Sun Protection 365: How to Adjust Your Skincare for Every Season

How to Adjust Your Skincare for Every Season | SunBurnt

Sun protection isn’t just for summer! Learn how to build a sun-safe skincare routine for every season with daily SPF, antioxidant serums, and hydration strategies—plus tips on how to heal sunburns with SunBurnt After-Sun Gel & Lotion.

Why Year-Round Sun Protection is Essential

Even if it’s cloudy or grey outside, the sun’s rays can derail your skin health. Here’s how:

UVB & UVA

UVB are the main culprits behind sunburns. UVB rays have shorter wavelengths and are much more intense during summer months. They damage the outermost layer of skin and can lead to immediate effects like redness and peeling.

UVA rays, on the other hand, have longer wavelengths and can penetrate deep into the skin’s dermis, where they break down collagen and elastin, leading to long-term effects like wrinkles and fine lines. UVA rays remain consistent year round and can even penetrate glass, meaning your skin is at risk even when driving. Both rays contribute to skin cancer, making sun-protection crucial.

Cloudy and Indoor Sun Exposure

Many people skip sunscreen on cloudy or overcast days, or even if they’re just spending a chill night inside. However, the sun’s rays are still harmful to the skin in these environments. Up to 80% of UV rays still penetrate through clouds, meaning you're still exposed to damage radiation even when the sun isn’t visibly shining.

UVA rays easily pass through glass, so whether you’re driving in your car or relaxing near a sunlit area indoors, your skin is still absorbing harmful rays. This daily exposure accumulates over time. Increasing the likelihood of fine lines and sagging skin.

Cumulative Sun Damage

Daily sun protection is essential, as sun damage is cumulative. It doesn’t take a single, severe burn to harm your skin–instead it’s day in, day out exposure that causes lasting damage. These can show up years later as wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, and uneven tone. Wearing sunscreen everyday, no matter the season or plans for the day, helps delay visible aging and preserve your skin’s health, tone, and texture for years to come.

The Foundation of a Sun-Safe Skincare Routine

Daily SPF, Rain or Shine

Daily sunscreen is the most important part of a skin care routine. Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ every morning, and reapply every 2 hours when spending time outdoors. If you have very sensitive skin and struggle to find a sunscreen that works for you, choose a mineral based SPF (with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide).

Antioxidant-Rich Serums

Next, use a serum rich with antioxidants to protect and repair the skin’s barrier. Vitamin C protects against free radicals and enhances skin protection. Another ingredient, niacinamide, is a great one to look out for in these serums. Niacinamide helps repair UV damage and strengthens the skin barrier. Green tea extract also fights inflammation caused by UV exposure for more immediate repair.

Hydration & Barrier Support

Last but not least, it’s essential to finish your skin care routine with proper moisturization. Hyaluronic acid retains moisture and plumps the skin, an important ingredient in many moisturizers. Ceramides and fatty acids strengthen the skin’s protective barrier–another important and common ingredient in many lotions and gels. Finally, aloe vera and panthenol soothes sun-exposed skin. Look for moisturizers with these ingredients if you’ve been exposed to the sun recently and need relief.

Seasonal Skincare Adjustments for Sun Protection

Altering your skincare routine for the season is critical for getting the most out of your routine.

Summer

The heat and humidity calls for extra protection and oil control:

• Lighter Formula: Switch to gel-based or oil-free SPF to prevent clogged pores. The summer heat increases oil production on the skin, so keep the products lightweight.
• Stronger Antioxidants: Increase Vitamin C & E use to combat UV-induced oxidative stress. Look for products with key antioxidants for best results.
• Cooling & Soothing Products: Find products with aloe vera, green tea, and chamomile to calm heat-exposed skin. 
• Don’t Forget Your Body: SPF on shoulders, hands, and feet are also important in the summer. Protective clothing is also essential.

Fall

Following Summer, the Fall season is crucial for repair and restoration of the skin after Summer sun exposure:

• Focus on Skin Repair: Niacinamide, or Vitamin B3, is a multi-tasking, skin repairing vitamin with many benefits. It improves skin-barrier function and calms inflammation. Additionally, peptides are also essential for maintaining youthful skin. Short chains of amino acids, peptides are building blocks for collagen, elastin, and keratin.
• Hydration Boost: Add products with hyaluronic acid and squalane to replenish moisture lost from sun exposure. Hyaluronic acid, a humectant that draws water into the skin, hydrates deep layers of the skin. Squalane is an emollient that seals in this moisture and mimics your skin’s natural oils.
• Continue SPF Use: You might be tempted to skip SPF now that summer has ended–fight that temptation. UV rays remain strong, regardless of the season.

