The SPF Conversation · Chapter 1 · Quannessence Skincare
UV does not take the season off.
A Canadian guide to sun protection in spring, summer, fall and winter, and why daily SPF belongs in every one of them.
When summer ends, most of us tuck the sunscreen away with the beach towels.
It feels logical. The days get shorter, the air gets cooler, and the sun seems to soften. But in Canada, UV does not disappear with the season. It changes shape. Health Canada puts it simply: it is important to protect against UV rays all year round, not just in the summer.
This guide is the first chapter of The SPF Conversation, our weekly series on protecting your skin through every Canadian season.
The short answer
Do you need sunscreen all year in Canada?
Yes. Health Canada recommends protecting against UV rays all year round. UV levels in Canada are highest in spring and summer and lower in fall and winter, but snow, altitude and time outdoors can increase your exposure in the colder months. A daily habit is the simplest way to stay protected.
Your 4 Seasons at a Glance
Season 1 · Spring
The season UV comes back.
Spring is when UV starts to climb again. Environment and Climate Change Canada notes that the UV index in Canada is highest in spring and summer, and calls April a good time to start taking more precautions.
Spring also brings a surprise: late snow. Fresh white snow can reflect over 80% of the sun's UV rays, which means you can get almost twice as much UV on a bright snowy day. Whether you are skiing, snowshoeing or simply enjoying a sunny spring walk, protect any exposed skin and your eyes.
Getting your whole routine ready for the season change? Read Get your Skin Ready for Spring.
Season 2 · Summer
The sun at its strongest.
Summer is the season everyone expects, and for good reason. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the sun is strongest in the summertime. A few habits make a real difference:
- Plan outdoor activities before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m. when you can.
- Be extra careful near water and light coloured sand, which reflect UV.
- Find shade, cover up, and reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, or after swimming or exercising.
Season 3 · Fall
The season we let our guard down.
Fall is when most routines slip. Environment and Climate Change Canada notes that the UV index can be high in early September, then quickly goes down by October.
That early fall window catches many of us off guard. Patio lunches, harvest weekends and long golden afternoons all happen while UV can still be high. Keeping SPF in your morning routine through the transition means you are covered on the days you least expect it.
Season 4 · Winter
The snow factor.
In winter, the UV index in Canada is generally low. Snow changes the picture. Environment and Climate Change Canada explains that snow can reflect enough UV to nearly double the UV index, and that skiing and other outdoor winter activities, especially at higher elevations, can increase your exposure.
So if your winter includes the ski hill, an outdoor rink, snowshoe trails or shovelling on a bright morning, your skin may be getting more UV than the thermometer suggests. Protect exposed skin, and wear sunglasses or goggles.
Every day, all year
Why a daily habit beats a seasonal one.
Health Canada recommends wearing sunscreen, protective clothing and sunglasses when the UV index is 3 or higher, even when it is cloudy. The UV index changes from day to day, and most of us do not check it every morning.
That is why estheticians recommend treating SPF as part of the daily ritual rather than a summer accessory. It is the one thing our founder and esthetician Sharon Quann wishes every client understood. Here it is in her own words.
Listen · 15 seconds
"The one thing that I wish my clients and everyone understood about SPF is that UV rays don't take a day off. Spring, summer, winter and fall. We need that protection for our skin barrier and for healthy skin."
Sharon Quann · Esthetician, Founder and CEO, Quannessence Skincare
When SPF is the final step of your morning skincare routine, you never have to wonder whether today was the day you needed it. When choosing a sunscreen, Health Canada recommends one labelled broad spectrum and water resistant, with an SPF of at least 30.
Looking for the full morning routine? Read Your Morning Skin Ritual. Curious how Sharon cares for her own skin? Read her personal founder ritual.
Save this for every season
Your 4 season SPF checklist
- Spring: step up protection in April, and protect exposed skin on bright snowy days.
- Summer: seek shade between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., and reapply every 2 hours or after swimming or exercise.
- Fall: keep SPF in your routine through September, when UV can still be high.
- Winter: protect exposed skin on the slopes, at the rink and on bright snowy days.
- Every day: make SPF the final step of your morning skincare routine.
Common Questions
Common Questions About SPF in Canada
Do I need sunscreen in winter in Canada?
The UV index is generally low in Canadian winters, but snow can reflect enough UV to nearly double it, and outdoor winter activities increase exposure. Health Canada recommends protecting against UV rays all year round.
When is UV highest in Canada?
In spring and summer, with the sun at its strongest in summer. Environment and Climate Change Canada recommends planning outdoor activities before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m.
Do I need sunscreen on cloudy days?
Yes, when the UV index is 3 or higher. Health Canada recommends sunscreen, protective clothing and sunglasses at that level, even when it is cloudy.
What SPF should I use?
Health Canada recommends a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
Keep the conversation going
Quannessence Skincare is working on its own formulation.
Join our newsletter for a sneak peek, and get every new chapter of The SPF Conversation. Next week: why sunscreen fails in real life, and the simple habits that fix it.
The SPF Conversation · Every Season · HealThySkin
Protection is part of the ritual.
Every skin is different, and so is every Canadian season. If you are not sure what your skin needs right now, start with our complimentary skin assessment and receive guidance toward the ritual that fits where your skin is today.
Inside Sharon's Ritual · Holistic Skincare · The Q Blog · About Quannessence Skincare
Sources: Health Canada, Sun safety basics · Environment and Climate Change Canada, Sun safety throughout the seasons