Talking Winter Sunscreen Protection With Dr. Derrick Phillips Consultant Dermatologist & British Skin Foundation Spokesperson
Winter is edging ever closer, bringing with it shorter days, a bitter chill, and frosty mornings. You might have thought about investing in a new winter coat and beanie, but have you considered adding winter sunscreen to your wish list? Catching up with Dr Derrick Phillips, Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation Spokesperson, we discovered the importance of wearing winter SPF, ensuring your skin stays safe and shielded from winter sun damage over the coming months.
Renowned for its crucial role in funding research and awareness of skin diseases, including skin cancer, the British Skin Foundation collaborates with various organisations and institutes to support cutting-edge research and enhance the awareness and understanding of skin conditions. Chatting with Consultant Dermatologist and British Skin Foundation Spokesperson, Dr. Derrick Phillips, we found out more about why it’s so important to wear sunscreen year-round and the common mistakes people make with their skin in the colder months.
A lot of people refrain from using sunscreen in the colder months. Can you share with us why it’s so important to wear sunscreen year-round?
"A broad-spectrum sunscreen should be applied throughout the year as harmful UV rays are present regardless of the season. UVB rays, which cause sunburn are less intense in the winter, but UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and can accelerate skin ageing and cause mutations that lead to skin cancer, remain strong. These rays can penetrate through clouds, and window glass, meaning sunscreen is needed whether it's bright and sunny, or grey and overcast."
What’s one of the biggest mistakes people make when using sunscreen?
"One of the biggest mistakes people make is not applying enough sunscreen, and therefore only receiving a fraction of the protection on the label. An easy rule for the face and neck is to apply three finger lengths (index, middle and ring) or ½ teaspoon of sunscreen product."
Can the same kind of skin damage happen during winter?
"Sun damage can still occur during the winter months, but sunburn is less common as UVB rays are less intense during this period. UVA rays are still present and cumulative exposure will result in damage to skin proteins, and DNA, resulting in the development of fine lines, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation and increased risk of skin cancer."
Should people look for any specific ingredients in their winter sunscreen?
"During the winter months look out for sunscreen products with moisturising ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, and shea butter to combat dryness caused by cold air, wind and overuse of central heating."
In winter, should people be sticking to the same sunscreen application rules as they do in summer?
"Sunscreen should be applied daily irrespective of the time of year however, during the winter months it does not need to be reapplied as frequently. This is because less sunscreen is lost through sweating, less time is spent outside, and the days are shorter."
How does winter sun exposure differ from summer sun exposure?
"The intensity of UVB rays is lower in the winter however, UVA rays remain consistent throughout the year. Winter sun exposure can be deceptive because of the colder temperatures however, exposure without adequate protection can result in long-term skin damage."
Are there any specific concerns about sun damage in winter months?
"In the winter, people often neglect sun protection and assume they’re safe from UV rays. However, snow can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, significantly increasing exposure for those taking part in winter sports. This can put them at increased risk of sunburn, and DNA damage that increases the risk of skin cancer and accelerates skin ageing."
If you could offer one piece of advice regarding wearing sunscreen in winter, what would it be?
"The most important piece of advice I can offer is to treat sunscreen as a permanent part of your daily routine, just like brushing your teeth. Your skin remains vulnerable to the effects of UV radiation during the winter months, and consistent daily application of a broad-spectrum (SPF50 with 5-star UVA protection) will prevent long-term damage to your skin."
Five of our favourite winter sunscreens
Taking onboard everything Dr. Derrick Phillips has shared, we’ve rounded up five of our favourite winter SPFs, sharing their features, benefits and why they're great for your skin, especially during the cold winter months.
Avène Very High Protection Mineral Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream for Intolerant Skin
Providing optimum, year-round protection, this mineral-based Avène Very High Protection Mineral Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream for Intolerant Skin is formulated with Avène Thermal Spring Water to keep even the most sensitive skin safe through the winter months.
Hydrating, nourishing, and brimming with antioxidants, this skin-friendly sunscreen moisturises dry skin, drying to a light matte finish that leaves your skin safe, calm, and radiant.
Heliocare 360 Water Colour Gel Beige SPF50+
Nourishing, moisturising, and very highly protective, this Heliocare 360 Water Colour Gel Beige SPF50+ shields your skin against the harmful effects of winter UV rays, while providing a flawless natural coverage.
Formulated with a continuous-release hydration system and moisture boosting complex, this innovative sunscreen provides long-lasting protection and nourishment, ensuring your skin stays safe while enhancing hydration to combat dry and dehydrated skin.
Hello Sunday The Everyday One Face Moisturiser SPF50
Lightweight, nourishing, and providing powerful year-round sun protection, this Hello Sunday The Everyday One Face Moisturiser SPF50 caters to all skin types, tones, and textures, making it a perfect addition to any skincare routine.
Enriched with hyaluronic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin B5, This SPF infused moisturiser not only shields your skin from harmful UVA/UVB rays with broad-spectrum SPF50 but also promotes a radiant, hydrated complexion, its weightless texture absorbing quickly to leave a natural, dewy finish that's perfect for everyday wear.
Ultrasun Family SPF 30
Providing unparalleled protection for your entire family, this Ultrasun Family SPF 30 offers comprehensive defence against UVA, UVB, and Infrared-A rays, ensuring that your loved ones are well-protected year-round.
Designed to cater to all skin types, this year-round sunscreen is lightweight, non-greasy formula, and fast absorbing, providing long-lasting protection to everyone in your family, shielding even the most sensitive skin without irritation.
La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ SPF50
A soothing, multi-purpose cream that combines skin-repairing ingredients with broad-spectrum sun protection, this La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Baume B5+ SPF50 effectively calms and hydrates irritated skin while shielding it from harmful UVA/UVB rays.
Suitable for the entire family, including children and babies, this reparative sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin types prone to discomfort, the non-greasy texture absorbing quickly to provide instant relief for cracked, chapped, and dry skin in the winter. This versatile cream is also a powerful barrier protectant, helping skin recover from irritation and promoting long-lasting hydration.
Shop Winter Suncreen
Lightweight and smooth on the skin, this family sunscreen is fast absorbing and water-resistant, so no more worries on family holidays or day trips out.
Our FTF content team would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Derrick Phillips and the British Skin Foundation for their fantastic advice and time today.
Loved learning all about how to keep your skin safe from UV damage in the winter months? Head to our latest blog post: Mane Attraction: Autumn Haircare Heroes To Transform Your Locks This Season, where we share advice and tips for ensuring your hair stays healthy during autumn and winter.
