This Is Why You Need Suncreen in a Finnish Winter

A Winter Beauty Myth, Busted

Hi, Violets!

This time, I’m busting yet another winter skincare myth in Finland: Using SPF. My previous post was about how to know if your skin barrier is damaged. And the post before that was about busting a myth that you shouldn’t use moisturiser in winter mornings.

I personally use sunscreen year-round because I’m the kind of woman who is more damage-preventative. I haven’t actually dug deeper into this topic before, so it was fun to gather information. Okay, let’s get going with this.

Snow reflects up to 90% of UV radiation, meaning you’re exposed to harmful rays from above and below. And yet, I think most people pack away their sunscreen with their summer clothes when fall hits.

Let’s reveal the science behind winter UV exposure, debunk some persistent myths, and help you build a winter skincare routine that actually protects your skin.

Myth 1: You Don’t Need SPF in Winter

The truth: Cold doesn’t block UV. In fact, UVA rays — the ones responsible for premature aging and long-term damage — are present year-round and can penetrate clouds and glass. They don’t cause sunburn, so their damage is sneakier and cumulative.

In Finland, the risk actually increases during late winter and spring, when bright snow reflects up to 80–90% of UV radiation. This “double-hit” effect — UV from above, plus snow reflection from below — puts your skin under stress, even in sub-zero temperatures.

Myth 2: Cold = Protection

This is new to me: the stinging feeling on your cheeks, people assume, is a sign that their skin is breathing better and more alive.  Sorry, but it's a sign of exposure.

In fact, cold weather weakens your skin barrier. Check my post about the damaged skin barrier.

Myth 3: SPF 15 Is Enough for Winter

Walk into any Finnish pharmacy, and you won’t see SPF products marketed for winter. Or maybe they are hidden inside the product descriptions. Vitamin D, however, is. That said, pharmacies still carry a wide selection of SPF 30 and 50 products.

Dermatologists recommend SPF 30 or higher year-round, especially when snow is on the ground. SPF 30 filters about 97% of UVB rays — and most people apply only half of what’s recommended, which means starting strong matters. On bright, snowy days or at higher altitudes, SPF 50+ is the smarter choice, especially for skiing, ice fishing, or long walks outdoors.

Myth 4: Your Face Is the Only Area That Needs SPF

Even diligent sunscreen users often forget their:

• Lips, which have almost no natural UV protection

• Hands, which are constantly losing sunscreen with every wash

• Neck and chest, which show signs of aging early, but often get skipped

These areas need just as much protection — if not more — in dry, cold environments where the skin is already stressed.

Winter SPF Tips That Actually Work

Choose the right formula for your skin type:

• Dry skin: Hydrating sunscreens with shea butter, hyaluronic acid, or vitamin E

• Oily/acne-prone: Non-comedogenic, gel-based formulas

• Sensitive skin: Fragrance-free, mineral-based sunscreens

Make it easy to reapply:

• Carry a sunscreen stick in your coat or bag for quick touch-ups

• Use SPF lip balms with nourishing oils like blackcurrant seed

• Try multi-use products that you can extend to your neck, chest, and hands

Apply at the right time:

• Put sunscreen on 15–30 minutes before heading outside

• Reapply every 2 hours during long outdoor activity

• Reapply after wiping your face with gloves, towels, or scarves

Your Winter Glow Shouldn’t Come from UV Damage

At the end of the day, Finnish winters are magical. You should enjoy them — without sacrificing your skin’s future health.

Here’s what I tell my readers — my Violets — again and again: Winter doesn’t mean you’re safe from sun damage. It means you need to be smarter about prevention.

Forget the myths. Embrace the facts. SPF 30+ is your winter friend, and in other seasons, SPF 50+. By the way, if you want to boost SPF’s protection even further, like us skincare friends, use vitamin C under SPF. Read more about vitamin C here.

Violet Winter SPF Cheat Sheet

• UV rays reflect off snow, hitting your face from above and below

• UVA rays are present year-round and cause aging, even without sunburn

• Cold, dry air weakens your skin barrier — increasing UV vulnerability

• SPF 30+ daily is the minimum, SPF 50+ for snow sports

• Don't forget your lips, hands, neck, and chest

• Hydrating, broad-spectrum formulas make all the difference

👉🏻If you made it this far with this science fact-packed post, I thank you.

Until next time. In between my blog post you can find me on Instagram @nina.violettexts.

Let’s stay safe with UVAs!

Nina.