Year-Round SPF: Protecting Your Skin in Winter

It is a common misconception that ultraviolet radiation wanes alongside the mercury. In reality, UVA rays, which contribute to the darkening of pigmentation and uneven skin tone, penetrate glass and cloud cover with equal efficiency throughout the calendar year.

Neglecting sunscreen during the winter months negates the progress made during summer. If you aim to prevent the further intensification of existing sun spots, you must treat your morning application as a permanent daily requirement.

1. Cleanse the face thoroughly. Use a gentle, non-stripping cleanser to remove any residue from the previous night. Pat the skin dry with a clean towel. A clean surface ensures an even distribution of your protective product.
2. Apply a light moisturizer. Even if your sunscreen claims to be moisturizing, a thin layer of hydration underneath prevents the skin from feeling tight. Allow the moisturizer to set for one full minute before moving to the next step. This prevents the products from pilling.
3. Measure the sunscreen. For the face and neck, use an amount equivalent to the length of two fingers. Dots the product across your forehead, cheeks, nose, and chin. Precision in application ensures that the advertised protection factor is actually achieved.
4. Press, do not rub. Using your palms, gently press the sunscreen into your skin using a downward motion. Rubbing can displace the product, creating gaps in your coverage. Ensure the product settles into the contours near the nose and hairline.
5. Finish with a setting step. If the sunscreen leaves a slight tackiness, a fine dusting of translucent powder can keep it in place. This step is optional but helps prevent the SPF from migrating into the eyes during the day. Inspect the hairline to ensure no visible white residue remains.

Consistency in the winter is the difference between maintenance and correction.