Winter Doesn’t Mean Zero Sun: Why You Need Sun Protection Year-Round

Many patients ask us in clinic: “Why should I wear sunscreen in the winter? It’s cold, the sun isn’t strong, and I’m mostly indoors.”

Here’s the truth: your skin is exposed to damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays every single day—year-round, even in winter, even on cloudy days, and even through windows.

If your goal is preventing premature aging, dark spots, and skin cancer, daily sun protection isn’t seasonal—it’s essential.

The Invisible Sun: How UV Damage Happens in Winter

Most people associate sun damage with summer beach days, but UV radiation is present whenever there is daylight. UVA rays are the primary cause of premature skin aging because they are present year-round and can penetrate both clouds and glass. Unlike UVB rays, UVA rays reach deeper layers of the skin, where they damage collagen and elastin over time. This cumulative exposure is responsible for visible signs of aging such as wrinkles and fine lines, hyperpigmentation and dark spots, and a gradual loss of skin firmness and elasticity. Long-term UVA exposure also increases the risk of skin cancer, making daily protection essential even when you’re indoors or it’s not sunny outside.

Sunblock vs Sunscreen: What’s the Difference?

While the terms are often used interchangeably, there is an important distinction—especially when choosing daily facial protection.

Physical Sunblock (Mineral Sunscreen)

Physical sunblocks work by blocking and reflecting UV rays away from the skin, acting like a protective shield.

Key benefits of mineral sunblock:

• Uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide (the only true physical UV blockers)
• Sits on the skin’s surface instead of absorbing into it
• Reflects both UVA and UVB rays
• Zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection
• Ideal for sensitive, acne-prone, and post-procedure skin
• Modern formulas now come in tinted, elegant finishes—no white cast

Chemical Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens protect the skin by:

• Absorbing UV radiation
• Converting it into heat within the skin

They often feel lighter and more cosmetically elegant, but UV energy is still entering the skin before it’s neutralized. Important note: Any tanning or skin color change means UV energy has already penetrated the skin—and that’s where DNA damage begins.

Why I Recommend Mineral Sunblock for Daily Use

At Spa 43, we often recommend physical (mineral) sunblock, especially formulas containing zinc oxide, because they:

• Provide consistent, reliable broad-spectrum protection
• Work immediately upon application
• Are less irritating for sensitive or post-treatment skin
• Layer well under makeup
• Protect during daily activities like driving, errands, and indoor work

Think of mineral sunblock as a protective shield, rather than a chemical absorber.

The Bottom Line: Yes, You Need Sunscreen in the Winter

UV exposure doesn’t take a seasonal break.

• UVA rays penetrate windows
• Sun damage occurs even on cloudy winter days
• Mineral sunblocks create a true physical barrier
• Daily SPF helps prevent wrinkles, pigmentation, and skin cancer

So yes—you do need sunscreen in the winter. The most effective sun protection is the one you’ll use consistently. Applying a broad-spectrum SPF every morning is a simple habit that plays a powerful role in preventing premature aging, pigmentation, and skin cancer.

If you have any questions about choosing the right sunscreen or building a year-round sun protection routine, our board-certified dermatologists and aesthetic experts at Spa 43 are here to help. We’re happy to guide you toward products and treatments that support healthy, resilient, and youthful skin at every stage of life.