Don’t give up on sunscreen, here’s why winter sun can harm your skin

How to select the right sunscreen: Watch out for ingredients like phospholipids, glycerin and gentle humectants which help prevent that tight, dehydrated feeling winter often brings, without making the skin greasy (Image: Pexels)

Winter mornings can be deceiving. The sky is pale, the light seems soft, and there’s a chill in the air that makes you feel as though the sun has taken the season off. But it hasn’t — not even slightly. As any skincare lover eventually learns, what feels gentle isn’t always harmless.

So what if the weather is cold and gloomy, the sun never really goes on holiday. Even though the winter sunlight may be weaker in brightness, its UVA rays that cause tanning, pigmentation long-term damage, stay active. And this is where sunscreen continues to stay important as a skincare product.

Skincare benefits of sunscreen

The UVA rays slip through clouds, glide across cold air and settle on the skin without warning. Malini Adapureddy, Founder and CEO, Deconstruct Skincare, tells Moneycontrol, “Those patches of uneven tone that suddenly show up before winter comes to an end, usually begin now, during these soft, chilly weeks. Sunscreen, in this season, becomes less about heat protection and more about keeping the skin steady, calm and even through the day.”

Also read | No more sticky sunscreens, try the cooling gel formula that hydrates, protects and disappears

Winter also brings subtle shifts to the skin. It may look clearer, yet feel oddly reactive. “Some days it seems smooth, on others a little dull, often because the cold steals moisture faster than we realise. But these shifts don’t call for heavier, greasier formulas.” informs Adapureddy, adding, “What the skin really needs is balance. A sunscreen that cushions rather than coats, one that sits lightly and protects throughout the day.”

She adds, “People stay consistent when skincare feels good, when it blends naturally into their routine rather than asking for extra effort.” This easy, everyday approach offers protection that supports the skin instead of overwhelming it.

How to choose the best sunscreen for your skin type

Adapureddy shares tips on how to choose the right sunscreen for your skin type in winter:

Gel-based textures work for oily and combination skin

A gel formula sinks in quickly, leaves no cast and won’t add shine when paired with moisturiser. It feels natural, especially in colder weather when thick creams can feel suffocating.

Look for broad-spectrum coverage

Make sure it shields against UVA (tanning, pigmentation) and UVB (burns, surface damage). “Winter doesn’t reduce the need for protection, it just changes what the skin responds well to,” Adapureddy says.

Hydrating ingredients matter more than you think

Ingredients like phospholipids, glycerin and gentle humectants help prevent that tight, dehydrated feeling winter often brings, without making the skin greasy.

Aim for balance, not correction

Winter isn’t the season for harsh actives or unnecessary routines. A gentle sunscreen keeps skin even, comfortable and stable, so you don’t have to undo dullness later.

When sunscreen feels gentle and effortless, it becomes part of your day, not a chore. “Skin stays more even, makeup sits better, and winter doesn’t leave behind those stubborn patches that show up when the season changes,” concludes Adapureddy.

FAQs on Skincare Benefits of Sunscreens in Winter

1. Why is sunscreen important in winter?

Sunscreen remains crucial in winter as UVA rays can penetrate clouds and cold air, causing tanning and pigmentation. It's essential for maintaining even skin tone and protection.

2. How do winter conditions affect the skin?

Winter can make skin reactive, sometimes smooth, sometimes dull, due to moisture loss. Sunscreen helps balance and protect the skin from these changes.

3. What type of sunscreen is best for oily or combination skin?

Gel-based sunscreens are ideal for oily and combination skin as they absorb quickly, leave no residue, and feel natural without adding shine.

4. What should you look for in a winter sunscreen?

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays and includes hydrating ingredients like glycerin to prevent winter dryness.

5. How does a good sunscreen improve your winter skincare routine?

A gentle, effortless sunscreen that blends into your routine helps keep skin even and comfortable, ensuring makeup sits better and preventing stubborn patches.

Disclaimer: This article only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific diagnosis.