The SPF Season Myth

Some people treat sunscreen like seasonal decor: it appears in spring, peaks in July, and quietly disappears when the weather cools. The idea that SPF is only relevant in “sun season” feels intuitive—until you look at what UV actually does.

Because UV doesn’t hibernate. It doesn’t take holidays. And it definitely doesn’t care that you’re wearing a hoodie.

UV is year-round

UVB (the “burning” rays) do fluctuate with seasons. That’s why you burn faster in summer.
UVA (the “aging” rays) barely change at all. They move through clouds, glass, and overcast days like it’s nothing.

UVA is the one linked to collagen breakdown, pigmentation, and long-term skin damage.
And it’s present at up to 95% of the UV exposure you experience daily.

So the whole “summer sunscreen” thing? Cute, but mostly wrong.

Clouds don’t block the problem

Grey skies give people a false sense of safety. But up to 80% of UV rays pass through clouds, which explains why people get surprise sunburns on “bad weather” days.

If the light is bright enough to read a text message outside, it’s bright enough for UV.

Winter isn’t a free pass either

Cold air makes your skin dry, not safe.
Snow actually reflects UV, doubling exposure on bright days.
And UVA intensity barely drops—your skin just stops giving you visual clues, like redness, that you’re overdoing it.

Season = temperature.
UV = radiation.
Those two don’t share a calendar.

Indoors doesn’t mean protected

Glass blocks UVB but lets UVA stroll right through.
That’s why one side of a driver’s face can age faster than the other.
If you spend hours near windows, you’re getting silent, consistent exposure.

The simple rule

SPF isn’t about sunshine. It’s about UV. And UV is annoyingly consistent.

Daily application isn’t overkill—it’s maintenance. Like drinking water or brushing your teeth. You don’t stop doing those in October either.

The bottom line

“The SPF season” is a myth built on vibes, not science.
Your skin doesn’t care about warm weather; it cares about radiation levels that stay with you all year.

At The Body Dept., we treat SPF as a daily essential—because prevention always outperforms repair.