The winter sun feels very comfortable; One can spend an entire afternoon simply sitting, reading, listening to music, or engaging in simple pleasures like eating peanuts or knitting, enjoying its warmth. This soul-soothing sun is the reason we all enjoyed our November picnics – of course, before fog ruined those plans.

The winter sunshine feels like an ally, unlike the harsh summer sun which requires strict protection to avoid problems like heatstroke. As a result, people often neglect sun protection during cold weather, and sunscreen eventually becomes less important. However, dermatologists strongly recommend using sunscreen during winter.

Sunscreen is needed only during summer or when going out, it is a myth.

Even though the sun sometimes feels lighter or hidden during the winter, that doesn’t mean UV rays are absent. Actually, this is the season to be extra cautious of UV A rays.

“Sunscreen isn’t just for summer; UV rays are present throughout the year, regardless of temperature. While UV B rays may be weaker during winter, UV A rays penetrate more deeply and cause premature aging and damage to the skin,” says Dr Ruben Bhasin Pasi, consultant, dermatology, CK Birla Hospital. Says Gurugram.

“UV radiation, UV B radiation, infrared (IR) radiation, and blue light are present year-round, no matter the season. Broad-spectrum protection is important to protect the skin from these harmful rays and prevent damage,” says Dr. Says Sagar Gujjar, MD dermatologist, founder and head, Skinwood, Mumbai.

Essentially, you need sunscreen in the winter because UV rays are still present even on cloudy days, and can damage the skin, cause premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer.

What about apps?

Applying sunscreen is not enough; You have to reapply it every 2-3 hours. The rules remain the same during winter also.

“The effect of sunscreen usually lasts for 2-3 hours after application, regardless of the type of application. To ensure continued protection, reapply if you are out between 9 am and 4 pm, especially during peak hours between 11 am and 2 pm,” says Dr Sagar Gujjar.

Similarly, the amount of sunscreen you use should not decrease in winter. Follow the two-finger rule for applying sunscreen to your face, even during reapplication.

“Even though the winter sun seems softer, that doesn’t mean you can use less sunscreen. “UV A rays cause aging and damage your skin, and their intensity does not change with temperature or sun intensity,” explains Dr. Pasi.

When you’re in a snowy area, it’s even more important to use plenty of sunscreen.

“Snow and ice can reflect UV rays, increasing the risk. Dr. Pasi explains, “Applying a small amount of sunscreen may leave some areas of the skin unprotected and put it at risk of getting damaged.”

How to choose the right sunscreen?

It is important to choose a good sunscreen to ensure proper protection from the sun. PS: An expensive or trending product does not mean that it is effective. You can also find effective sunscreen at any pharmacy.

Here’s a quick guide to help you choose the right sunscreen:

• broad-spectrum security: Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UV A and UV B rays.
• non comedogenic: Choose a sunscreen labeled “non-comedogenic” or check its ingredients to make sure it won’t clog your pores. You can also use ChatGPT to check the content.
• pa price: Pay attention to the PA value, which indicates protection against UV A rays. PA+ means low protection, PA+++ is high, and PA++++ indicates very high UV A protection. Experts recommend PA+++ for regular use.
• spf factor: Contrary to popular belief, there is barely any difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50. SPF measures how well a sunscreen protects you from sunburn.
  “Sunscreen with SPF 15 blocks 93% of UV B radiation, SPF 30 blocks 97%, SPF 50 blocks 98%, and SPF 100 blocks 99% of UV B rays from reaching your skin. Therefore, there is no significant difference between SPF 30 and SPF 100,” writes Dr. Jayshree Sharad in her book. skincare answer sheetIdeally, a sunscreen should be SPF 30 or above.
• skin type: Choose sunscreen suitable for your skin type. For oily or acne-prone skin, choose non-comedogenic, oil-free formulas. For dry skin, look for hydrating ingredients like glycerin, hyaluronic acid or ceramides. For sensitive skin, physical sunscreens containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are ideal, as they are less likely to cause irritation.

To keep your skin happy and healthy this winter, don’t forget to apply moisturizer, too!