Sun, Snow, and Skin: Why Year-Round SPF Matters in Whistler

In Whistler, the answer to why wear SPF in the winter is simple.

Our high altitude, bright snow, and clear skies expose your skin to UV rays all year, even in the cold. Snow can reflect most of those rays back onto your skin, making winter sun surprisingly strong. 

In this post, we’ll cover why daily SPF matters here, how to choose between SPF 30 and 50, and simple ways to protect your skin all season-long.

Why Year-Round SPF Matters in Whistler

Whistler’s location and landscape make sun protection a year-round job. Here’s why:

- Higher altitude means stronger UV. For every 1,000 meters you go up, UV intensity increases by about 10–12%. At Whistler’s elevation, that’s a noticeable boost to the amount of UV your skin gets.

- Snow acts like a mirror. Fresh snow can reflect up to 80–90% of UV rays, which means you’re getting hit from above and below, even on cloudy days.

- Clear mountain air. With fewer pollutants in the atmosphere, more UV rays reach your skin compared to city environments.

- Outdoor lifestyle. Skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and even walking through the Village all mean more time outside and more exposure.

Put together, these factors make Whistler’s winter sun just as important to guard against as our summer sun, sometimes even more so.

UVA vs UVB: The Year-Round Risk

When we talk about why wear SPF in the winter, it’s not just about avoiding sunburn. The sun gives off two main types of ultraviolet (UV) rays, and both can affect the skin in different ways:

- UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn. They’re stronger in summer but are still present in winter, and snow reflection plus Whistler’s altitude can make them more intense than you’d expect.

- UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and are present at nearly the same strength all year, even on cloudy days. They’re a major cause of premature aging and can also contribute to skin cancer.

That’s why you need a broad-spectrum sunscreen, which protects against both UVA and UVB.

And if you’ve heard sunscreen can block vitamin D production, here’s the truth: in Whistler’s winter months, the sun is too low in the sky for your skin to make vitamin D naturally. That means SPF isn’t reducing your vitamin D, and you can safely get it from your diet or supplements instead.

SPF 30 vs SPF 50: Which to Choose?

Both SPF 30 and SPF 50 are good options, the difference is in how much UVB they block and how you’ll be using them.

• SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.

• SPF 50 blocks about 98%.

That 1% may sound small, but when you factor in Whistler’s altitude and snow reflection, it can make a meaningful difference, especially if you’re skiing, snowboarding, or outside for long stretches.

For all-day winter activities or high UV days in summer, SPF 50 is the safer bet. SPF 30 can work for shorter outings or days when you’re mostly indoors but still getting incidental sun exposure.

Regardless of the number, you’ll get the best protection from a broad-spectrum, medical-grade sunscreen. These formulas don’t just meet the SPF on the label, they’re tested for stability, even coverage, and UVA protection that drugstore products don’t always guarantee.

Plus, medical-grade options often include skin-nourishing ingredients to keep your skin hydrated in Whistler’s dry winter air.

Bonus Winter Skincare Tips

In addition to SPF, here are a few ways to keep your skin healthy and comfortable all season long:

- Switch to a richer moisturizer: Lightweight summer formulas often aren’t enough in winter. Look for creams that lock in hydration and strengthen your skin barrier.

- Add gentle exfoliation: A mild exfoliant once or twice a week helps remove the buildup of dry, flaky skin so your treatments and products work more effectively. 

- Don’t forget your lips and hands: These areas lose moisture faster than the rest of your face. Keep a nourishing balm and hand cream handy throughout the day.

- Layer your skincare: Hydrating serums under your moisturizer can boost water content in the skin, especially if you’re prone to winter dryness.

- Use a humidifier indoors: Central heating can strip the air of moisture, which in turn dehydrates your skin.

The right winter skincare routine can do more than just keep dryness at bay, it can help protect the investment you’ve made in your skin year-round.

Protect Your Skin Year-Round with Whistler Medical Aesthetics

Choosing the right SPF (and right winter skincare routine) can be overwhelming. That’s why we’ve done the hard work for you.

At Whistler Medical Aesthetics, we carry a curated selection of medical-grade sunscreens and skincare that perform in Whistler’s unique climate, from high-altitude snow days to sunny summer hikes.

Sun damage doesn’t take a season off, and neither should your sun protection.

Book a complimentary consultation today and get personalized aesthetic and skin health advice you won’t find on a store shelf.