11 Sun Protection & SPF Facts About India You Should Know

8. Don’t skip sunscreen in winter — cloud cover won’t save you

Many people assume UV risks drop in winter, but up to 80% of UV radiation can pass through clouds (BBC Future). In India, cooler months often mean more comfortable outdoor time, longer walks, and festival gatherings—times when you may actually spend more hours outside. Winter pollution in northern plains can alter UV behavior too, sometimes amplifying skin stress when combined with sunlight. The skin also becomes drier in colder months, making it more fragile and prone to pigmentation changes after sun exposure. For these reasons, keep a broad-spectrum SPF in your morning routine year-round. If you wear heavier moisturizers in winter, layer the sunscreen on top rather than swapping it out. That way you get hydration plus the UV barrier, a simple combo that protects tone and texture through seasonal shifts.