Winter Skincare 101: Why You Still Need Sunscreen (Yes, Really!) and How Collagen Can Save Your Skin

When the winter chill hits, our skincare often shifts into overdrive. We pack on the moisturizers, pamper ourselves with hydrating masks, and hope our skin will forgive us for all the heaters and hot showers. But there’s one thing many people toss to the side with the arrival of winter: sunscreen. Let’s clear this up—sunscreen is not just a summer thing! So, let’s dive into why sunscreen is your skin’s winter MVP and how collagen can be your winter skin superhero.

Should You Really Use Sunscreen in Winter?

1. UV Rays Don’t Have an Off-Season

Just because you’re not seeing a summer sun doesn’t mean those UV rays aren’t hard at work. UVA rays, which cause long-term skin aging and even cancer, can reach your skin through clouds and windows, hitting you even on gray days. Winter doesn’t mean UV takes a break, so keeping sunscreen in your routine is key to long-term skin health.

2. Snow = Reflection Central

If you’re a winter sports fan or simply spend time outside, you’re getting a double dose of UV rays thanks to snow, which reflects about 80% of UV radiation. This means you’re likely getting more UV exposure than you’d think, which makes sunscreen a must for your cold-weather adventures.

3. Blue Light Protection (Yes, This Matters in Winter, Too)

With more time indoors, we’re logging more hours in front of screens, which emit blue light. Some sunscreens have ingredients to protect against blue light, which can cause skin aging. So yes, even if you’re Netflix-bingeing or working from home, your skin can still benefit from some SPF protection.

Enter Collagen: Winter’s Secret Skincare Weapon

Now that we’ve established sunscreen’s year-round importance, let’s talk about another winter skincare hero: collagen. Cold air and indoor heating dry out your skin faster than a hot summer day at the beach. That’s where collagen steps in to make sure your skin stays soft, bouncy, and as resilient as a snowshoe hare.

How Collagen Boosts Your Skin in Winter

1. Hydration, Hydration, Hydration! Cold air strips moisture from your skin, leading to a dry, parched look. Collagen supports hydration from within, keeping your skin glowing, even if your surroundings aren’t.
2. Skin Elasticity and Firmness Dry winter air can make your skin feel less elastic and more prone to that annoying ‘tight’ feeling. Collagen helps keep it soft and supple, which is exactly what you need to look (and feel) your best, even in freezing temps.
3. Skin Barrier Support A healthy skin barrier is crucial, especially when cold weather makes your skin more sensitive. Collagen supports your skin’s barrier, helping it stay resilient and less prone to redness and irritation.

Winter Skin Routine with Sunscreen and Collagen: Your Power Duo!

Wondering how to bring these two into your daily routine? Here’s a quick game plan:

1. Layer Wisely After moisturizing, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) as your last step in the morning routine. Look for sunscreens with hydrating properties—double the moisture for winter’s dry air!
2. Add Collagen Supplements Incorporate collagen into your diet with a marine or bovine collagen supplement, preferably paired with Vitamin C for maximum absorption. Add it to your coffee, smoothie, or even warm winter drink—whatever works best to keep it consistent.
3. Lock in Extra Hydration Complement your sunscreen and collagen routine with a rich, nourishing moisturizer. If you’re indoors a lot, try using a humidifier to add moisture to the air, and your skin will thank you.

Final Thoughts: Don’t Let Winter Dry You Out

Sunscreen isn’t just a beach buddy—it’s a year-round essential for keeping your skin safe, smooth, and youthful. When you add collagen to your routine, you’re giving your skin that extra dose of resilience it needs in winter. So, stay protected, stay hydrated, and let winter be the season your skin truly thrives.