Sun Protection In Winter! Is That Really Necessary?
54.2 percent of Germans aged 18 to 74 do not use sunscreen in fall and winter. Almost half associate sun protection exclusively with summer, the beach, or the swimming pool. Only 17.7 percent apply sunscreen daily—despite growing awareness of UV protection. At least, those are the results of the latest IKW survey.
Sun protection should really be a year-round issue. Even in winter, UV radiation is still present. Although the sun is lower in the sky and temperatures are low, its rays can still damage the skin. However, the latest representative survey conducted this winter by the market research institute Lönneker & Imdahl rheingold salon on behalf of the “Industrieverbandes Körperpflege- und Waschmittel” (IKW) shows that for many people in Germany, sun protection is still not a matter of course during the cold season.
More than half of those surveyed stated that they do not use sunscreen in autumn and winter. And almost half (48 percent) consider sun protection to be less important in winter than in summer. The reason: 46.8 percent associate sun protection exclusively with summer, the beach, or the swimming pool.
Growing attention, but little routine
At the same time, the survey shows that general awareness of sun protection is growing. 58.8 percent of respondents say that they pay more attention to sun protection today than they did in the past—women (65.1 percent) even more so than men (52 percent). However, this knowledge is only reflected to a limited extent in everyday life. Only 17.7 percent take preventive action and use sun protection products every day when they are outdoors.
There seems to be a clear gap between knowledge and behavior: although sun protection is increasingly perceived as important, it is not yet part of a fixed routine – especially in winter. This is also evident in daily skincare routines during the cold season: both women and men pay little attention to sun protection in winter. While 28.4 percent of women say they incorporate sun protection into their skincare routine in winter, the figure for men is only 21.6 percent.
The difference is even more pronounced among young adults: men between the ages of 18 and 29 protect themselves even less frequently than women of the same age. It is also striking that women and men are more likely to use sunscreen only occasionally in winter, for example on skiing vacations or during longer periods outdoors. For example, 33.4 percent agree with the statement that they only use sunscreen during the cold season when they spend longer periods of time outdoors.
Younger people are more likely to underestimate the winter sun
What is worrying is that younger people in particular underestimate the intensity of the winter sun more than older people. The survey results show that it is mainly young adults who forget to use sun protection in everyday life. Around a third of those under 29 have underestimated UV radiation in winter at some point and suffered sunburn on their face as a result. The figure is significantly lower among the over-60s.
Sun protection in winter – more education needed
The results clearly show that sun protection in winter is not yet an established part of many people’s daily routine. “However, UV radiation is not just a summer issue,” emphasizes Birgit Huber, Head of the Beauty Care Competence Partner at IKW. “UV rays are active all year round. And especially in winter – for example, when snow reflects the sun’s rays or when spending long periods outdoors – it is important to protect your skin.”
About the IKW
The „Industrieverband Körperpflege- und Waschmittel e. V.“ based in Frankfurt am Main, was founded in 1968. It represents the interests of more than 465 companies in the beauty and household care sectors at national and European level. The industry has a turnover of over €34.6 billion and employs approximately 178,000 people in production and sales. The member companies cover approximately 95 percent of the market.
The IKW is the point of contact for its member companies, ministries, authorities, consumers, institutions, associations, and the media on scientific, regulatory, and economic issues. The experts at the IKW’s competence partners for beauty care and household care provide expert answers to questions about skin and hair care, beauty and self-esteem, hygiene, and cleaning. For more information, visit www.ikw.org.
Graphics: © IKW
Photo: © David Zarzesa
CultureAndCream Author from Munich
To travel during my profession as a beauty journalist was never enough for my. Also my six month on a world trip didn’t do it. It always attracts me to other cities, foreign countries, on roadtrips and places I don’t know yet. But I am not only interested in “culture” and “cream”, I am also fascinated by people who have stories to tell . Such unique experiences I want to share with you.