Why You Should Wear Sunscreen During Winter Sports

We’re breaking down why it’s important to wear sunscreen during your favorite activities and how to choose the perfect SPF skincare for skiing, snowboarding and more!

There are plenty of reasons to love winter: steaming mugs of hot cocoa, cozy nights spent playing board games or watching movies and, of course, winter sports! For outdoor enthusiasts, the season isn’t complete without a trip to the slopes…but did you know that SPF is a must-have in your sports bag?

While SPF should be a part of your winter skincare routine every day this season (after all, up to 90% of the visible signs of aging are caused by the sun and the UVA rays that cause dark spots, fine lines and wrinkles maintain the same strength year-round), it’s extra important to wear sunscreen during winter sports. One reason for this is altitude: UV increases about 2% for every 1000-foot increase in elevation due to thinner mountain air. Plus, snow absorbs only a small portion of the sunlight that hits it and can reflect back up to 80-90%, which can lead to sunburn and increase your risk of sun damage.

The American Academy of Dermatology recommends wearing a broad spectrum sunscreen (one that protects against UVA and UVB rays) with at least SPF 30 every day. For active days, it’s a good idea to look for a formula that’s sweat- and water-resistant too. 

From there, you can start considering different sunscreen formats!

If you’re bundled up against the cold, your face is likely the one place that’s exposed to the sun — which is why it needs protection! 

We’ve got plenty of  SPF face lotions that are easy to incorporate into your daily skincare routine and double as makeup-gripping primers for a glam apres-ski afternoon. For example, Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 is 100% invisible on all skin tones and is totally beard-friendly, making it perfect for the whole snow crew. If you’d prefer a mineral sunscreen, reach for Mineral Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, our bestseller’s mineral counterpart with an airy texture and sheer, blendable finish. Alternatively, Mineral Mattescreen SPF 40 can help control shine while protecting against the sun’s UV rays.

There are plenty more ways you can add sun protection to your winter skincare routine, such as with SPF face oils and serums. Our Supergoop! Daily Dose Vitamin C + SPF 40 serum is a winter favorite because it can help visibly brighten skin after summer sun exposure while protecting against UV rays now!

Unfortunately, days outdoors in winter means being exposed to harsh winds that can dry out your skin. Plus, UV damage can cause skin dehydration! That’s where an SPF face moisturizer comes in. One of our favorites is the Superscreen Hydrating Daily Cream SPF 40, a rich cream that protects against UV damage, treats skin to intense hydration and leaves it feeling smoother.

Did you know it’s important to reapply sunscreen at least every two hours? Sunscreen sticks, like our Mineral Sheer Stick SPF 30, are a great way to reapply while enjoying your favorite winter activities because they can fit in your pocket and can be applied while wearing gloves! 

Your lips are one of the most sun-sensitive parts of your body, but somewhere lots of people forget when it comes to applying sunscreen! An SPF lip balm, like our PLAY Lip Balm SPF 30, can help keep your pout protected during winter sports. Plus, you can kiss goodbye to chapped lips from the cold air — it’s formulated with shea butter to help nourish lips so they feel soft and moisturized!

Wearing sunscreen during winter sports is a non-negotiable. Luckily, there are plenty of sport-ready formulas you can choose from to keep your skin protected while you enjoy all the fun under the (winter) sun!