Why You Need Sunscreen All Year Round, Even in Winter (Yes, Really!)

When most people think of the word “sunscreen,” they think summer...beach days, tanning, road trips, and long afternoons under the sun.
But here’s the truth that dermatologists keep repeating (and what most people still don’t realise):

Sunscreen is a daily essential.. in winter, on cloudy days, indoors, and even when you’re nowhere near the sun.

As the colder months settle in the northern hemisphere and the days get shorter, UV exposure doesn’t disappear. In fact, winter creates NEW risks your skin still needs protection from. If youthful, healthy, glowing skin is your priority, SPF is non-negotiable 365 days a year. Especially if you want to prevent ageing (which alot of it is caused by sun damage)

Let’s break the myths and explain why winter sunscreen needs to become your newest cold-weather habit.

Myth #1: “It’s winter, so the sun isn’t strong.”

Reality: Up to 80% of UV rays still reach your skin, even on cloudy days.

The sun emits two types of rays that matter for skin:

UVB

• • Causes sunburn
• • Strongest in summer
• • Does decrease in winter

UVA

• • Penetrates deeper into the skin
• • Causes premature ageing, wrinkles, fine lines, collagen damage
• • Contributes to pigmentation
• • Passes through clouds
• • Passes through windows
• • Present all year round — and the same intensity even in winter

UVA = Ageing rays
UVB = Burning rays

So even if you’re primarily indoors with a blanket and hot chocolate…
… UVA rays are still able to reach your skin through windows, your car windshield, and cloudy days. 

That is why dermatologists recommend daily broad-spectrum SPF, winter included.

Winter Makes Your Skin MORE Vulnerable

Cold weather dries the skin, compromises your barrier, and reduces your natural protection.
This makes your skin:

• • More prone to dehydration
• • More sensitive to UV damage
• • More likely to show fine lines and dullness
• • Slower to repair sun exposure

If you’re using active ingredients like vitamin C, retinol, or AHAs?
Your need for SPF doubles, because these ingredients increase photosensitivity.

The Anti-Aging Secret Nobody Talks About

If you ask any dermatologist what the #1 anti-aging product is…
…it’s not retinol.
…it’s not collagen supplements.
…it’s not serums.

It’s daily sunscreen. 

Here’s why:

• • 90% of visible aging comes from UV exposure
• • UVA rays break down collagen fibres
• • UV speeds up fine lines, sagging, pigmentation, and dark spots
• • Daily SPF helps prevent hyperpigmentation and melasma
• • SPF preserves the results of your skincare routine

If you want youthful, glowing, smooth skin — sunscreen is the foundation.

Why Mineral Sunscreen Is Better for Winter Skin

With so many SPF options, choosing the right one matters 

Mineral sunscreen (like zinc oxide) offers:

• ✔ Instant protection
• ✔ Safe for sensitive or dry winter skin
• ✔ Better for acne-prone skin
• ✔ More stable in cold-weather conditions
• ✔ No harsh chemicals
• ✔ Non-irritating for compromised skin barriers

Chemical SPFs need 15–20 minutes to activate and may irritate sensitive winter skin.
Mineral SPF gives you immediate protection.

Why the Shessentials Natural Organic SPF 45 Is the Go-To Choice for Year-Round Protection

If you’re looking for a clean, non-toxic, reef-safe, no white cast, winter-friendly mineral sunscreen, this sunscreen stands out from the rest and here’s why:

1. Non-Nano Zinc Oxide SPF 45 (Safe, Clean, Broad-Spectrum)

Non-nano zinc sits on the skin’s surface, reflecting UVA + UVB rays instead of absorbing them.
This means:

• • No endocrine disruptors
• • No harsh chemicals entering the bloodstream
• • Safe for pregnancy & sensitive skin
• • Gentle for dry winter skin
• • Full broad-spectrum protection

This is especially important in winter when UVA damage is just as strong.

2. Zero White Cast — Even on Deeper Skin Tones

One of the biggest trending USA search terms this year:
“mineral sunscreen without white cast”
“sunscreen for dark skin no white cast”

Our SPF checks all the boxes:

• • Smooth absorption
• • No chalky residue
• • No greasiness
• • Works on fair to deep skin tones
• • Blends instantly (super important for colder months when you want a natural finish)

3. Ultra-Moisturizing Winter-Friendly Ingredients

Winter = dryness.
Your sunscreen shouldn’t make that worse.

This formula is packed with:

• • Shea Butter → restores barrier + prevents dryness
• • Mango Butter → softens and nourishes
• • Coconut Oil → locks in moisture

Instead of leaving your skin tight or flaky (which many cheap SPFs do), this blends like a hydrating moisturizer + SPF in one.

Clean, Organic, Non-Toxic & Reef-Safe

Free from:
❌ Synthetic dyes
❌ Parabens
❌ Sulfates
❌ Phthalates
❌ Chemical UV filters

So yes, it is safe for babies too! A blog about that here

It aligns with the rising trend of US consumers searching for:

• • “clean beauty sunscreen”
• • “organic sunscreen zinc oxide”
• • “reef safe SPF”
• • “non nano mineral sunscreen”

 5. Sustainable, Zero-Waste Packaging

Eco-conscious beauty is becoming a top US trend.
All Shessentials sunscreen jars and bottles are:

• • Reusable
• • Zero waste
• • Recyclable
• • Free from unnecessary plastic

Good for your skin and the planet.

How to Use Sunscreen in Winter (Most People Do This Wrong)

• • 15 minutes before heading outside
• • A generous layer, don't just dab a tad on
• • Daily (yes, even when you're indoors)
• • Reapply every 2 hours if you're outdoors, driving, or exposed to windows

Don’t forget:

• ✔ Hands
• ✔ Neck
• ✔ Chest
• ✔ Around the eyes
• ✔ Ears
• ✔ Under the chin

These areas are the first to show aging.

The Bottom Line: Winter Is the Most Important Time to Wear SPF

Using sunscreen only in summer is one of the biggest skincare myths.
If you want:

• • Younger-looking skin
• • Fewer wrinkles
• • Reduced dark spots
• • Better skin texture
• • A protected skin barrier
• • Slower aging

…sun protection all year round is essential.

The Shessentials SPF 45 just makes it easier — clean, organic, hydrating, and winter-friendly with no white cast.