The temperature drops, the arm warmers come out, and the sun cream goes back in the cupboard. That last step is the one SunMer would leave out.
Autumn and winter are some of the best months to be outside. The roads empty, the light turns gold, the air is sharp. But the low, bright sun of the colder months still carries UV. Cold air and a headwind simply stop you noticing it.
What changes in the colder months, and what doesn't
In northern Europe, UV levels are lower in winter than in summer. That's true, and it's why the habit fades. But three things keep exposure higher than most people expect:
- Clouds don't switch it off. The World Health Organisation warns not to underestimate the UV radiation that passes through clouds. A grey morning in Amsterdam isn't the same as a UV-free one.
- Altitude adds up. According to the WHO, UV levels rise by about 10% for every 1,000 metres you climb. An autumn trip to the Alps, the Pyrenees or the Vosges puts you in stronger UV than the cool air suggests.
- Snow reflects it back. The WHO notes that fresh snow can reflect up to 80% of UV radiation, so on a winter ride, run or ski tour you get it from above and from below.
And there's the time factor. Winter sessions are often longer and slower: base miles, long runs, gravel days. More hours outside means more total exposure, even at lower intensity.
The wind and cold problem
Winter also brings its own conditions: cold air, wind and the jump from heated rooms to the outdoors. Skin can end the day feeling dry, tight and wind-stripped. So winter skin needs two things: protection on the exposed high points during the day, and hydration before and after.
A simple winter routine
- Morning, before you leave: a light moisturiser, such as the SunMer Ultralight Moisturiser with hyaluronic acid. Then the Day Shield Sun Stick SPF50 on nose, cheekbones, forehead, ears and the backs of your hands.
- During: reapply the SPF50 stick at stops, or after you've wiped your face. Pay most attention on climbs and at altitude. Ultralight Performance Gel is perfect here.
- After: hydrate wind-dried skin.
Note that our moisturisers don't carry an SPF: sun protection comes from the Sun Stick.
Where winter sun catches you out
- Low sun on long straight roads: it hits the face for hours when you're riding into it.
- Ski touring, snowshoe runs and winter hikes: altitude plus snow.
- Winter training camps in Mallorca, Girona or the Canaries: spring-like sun on skin that hasn't seen it for months.
- Bright, clear, cold days after rain or frost, when the light is at its sharpest.
"The cold air is a liar—my skin is on fire. Hours after the low sun drops, the ride still burns tight across my face. To perform in winter's brutal reality, I protect what takes the hit."
So keep the stick in your winter jacket. The sun hasn't gone anywhere.
Questions riders and runners ask
Do I need sunscreen in winter? On long sessions outside, at altitude, on snow, or on bright days: yes, on exposed skin.
Do I need it on cloudy days? UV passes through cloud, so cloud alone isn't a reason to skip it.
What's different about winter skin care? Cold and wind can leave skin feeling dry and tight, so pair sun protection with hydration before and after.
SunMer UV Index Tracker
We've build a UX index tracker So you can be sure when to keep yourself protected.
