV: UVA rays can pass through windows and contribute to gradual damage, even when you’re inside.
Outdoor UV: UVB rays are stronger at higher altitudes and on bright, snowy days due to reflection.
Dermatologists recommend broad-spectrum sunscreen all year long — regardless of season or cloud cover.
Choosing SPF Products for Winter
Dermatologists recommend:
- Mineral-based sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide for sensitive skin.
- Hydrating SPF moisturizers for a one-step morning routine.
- Lip balms and hand creams with SPF to protect commonly missed areas.
Avoid products with alcohol or added fragrance, which can dry or irritate skin in low humidity.
FAQ: Winter Skincare and Sun Protection
No. UVA rays penetrate windows and still cause long-term damage. Daily usage keeps your skin protected indoors and outdoors.
A hydrating mineral sunscreen (SPF 30+) offers broad protection and keeps skin moisturized.
Yes. Snow and ice reflect sunlight, which can double your UV exposure during outdoor activities.
You can continue using your regular sunscreen in winter. If your skin feels drier in cold weather, a more moisturizing formula can be more comfortable.
Daily Habits That Support Skin Health in Winter
Prevention is a key part of skin health. Protecting your skin from UV damage is the key step in reducing skin cancer risk. Keeping the skin hydrated helps maintain a healthy skin barrier during winter, but it is not a cancer-prevention measure on its own. Simple steps like daily sunscreen, protective clothing, and regular skin checks go a long way toward keeping your skin healthy.
If you have already been diagnosed with basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer, treatments like Image-Guided SRT (IGSRT) offer a non-surgical option.
Learn more about how IGSRT works:
