Certain populations, like seasoned outdoor sports fans, are likely well aware of the need to wear sunscreen in winter. After all, developing burns and chapped skin after a day on the slopes is an experience most people don’t easily forget.
But a 2024 survey conducted by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) found that nearly one in five Americans don’t know that you can get sunburned in the winter. The survey went on to note that even those who are aware of the risk aren’t using sunscreen properly during the colder months and that only six percent protect their skin while working out or playing sports in the winter.
According to dermatologists, this is cause for concern. “Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is present year-round, so proper winter sun protection is very important,” says Dr. Eva Rawlings Parker assistant professor of dermatology at Vanderbilt University Medical Center. Excessive UV radiation exposure is linked with a higher risk of developing skin cancer, along with premature skin aging and even suppression of your immune system, raising your risk of getting infections.
If you make a point to put on sunscreen before spending time outside in the winter, congrats—you’re doing more than the majority of Americans. But dermatologists say that your winter sunscreen game still may not be as strong as you think. Here’s what to know about using sunscreen in the winter for the best possible skin protection.
Don’t Wait Until You’re Outside to Put On Your Sunscreen
Under ideal circumstances, you’d apply your sunscreen about 15 minutes before you head outside, says Dr. Susan Massick, a dermatologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. This gives the sunscreen time to absorb into your skin to protect you.
If you happen to forget to put on sunscreen before you go out, slather it on as soon as you can. Just keep in mind that your skin is considered unprotected for about 15 minutes after the time you put it on, so you can still burn.
You Need to Reapply Your Sunscreen in Winter (And Often)
As in the summer months, it’s important to reapply your winter sunscreen to maximize your protection. The AAD recommends reapplying every two hours or anytime after sweating.
“You should pay special attention to areas on your face that are exposed, especially your cheeks, nose, lips, and ears,” Massick says. If you’re planning to spend the day outside, she suggests carrying a sunscreen stick (like this favorite from Supergoop!) or a travel-sized tube, which are petite and easier to carry with you than a full-sized bottle of sunscreen.
Again, if you’re sweaty, you’ll need to reapply sunscreen more frequently. Parker recommends being extra aware of that if you’re spending time on the slopes or in any other situation where you’re surrounded by snow. “UV intensity is higher at altitude, and snow absorbs very little UV, reflecting 80 percent of rays,” she says. “This means greater potential for UV exposure during winter sports such as skiing and snowboarding.”
One more thing to keep in mind, per Dr. Cindy Wassef, an assistant professor at the Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School: you’ll want to reapply sunscreen if you wipe your face with a towel or your gloves.
The SPF You Use Is Still Important
The AAD recommends applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to all skin not covered by clothing. “In the winter, stick to hydrating formulas or moisturizers with SPF to help moisturize the skin and protect the skin barrier from the cold, dry weather while giving UV protection,” says Dr. Joshua Zeichner, director of cosmetic and clinical research at The Mount Sinai Hospital.
Wassef agrees. “Given the dry weather, using sunscreen in cream form may be more moisturizing for the skin,” she says. Some popular choices include Badger Mineral Sunscreen Cream, which is reef-friendly and water-resistant, or EltaMD UV Sheer, which contains vitamin C to protect your skin from free radicals as well as the sun.
Pay Attention to Your SPF’s Ingredients
Keep in mind that there are two main categories of sunscreen ingredients: chemical sunscreens and mineral sunscreens.
Chemical Versus Mineral Sunscreens
Ingredients in mineral sunscreens act as physical blockers that reflect the sun’s rays off the skin and are primarily formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, Massick explains. Because the UV rays are reflected off the skin, mineral sunscreens provide protection from both UVA rays, which cause skin aging and are linked to skin cancer, and UVB rays, which can cause sunburn and skin cancer.
For those with sensitive skin, Parker says that paying extra attention to ingredients, particularly those found in chemical sunscreen, is a must.
“Chemical sunscreen, such as oxybenzone and avobenzone, cover specific UVA and UVB ranges, so a combination or mixture of chemical ingredients are needed to provide broad-spectrum coverage,” she says. These sunscreens tend to rub in easier than mineral sunscreens, but the chemicals in them mean they have a higher risk of causing topical issues. “Those with sensitive skin might experience irritation from chemical sunscreens and should instead use a mineral-based sunscreen which contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide,” she says.
She adds that while physical sunscreens tend to be more opaque and harder to rub in (resulting in that undesirable “white cast” we all strive to avoid), they are less likely to cause rash and irritation. As a bonus, they’re also usually more environmentally friendly than their chemical counterparts.
If You Use Chemical Peels or Retinol Creams, Be Extra Mindful of Sun Protection
Chemical peels and retinol creams make your skin extra sensitive to the sun.
This increased sensitivity happens because these treatments thin the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of skin, Massick explains. “The stratum corneum serves an essential role as a barrier layer, protecting our skin from environmental insults including UV and maintaining skin hydration,” she says. “Therefore, for those who routinely use exfoliants, year-round UV protection is critical to minimize sun sensitivity.”
Zeichner agrees. “If you are exfoliating the skin or using retinol, it is even more important to wear sunscreen as those ingredients can increase your risk of a sunburn,” he says. Using a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher and reapplying every two hours should protect you, Zeichner says. But, if you’re particularly concerned about burns or sun damage, you can increase the SPF.
Coat Your Lips With SPF, Too
Dermatologists agree that it’s a good idea to use a lip balm with SPF—like Paula’s Choice Lipscreen—too. “UV protection for the lips is also essential to prevent precancerous damage known as actinic cheilitis,” Parker says. “This affects the bottom lip more than the upper lip and presents as rough, scaly patches which can develop small erosions or fissures.”
Parker notes that in addition to being aesthetically irritating, this can develop into skin cancer with time. Skin cancers on the lip can be more challenging to treat and can progress more aggressively if not detected, Massick says. “Protect your lips just like you would your skin with SPF directly applied on the lips, whether through a sunscreen product or specific lip product,” she says. “If using lip balm, make sure that you are applying liberally—swipe across the lips three times.”
Can You Still Get Vitamin D from the Sun with Sunscreen On?
Don’t worry: you’re not sacrificing your daily dose of vitamin D while wearing SPF. “Even with sunscreen, the skin gets enough UV light to create vitamin D,” Zeichner says. However, if you’re concerned about your vitamin D levels, he suggests having vitamin D-rich foods like milk, salmon, mushrooms, and fortified orange juice.
If you’re still concerned, Parker suggests consulting with a healthcare provider to have your vitamin D levels checked. If they’re low, your doctor may suggest a supplement. “Because of these alternative options, it is not worth the risk of developing skin cancer from unprotected sun exposure,” Wassef says.
Just because you can get sunburned in the winter doesn’t mean you will. Adding a few simple steps to your cold-weather skincare routine will go a long way toward protecting yourself—and the quality of your outdoor play.
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