Winter

The cold season of Winter can cause dryness and dullness in the skin. It’s critical to retain extra hydration and protect your skin’s barrier:

• Thicker Moisturizers: Cold weather strips moisture from your skin, so choose heavier creams with ceramides and shea butter. Ceramides work to rebuild the skin barrier after damage, while shea butter, a natural ingredient, locks in moisture.
• SPF Indoors & Outdoors: UVA rays penetrate windows, so sunscreen is still essential!
• Gentle Exfoliation: Use lactic acid or PHAs to remove dry, flaky skin without irritation. Gentle exfoliation can leave your skin feeling soft and refreshed without harming the skin barrier.
• Lip & Hand Protection: Although you may be bundled in the cold weather, your lips and hands are still exposed to the dry cold. Apply SPF-infused lip balm and hand cream to prevent chapping.

Spring

In the Spring, as days gradually get warmer in preparation for the summer heat, it’s essential to prepare for the increased sun exposure:

• Exfoliate Wisely: Incorporate AHAs and gentle exfoliants into your everyday routine. AHAs, water soluble acids, gently remove skin cells from the surface and improve skin texture. Gentl retinoids stimulate collagen production, improving overall firmness and elasticity. Both ingredients are essential for maintaining healthy skin.
• Upgrade to SPF 50+ for Outdoor Activities: As the sun comes out, you know what that means–more SPF is needed. Protect against stronger UV rays with SPF 50 or above.
• Lightweight Layers: Start slowly transitioning back to lightweight moisturizers and gel-based sunscreen for oil-control.

What to Do If You Get Sunburned

Even with the best sun protection and in-depth skincare routine, sunburns can still happen. Although sometimes painful and very frustrating, there are steps you can take to find relief and healing. Here’s how to heal sunburned skin quickly and effectively while preventing long-term damage:

Step 1: Cool & Soothe with SunBurnt After-Sun Gel

The SunBurnt After-Sun Gel is perfect for immediate relief following sun exposure. After a long day at the beach or pool, apply SunBurnt After-Sun Gel generously to sunburned areas for instant cooling relief. With Aloe Vera, Calendula, and Echinacea Extracts, the gel reduces redness and calms inflamed skin. 

A unique formula with 98% natural ingredients, After-Sun Gel is Vitamin Enriched to not just hydrate but heal the skin. Ingredients like Lactobacillus Ferment help support the skin’s microbiome, reducing irritation and repairing the skin’s barrier. A lightweight formula, After-Sun Gel absorbs into the skin, and is never sticky.

Step 2: Hydrate & Repair with SunBurnt After-Sun Lotion

After cooling your skin, a hydrating product is key to repairing the skin’s health. The SunBurnt After-Sun Lotion is the ideal formula for restoring the skin’s moisture balance. Packed with hyaluronic acid, panthenol, and glycerin, the After-Sun Lotion is deeply hydrating and prevents future peeling. The unique, vitamin enriched formula includes Mannitol and Squalane, helping to restore the natural moisture balance and maintain skin elasticity.

The powerful blend of 98% natural ingredients helps to reduce inflammation, hydrate the skin, and reduce the likeliness of skin peeling. Use the After-Sun Lotion daily following sun exposure to keep the skin soft, smooth, and healthy, no matter what season.

What to Avoid When Treating a Sunburn

A painful sunburn can be very frustrating, especially if it’s taking a long time to heal. You may be tempted to try alternative methods to lessen the severity of the burn. However, some practices should instead be heavily avoided with a sunburn. Take a look at practices to avoid when treating a sunburn:

• Heavy Creams or Ointments: You may be tempted to utilize heavy creams or ointments, hoping they will provide hydration to the skin. Although hydration is important, heavy creams don’t allow the sunburned skin to breathe and promote healing. Instead, opt for a lightweight cream or gel, such as the SunBurnt After-Sun Gel. 
• Hot Showers: Any added heat to the skin can be damaging. Stick to cool water to prevent further irritation.
• Scrubbing or Peeling: If your skin starts to peel, you might be tempted to exfoliate. Exfoliating too soon can damage the already harmed skin barrier. Wait for the burn to die down before exfoliating again.

Bonus Tips for Maximum Skin Protection

While wearing sunscreen daily and treating each sunburn accordingly is important, there is so much more you can do to protect yourself from sun exposure:

• Sunscreen Application Hack: Make sure you're applying enough sunscreen by following the two-finger rule—dispense a strip of sunscreen along your index and middle finger, then apply it to your face. 
• Sunglasses & Hats: Your eyes and scalp need protection, too! Sunglasses with UV400 protection shield your eyes from harmful rays, and a wide-brimmed hat will protect your hairline, scalp, and the more delicate skin on your face and neck.
• Stay Hydrated: Sun exposure can dehydrate you and your skin. Aim for at least 8 cups of water a day, and even more if you’re spending extended time outdoors.
• Reapply SPF Over Makeup: If you are a frequent makeup-wearer, opt for SPF-infused setting sprays or powder sunscreens to reapply throughout the day without disturbing your fab makeup look.

Don’t Skip the SPF

Prioritize daily sun protection to keep your skin healthy, glowing, and safe from UV damage. And if you do end up catching too much sun, be ready with SunBurnt® After-Sun Gel & Lotion for fast, effective relief and lasting hydration.

Trust us—your post-sun recovery starts here.