Sunscreen in winter – yes or no?

In summer, applying sunscreen is part of everyday life for most people. What many underestimate is that the winter sun is also quite powerful . In this article, we explain why sunscreen is so important in winter, what you should look out for when choosing one, and why a combination of sunscreen and cold protection is the best option in winter.

1. Should you use sunscreen in winter too?
2. How high should the SPF be for sun protection in winter?
3. Sunscreen in winter vs. sunscreen in summer – what’s the difference?
4. Sunscreen when skiing, hiking, etc. – what else you should pay attention to

Should you use sunscreen in winter too?

Yes, you should use sunscreen even in winter if you want to avoid the long-term damage caused by UV radiation. There are two important reasons for this:

1. High UV exposure even in winter

Although it is not necessary to use sunscreen every day in winter, you should apply it especially if you are going to be outside for a long time . UV radiation is often particularly strong in the mountains and in the snow, which reflects the sun's rays. That's why sunscreen should always be with you when doing winter sports such as skiing or snowboarding!

Our tip : It is best to find out about the current UV index in your region. As soon as the UV index is 3 or higher, you should protect your skin from the sun.

2. Lack of moisture due to cold and wind

In addition, cold and wind remove moisture from the skin and weaken its natural protective barrier. This makes it even more vulnerable to external influences, including potential UV rays. So protect your skin not only from the sun, but also from winter weather conditions .

How high should the SPF be for sun protection in winter?

No matter whether you are going for a walk or doing sports outdoors: The sun protection factor of your sunscreen should be at least SPF 20 in winter. This is because SPF is logarithmic to UV protection and from SPF 20 onwards the UV protection is already 95%, with an SPF of less than 20 it only reaches a fraction of that. If you are spending a long time in the snow or at higher altitudes, we recommend a sunscreen with SPF 50, including for your lips!

Sunscreen in winter vs. sunscreen in summer – what’s the difference?

We are often asked if there is a difference between sunscreens for summer and sunscreens for winter. In short: yes!

While classic summer sunscreens are usually water-based, winter sunscreens and so-called alpine sunscreens should generally be water-free. However, they usually aren't. But they should definitely have a higher fat content for additional protection against the cold .

Sunscreen when skiing, hiking, etc. – what else you should pay attention to

If you are active all day, you should make sure to reapply sunscreen regularly to maintain sun protection.

And most importantly : Don't forget your lips! They are particularly sensitive and should also be protected with a special lip balm with sun protection factor .