If there’s one skincare step dermatologists and skincare experts universally praise, it’s sunscreen. While retinol, peptides, and vitamin C all have their place in an anti-ageing routine, SPF remains the single most effective product for preventing wrinkles, sunspots, and premature ageing. Yet one of the biggest misconceptions in skincare is that sunscreen is only necessary in summer.

The experts want you to know: SPF is essential year-round, even in winter and here’s why.

Why is SPF important for your skin?

Before talking seasons and the different ways they can affect your skin, it’s important to understand how sun exposure actually ages the skin. Two types of UV rays affect the skin:

• UVB rays – cause sunburn, remember the B means burning
• UVA rays – penetrate deeper, accelerating ageing (wrinkles, pigmentation, collagen breakdown)

While UVB intensity changes seasonally, UVA rays remain strong all year long and can travel through clouds, fog, and even glass. These rays are responsible for up to 90% of visible ageing, a process known as photoaging and with daily sun protection this could be greatly reduced.

This is why dermatologists consistently say: If you care about ageing, SPF is non-negotiable.

Do you really need SPF in winter? Short answer, yes, definitely.

Many people stop applying SPF once temperatures drop, but winter brings unique UV challenges that you may not have realized before.

1. Do UVA rays take a break?

Even on the darkest, coldest winter days, UVA rays reach your skin. Because they penetrate deeply, they damage the collagen and elastin that keep skin firm and youthful. UVA have a longer wavelength than UVB so they can reach the lower levels of your skin more easily.

2.  Do clouds offer protection?

Up to 80% of UV rays pass through clouds, meaning overcast days still expose you to photoaging.

3. What about in Snowy conditions?

Snow can reflect as much as 80% of UV rays, hitting your skin twice, once from the sky and once bouncing up from the ground. So, for your next winter break or ski trip, make sure you’re wearing your sun protection!

4. If you’re inside, are you safe from UVA rays?

Work near windows? Driving? UVA rays travel through glass, ageing your skin even if you never step outside.

The result? Winter can be just as damaging to your skin as the summer

Dermatologists Agree: Daily SPF Is Essential

Year after year, dermatologists rank sunscreen as the most essential product for youthful skin. The reasoning is simple: SPF prevents damage that no serum or treatment can fully reverse. And that’s what we love to hear!

Most dermatologists recommend:

• Daily SPF 30 (or higher)
• Broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB)

Their message is clear: Consistency matters more than season. We’d recommend a sun protection product with added hydrating ingredients to smooth and nourish the skin. Many SPFs will have either mineral or chemical UV filters, and it depends on your skin type which would suit you the most. Try our guide for the difference between chemical and mineral filters and which might suit your skin the best.

Ultrasun Recommendations:

Face SPF50+ – This is perfect for the winter months as it has a slightly thicker and creamier texture that hydrates and protects the skin in one. Across our products you’ll see we use Ecotin® that’s proven to prevent UVA-induced premature photoageing of the skin!

Photoage SPF50 – Super lightweight and the ideal primer for your skin, the easy nozzle allows this protection to glide on effortlessly and give you a high level of protection.

Face Fluid Anti-Pigmentation – Our award-winning fluid is beautifully light on the skin, created with Rainbow Algae that’s proven to reduce pigmentation by up to 27% in just one week!

Face Fluid Tinted – If you need something that has a hint of colour, this is your all-in-one SPF protection and colour. Suited for all skin types, it offers heavy duty protection again UVA, UVB, Infrared-A and Blue Light in a quick and easy to apply tinted fluid.

The Anti-Ageing Benefits of Wearing SPF Every Day

Here’s what daily sunscreen can do for your skin — even in winter:

1.     Prevents fine lines and wrinkles

SPF protects collagen from breaking down, keeping skin firmer for longer. We have a dedicated Eye SPF which is lightweight and non-irritation for the delicate eye area, perfect for helping prevent fine lines around the eyes.

2.     Reduces age spots and hyperpigmentation

UV exposure triggers dark spots, melasma, and uneven tone — all preventable with daily sunscreen. Notice how your hands have age spots as they’re consistently exposed to UV rays?

3.     Maintains elasticity

By protecting elastin, SPF helps skin stay smooth and lifted. And that’s a win-win for us!

4.     Boosts long-term skin health

Preventing damage is always easier than treating it later.

Daily SPF isn’t just skincare, it’s an investment in how your skin will look decades from now.

What is the secret to ageless winter skin?

If there’s one step that can truly transform your skin long-term, it’s sunscreen, and it’s just as essential in winter as in summer. Dermatologists agree: the best anti-ageing product is prevention, and SPF is your strongest defense.

Make SPF part of your daily routine, no matter the season, and your skin will thank you for years to come.