Full-spectrum protection in winter: Why antioxidants matter more when it’s cold

Skincare routines often change with the seasons. As the weather and our environment adjust, so do our skin’s needs. For instance, in the warmer months, lightweight cleansers and moisturisers might be most helpful in the heat and humidity, especially if our skin feels more oily. When the colder seasons arrive, richer creams and barrier-supporting serums will help to combat dryness and sensitivity from harsh weather.

But one aspect that remains all year round is our need for full-spectrum protection from the sun’s rays. UV rays, visible light, infrared-A - along with pollution and other environmental aggressors - affect the skin every season. While winter might seem like a good time to pause the SPF step in our routine, it’s important to continue to use a high-level, full-spectrum protection product. Antioxidants are another key feature; during the wintertime especially, they help to support the skin when conditions shift, fighting back against oxidative stress and keeping the skin strong and healthy.

Why skin still experiences oxidative stress in winter

Oxidative stress is a biological process involving imbalanced molecules. These molecules, known as free radicals, are missing important electrons from their outer shells, and since electrons like to work in pairs, free radicals scour other molecules to steal electrons to pair up with. This process creates a chain reaction of missing electrons, which eventually leads to cell, protein and DNA damage.

Our bodies are able to deal with a certain amount of free radicals. But exposure to UV radiation, medicine, pollution, pesticides and tobacco smoke will generate too many free radicals, overwhelming the body and leading to excessive oxidative stress.

Cold weather does not stop this process, even if we are spending more time out of the sun or indoors. UVB intensity may be reduced, but other forms of radiation remain, along with other environmental triggers. There is a misconception that oxidative stress and skin damage are summertime concerns, but in reality, oxidative pathways continue to operate. Even short-term exposure to cold weather leads to oxidative stress,¹ with the skin continuing to respond to triggers, no matter the temperature.

What causes free radical formation when it’s cold?

UVA radiation, visible light and infrared-A are present all year round, no matter the weather. The wavelengths of these energy types penetrate deep into the skin and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), including free radicals.

Along with UVA, visible light and infrared, there are a number of environmental factors that contribute to free radical formation. In the winter months, we are regularly exposed to screens, LEDs and artificial lighting, all of which lead to ROS and oxidative stress. Environmental pollution is another factor, with cold air trapping pollutants closer to ground level, as well as heating systems increasing exposure.

What’s more, cold air and harsh weather can break down the skin’s protective barrier, so there’s an increased risk of dryness and sensitivity, as well as making our skin cells more vulnerable to oxidative damage.

Extra care should be taken by those who continue to spend a lot of time outdoors, perhaps for work or while exercising. Studies have found that performing physical tasks in cold conditions increases free radical production.²

Why UVB drops but oxidative stress doesn’t

While UVA levels remain no matter the season, UVB radiation drops in the colder months. However, this doesn’t mean that oxidative stress reduces.

Many people rely on the UV index as a marker of overall skin exposure and potential damage, but this measure doesn’t always account for UVA levels. Often, UV levels might be reported as ‘low’ when UVB is low, but UVA remains present and harmful. It’s important to note that UVB levels only represent a small part of the overall picture, and longer wavelengths still remain stable throughout the year, penetrating clouds and glass, and continuing to interact with the skin and cause oxidative stress.

It is this cumulative exposure that drives oxidative stress. Regular, low-level exposure to various light sources - along with other environmental stressors - contribute to a steady pressure of oxidative stress on the skin.

What do antioxidants actually do for the skin?

As we’ve mentioned, antioxidants are a key part of your winter skincare routine. They support the skin in a number of ways, but crucially, they target free radicals to prevent, intercept and repair deep skin damage.³

Antioxidants have the unique ability to neutralise free radicals, which slows or completely prevents damage to cellular structures. To do this, antioxidants stabilise reactive free radical molecules by donating electrons, without becoming unstable and reactive themselves. This breaks the chain reaction of free radical damage, protecting the skin against collagen breakdown, pigmentation and weakness.

Beyond neutralising free radicals, antioxidants also work to support the skin’s own defence mechanisms. They help to maintain cellular balance and support repair processes, promoting healthier, more resilient skin. This supportive role is particularly important for winter skin defence, preserving collagen levels and skin quality, even when visible signs of damage are less obvious.

