Dermatologists Explain The Surprising Reasons You ‘Must’ Continue Using Sunscreen In The Winter

1. UV Rays Don’t Go Away in Cold Weather

The temperature may drop, but UV radiation stays strong year-round. UVA rays are responsible for premature aging and deeper skin damage, and they penetrate the skin in every season and can reach you even when the sun feels weak.

2. Clouds Don’t Block Most UV Radiation

Winter often brings overcast skies, but clouds only filter out about 20 percent of UV rays. That means up to 80 percent still reach your skin, causing invisible damage even when you don’t see or feel direct sunlight.

3. Snow Reflects UV Rays Back at You

Snow is highly reflective, bouncing UV radiation back toward your face. This double exposure is especially risky if you’re skiing, snowboarding, or even just walking outside on a bright winter day.

4. Winter Activities Increase Sun Exposure

Outdoor winter sports and time in higher altitudes expose your skin to stronger UV rays. The higher you go, the thinner the atmosphere becomes, so sunlight becomes more intense even in cold temperatures.

5. Daily Winter Habits Still Expose Your Skin

You’re not protected just because you’re indoors more. UVA rays pass through windows, meaning your skin can still be damaged while you're driving, working near a window, or relaxing at home. Daily SPF keeps this type of damage in check.