Do You Really Need Sunscreen in Winter? 90% People Get This Wrong!

When winter finally arrives, most people happily pack away their sunscreen; after all, the sun feels softer, the air is chilly, and the sky stays clouded most days.
But here’s the truth that 90% people get wrong: you absolutely need sunscreen in winter, sometimes even more than you need it in summer.

And no, this isn’t just a skincare myth. Dermatologists across the world agree that UV damage doesn’t stop when winter begins. In fact, certain winter conditions make UV penetration stronger.

Let’s break it down simply and help you choose the best sunscreen in winter based on your skin needs.

Why Sunscreen in Winter Is Non-Negotiable

1. UVB may reduce, but UVA stays constant

• UVB (the “burning rays”) go down in winter.
  
• But UVA (the “ageing and pigmentation rays”) remains the same all year.
  

UVA is responsible for:

• pigmentation
  
• tanning
  
• early wrinkles
  
• dullness
  
• long-term collagen damage
  

And since UVA passes through clouds, fog, pollution, and glass, winter does nothing to protect your skin.

2. Winter dryness weakens your skin barrier

Cold air + dry winds = moisture loss.
A weakened skin barrier is more prone to UV damage, irritation, and tanning.

Using SPF in winter protects your already-delicate winter skin.

3. Blue light + winter sun = double damage

Winters mean:

• more indoor time
  
• more laptop/mobile exposure
  

Blue light accelerates pigmentation, and combined with UVA, the effect is intensified.

4. If you travel, UV exposure doubles

Whether you're:

• driving
  
• trekking
  
• attending weddings outdoors
  
• sitting near a window
  

You’re still exposed to UV rays, even if the sun “feels weak.”

So, Is Sunscreen Necessary in Winter?

YES, 100%.
No matter your skin type, weather, or routine.

Even if you only step outside for 15 minutes, winter sun can tan and damage your skin.

Also Read: Skincare Routine for Oily Skin: The Ultimate Morning-to-Night Routine to Control Oil Naturally

How to Choose the Best Sunscreen in Winter (Based on Skin Type)

Different skin types need different protection. Here’s a clean, simple guide.

1. For Babies & Kids (Sensitive Skin)

Babies spend a lot of time outdoors in the winter sun. Their skin is thinner and loses moisture quickly, which makes UV protection even more crucial.

👉 Try the premium, dermat-approved option:
CITTA - Protecting Sunscreen SPF 70 PA++++

• Very high protection
  
• Safe for babies & kids
  
• Lightweight, non-sticky
  
• No harmful chemicals
  

Link:
CITTA Protecting Sunscreen SPF 70 PA++++ – baby sunscreen, sunscreen for kids, spf 70 sunscreen

2. For Adults With Combination or Oily Skin

Winters can still make oily skin look shiny or cause clogged pores.
You need a sunscreen that protects without greasiness or white cast.

👉 Try:
CITTA Invisible Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 PA++++

• Zero white cast
  
• Non-comedogenic
  
• Super lightweight serum texture
  
• Best for pigmentation-prone skin
  
• Perfect for daily winter use
  

Link:
CITTA Invisible Sunscreen Serum SPF 50 PA++++ – invisible sunscreen, sunscreen serum, non comedogenic sunscreen

3. For Dry or Sensitive Skin (Common in Winter)

Cold weather makes dry skin even worse. You need SPF + nourishment together.

👉 Best pick:
CITTA Soothing Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++
(with Niacinamide & Hyaluronic Acid)

• No white cast
  
• Moisturising yet lightweight
  
• Calms dryness, redness, and irritation
  
• Perfect winter sunscreen for dry skin
  

Link:
CITTA Soothing Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ – sunscreen with niacinamide, sunscreen for dry skin spf 50

How Much SPF Should You Use in Winter?

Even in winter, dermatologists recommend SPF 50 PA+++ or more.

Here’s why:

• PA+++ protects against UVA
  
• SPF 50 shields from even low-intensity UVB
  
• Higher PA rating = better anti-pigmentation defence
  

When & How to Apply Sunscreen in Winter

• Apply 20 minutes before stepping out
  
• Reapply every 3–4 hours if outdoors
  
• Use 2-finger rule for the right quantity
  
• Apply even on cloudy days
  
• Use indoors if sitting near windows or screens
  

Why CITTA Sunscreens Are Safe for Families

At CITTA, everything begins with one question: “Because WHY NOT?”

Why not create sunscreens:

• that are safe for babies and adults
  
• made with dermatologist-approved formulations
  
• inspired by dadi-nani ke nuskhe and modern science
  
• completely transparent (we reveal every ingredient, even at 0.01%)
  

Because conscious skincare is not optional, it’s essential.
Just like sunscreen in winter.

Conclusion:

To put it simply:

✔ Winter sun still damages skin
✔ UVA rays stay active all year
✔ Dry winter skin is more sensitive
✔ Sunscreen prevents tanning, pigmentation & premature ageing

And with the right formula, wearing sunscreen daily becomes effortless.

Also Read: Glowing Skincare Routine for Teens & Adults: Morning to Night

FAQs:

1. Can we use sunscreen in winter?

Absolutely yes. UVA rays remain constant throughout the year and damage your skin even in winter.

2. Which is the best sunscreen in winter?

For babies: CITTA Protecting Sunscreen SPF 70 PA++++
For adults: Oily/combination skin → CITTA Invisible Sunscreen SPF 50
Dry/sensitive skin → CITTA Soothing Sunscreen SPF 50

3. Is sunscreen necessary in winter if the sun isn't visible?

Yes. UVA rays penetrate clouds, fog, pollution, and even glass.

4. Do I need to apply sunscreen indoors in winter?

Yes, if you sit near windows or use screens for long hours.

5. Which sunscreen is best for dry skin in winter?

A hydrating SPF like CITTA Soothing Sunscreen SPF 50 PA+++ with niacinamide & hyaluronic acid.

Also Read: Hair Care Routine in Winter: What Most People Do Wrong (And How to Fix It!)