Fernblock® and antioxidant defence: How it fits into full-spectrum protection

The ultimate antioxidant defence is Fernblock®, an incredible sun protection technology from the dermatological experts, Cantabria Labs. This patented plant extract is clinically proven to protect the skin from deep within, offering unrivalled protection against daylight, including UVA, UVB, visible light and infrared-A.^4,5

Fernblock® harnesses the power of a tropical fern, Polypodium leucotomos, which evolved to thrive on land, fighting against and repairing damages caused by environmental stressors. Rather than simply blocking sun exposure, Fernblock® supports the skin’s internal resilience, working alongside our natural antioxidant systems to reduce and prevent oxidative stress. What makes this plant-based antioxidant so special is not only the ability to scavenge free radicals, but to support the defence and regenerative mechanisms of the skin.⁶ It also not only protects the skin from the full spectrum of light, but it improves the effectiveness of SPF filters,⁷ helping to prevent sunburn, inflammation and redness following sun exposure.

Fernblock® is the core technology in the award-winning range, HELIOCARE 360°, and a must-have ingredient when it comes to daily full-spectrum protection. While our skin can never be completely shielded from daylight exposure and environmental aggressors, we can utilise this technology to strengthen the skin from deep within and enhance overall skin health, no matter the season. HELIOCARE 360° also takes things a step further with ASPA-Fernblock® technology, which elevates the antioxidant bioactive defence mechanisms by combining Fernblock® with Aspalathus linearis (ASPA). ASPA is derived from a South African plant, Rooibos, which is rich in flavonoids and antioxidants, offering powerful skin benefits as well as boosting the skin’s ability to receive and synthesise vitamin D. This OpiD effect ensures you are only getting the very best from the sun.

Why antioxidants matter more when the skin barrier is under stress

Winter conditions can really challenge the skin barrier. Cold air holds less moisture, indoor heating creates a warm, dry environment, and temperatures continually fluctuate as we move between the outdoors and inside. This places a strain on the skin barrier, making it more permeable and reactive.

Our skin is therefore more susceptible to damage and inflammation, especially if a person is prone to flare-ups from conditions, such as dermatitis, eczema and rosacea. That’s because oxidative stress plays a crucial role in chronic inflammatory diseases.⁸ But even if an individual has ‘normal’ skin, antioxidants are still vital to counterbalance winter vulnerability and reduce oxidative pressure at a cellular level.

The best approach is a multi-layered one. Topical daylight protection should address external exposure, offering high protection levels for both UVB (SPF50+) and UVA (PA++++), along with protecting against visible light and infrared-A. Underneath the surface, antioxidants can work to battle oxidative stress, strengthen the skin’s protective barrier, slow collagen degradation, reduce inflammation and address signs of premature skin ageing. Our ENDOCARE RADIANCE and HELIOCARE 360° bundle offers all of this action, and more.

ENDOCARE RADIANCE C Ferulic Serum & HELIOCARE 360° Sunscreen Bundle

ENDOCARE RADIANCE C Ferulic Serum is a powerful daily antioxidant treatment designed to brighten dull skin and protect against premature ageing. This lightweight, fast-absorbing serum is powered by high-potency vitamin C, ferulic acid and patented EDAFENCE® technology, which work together to defend the skin from pollution and free radical damage. Clinical user test studies show that after just 28 days of use, 95% of users reported brighter, more luminous and even skin tone; 95% noticed a visible improvement in skin texture; and 100% experienced enhanced skin hydration.⁹

To maximise results, ENDOCARE C Ferulic Serum pairs perfectly with HELIOCARE 360°, offering advanced daily photoprotection and complete skin defence. While ENDOCARE C Ferulic Serum works to brighten, hydrate and improve overall skin quality, HELIOCARE 360° will help to prevent further damage caused by sun exposure, making this duo an essential combination for maintaining healthy and youthful-looking skin, every single day.

Why dermatologists always recommend ‘full-spectrum’ protection

There is more to full-spectrum protection than SPF (sun protection factor), which is why dermatologists will always recommend a multi-layered approach with additional strategies to protect the skin all year round. This will include a very high-level sun protection factor against UVB (SPF), a very high-level protection grade of UVA (PA), plus protection against other forms of light and radiation. Daily protection should incorporate filters to achieve this protection, along with antioxidants to defend against oxidative stress deep within the skin. What’s more, daily sun protection should also involve behavioural awareness, including exposure outdoors (even on cloudy days), light penetration through windows, blue light from devices and artificial indoor lighting.

Winter protection is about defence, not just sun avoidance

Wintertime is not a break from sun damage and oxidative stress. While the outdoor environment changes, we shouldn’t forget the risks of year-round daylight, along with exposure to other light sources, including screens and indoor lighting. The pressure on the skin barrier from external stressors also needs to be acknowledged.

That’s where HELIOCARE 360° comes in. Our clinically-proven range, backed by research and loved by skin experts across the globe, offers the ultimate in antioxidant protection. Choose from a range of scientific formulations for every skin concern and indication, including products for the most sensitive winter skin. By combining sun protection and antioxidants, we can protect our skin from the full spectrum of light whilst supporting its resilience and health, throughout the winter, and beyond.