Why You Should Use an SPF Cream All Year Round

Dermatologists agree on one thing: protecting your skin from the sun should not be limited to summer holidays. Although we most strongly associate sunscreen with hot weather, UV radiation affects the skin throughout the entire year—even when temperatures are low or the sun is hidden behind clouds.

Sun exposure is not only responsible for temporary effects such as redness or sunburn. Over time, it can contribute to premature skin ageing, pigmentation changes, and serious conditions such as skin cancer. That’s why daily sun protection should be a permanent part of your skincare routine.

Why Is Year-Round UV Protection So Important?

Applying sunscreen regularly helps maintain healthy, youthful-looking skin, regardless of the season or weather conditions. UV radiation reaches the skin every day, even when it doesn’t feel warm or sunny outside.

Making SPF protection a daily habit supports:

• prevention of premature wrinkles and loss of elasticity,

• reduction of pigmentation and uneven skin tone,

• long-term protection against UV-related skin damage.

How Does UV Radiation Affect the Skin?

Ultraviolet radiation is divided into UVA and UVB rays, both of which impact the skin in different ways.

UVA Rays

UVA rays are primarily responsible for photoaging. They penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to wrinkles, loss of firmness, and age spots. Importantly, UVA rays can pass through clouds, glass, and some clothing, which means the skin is exposed to them almost constantly.

UVB Rays

UVB rays are the main cause of sunburn and play a significant role in the development of skin cancer. Their intensity varies during the day and season, and unlike UVA rays, they do not penetrate glass or clouds. However, when exposure occurs, the damage can be immediate and visible.

Solar Radiation and the Seasons

• Spring and autumn: Longer daylight hours and frequent sun exposure mean the skin is affected by both UVA and UVB rays for much of the day.

• Winter: Even though the sun feels weaker, UV radiation remains harmful. Snow and ice can reflect up to 80% of UV rays, increasing the risk of skin damage.

This makes year-round protection from both UVA and UVB radiation essential, regardless of the season.

Which SPF Products Should Be Used Daily?

The entire body benefits from UV protection, but the face and hands are especially vulnerable as they are exposed most often and show signs of ageing the fastest.

For everyday care, it’s recommended to:

• use a face cream with SPF as part of your morning routine,

• apply a hand cream with SPF regularly,

• during summer or travel to sunny climates, protect the entire body with an SPF lotion or cream.

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Can SPF Creams Be Used Under Makeup?

Yes — and they should be.

While some foundations and makeup bases contain SPF filters, using a dedicated sunscreen provides more reliable protection. The recommended routine is:

1. Apply your regular skincare products.

2. Once absorbed, apply an SPF cream.

3. Proceed with makeup application.

This method ensures effective sun protection while maintaining a flawless appearance throughout the day.

How Often Should SPF Be Applied?

For most people, reapplying sunscreen several times a day isn’t always practical. At a minimum, SPF products should be applied once daily throughout the year, regardless of weather.

During holidays, hot weather, heavy sweating, or swimming, reapplication becomes more important:

• ideally every 2–3 hours when exposed to the sun,

• after swimming or excessive sweating, sunscreen should be reapplied immediately.

Consistent use is the most effective way to ensure long-term skin protection.