The honest answer? It’s nuanced – and anyone telling you it’s completely black and white either way is oversimplifying.

Here’s what the science actually says for a UK context.

UVA vs UVB: The Key Distinction

There are two types of UV rays that matter for skin protection.

UVB rays are the ones that cause sunburn. In the UK, UVB levels drop significantly between October and March – the sun is lower in the sky and most UVB is filtered out by the atmosphere before it reaches you. This is why you don’t burn on a January walk in the same way you would in July.

UVA rays are different. They’re present at roughly consistent levels year-round, regardless of season, weather or cloud cover. UVA doesn’t cause sunburn directly, but it penetrates deeper into the skin and is responsible for long-term skin ageing, collagen breakdown and – over time – an increased risk of skin damage.

What the Dermatologists Say

The British Association of Dermatology is clear that for most people in the UK, year-round daily sunscreen isn’t clinically necessary – the UV index in winter is typically too low to cause meaningful UVB damage. The critical period for sun protection in the UK is broadly April to September.

However – and it’s a meaningful however – if you spend significant time near windows (UVA passes through glass), drive regularly, work outdoors or have skin conditions that make you more UV-sensitive, year-round SPF is worth considering.

When Winter SPF Makes Sense

• Skiing or winter sun holidays (UV is significantly stronger at altitude and in snow)
• Regular long drives (UVA through the driver’s window is a real cumulative factor)
• Outdoor workers with year-round significant sun exposure
• Anyone with photosensitive skin conditions

Summer Remains the Priority

For most people, the focus should be on getting sun protection right during the peak months – April through to September – when UVB levels in the UK are meaningful and burns are genuinely possible.

That means the right SPF, the right amount, reapplied regularly. That’s where Malibu’s range lives. Proper British-made sun protection for the seasons that need it most.