Sonnenschutz im Winter: Warum er wichtig ist

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SUN CARE GUIDE

Sun Protection in Winter: Why You Shouldn't Skip It in the Cold and How to Make It Easy

Grey, cold, hardly any sun: sunscreen happily wanders back into the drawer. Why that's not a good idea and how to use it consistently in winter too.

by Merielyn, founder of VELVET GLOW

In this article you'll learn:

Why UV radiation reaches your skin in winter too
When sun protection matters most in winter
Why sun sticks are so practical day to day
How to apply and reapply correctly

Is the Sun Really Weaker in Winter?

Yes and no. UV intensity is lower in winter because the sun sits lower. But it isn't zero. UVA radiation in particular, which is partly responsible for skin ageing, fluctuates less over the year than UVB. It can also pass through clouds and window glass.

That doesn't mean you should sound the alarm on every grey day at the office. It means your skin is exposed to UV all year round and that daily prevention makes the difference in the long run.

When Is Sun Protection Especially Important in Winter?

In the mountains: UV exposure rises with altitude, and fresh snow reflects a large share of the radiation onto your face as well. When skiing and hiking in snow you should definitely use high protection.

On clear, sunny days: Even in the cold the sun can be quite strong, especially on nose, cheeks and forehead.

When you use actives that can make skin more sensitive: Retinol, acids and exfoliants are popular in winter. Daily sunscreen then belongs in the routine. More on this in the winter routine.

Why Sun Sticks Are So Practical in Winter

In winter you wear scarves, hats and thick jackets. Reapplying with cream or lotion is a hassle then. A sun stick fits in your jacket pocket and goes on in seconds, even over make-up and without creaming your hands.

An honest limitation: a stick doesn't always replace the morning base layer. Apply it generously and in several passes so the area is really covered. A thin line across the cheek isn't enough.

You'll find more on the Korean approach to sun protection in the article Korean sunscreen and on tone-up versions in the article Tone-up sunscreen.

Merielyn's Note

I used to happily skip sunscreen in winter too. It just felt unnecessary. What changed my mind was the thought that skin ageing and dark spots aren't seasonal business.

Since then a simple rule applies for me: it goes on in the morning, even on grey days. And for on the go I carry a stick. Not perfect, but consistent, and that's worth more than perfect on three days in summer.

How to Apply Sunscreen Correctly in Winter

As the last step of your morning routine, after the moisturiser. Be generous, because too little product means less protection than stated on the packaging.

For longer stays outdoors, for example in snow, reapply about every two hours. Don't forget nose, ears, lips and neck.

In the evening sunscreen needs to come off thoroughly. Double cleansing with a cleansing balm or oil does that reliably.

The Most Common Mistakes with Winter Sun Protection

First: leaving it out completely when it's cold and cloudy.

Second: applying too little. Being sparing backfires here.

Third: not reapplying in the mountains. Snow, altitude and wind put extra strain on the skin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sun Protection in Winter

Do I really need sunscreen every day in winter?

For long-term skin health, daily use makes sense, especially on the face. On very dark days at the office the risk is lower, but basic protection doesn't hurt.