As one of Canada’s sunniest cities, Winnipeg now ranks just behind Calgary, basking in over 300 days of sunlight each year—even through the winter months. While this sunny climate is a point of pride, it also means that people in Southern Manitoba are particularly vulnerable to premature aging through sun exposure—every month of the year.
Even when temperatures drop, harmful UV rays continue to affect your skin. Here’s how:
How do UV rays impact my skin?
UV rays (UVA & UVB) are a type of radiation from the sun that penetrates the skin. When these rays make contact, they initiate a process of skin deterioration. UVB rays target the surface, (this is what appears as sunburn), while UVA rays penetrate deeper.
UVA rays trigger melanin production that lead to hyperpigmentation spots or worsen the appearance of acne scars. Not content with just causing dark spots, UVA rays also break down collagen and elastin, which accelerates the formation of fine lines and wrinkles while making pore size more pronounced.
Sunshine: Where does Winnipeg rank?
In North America, the sunniest cities are mostly found in the southern U.S., with top cities like Phoenix, Arizona, boasting over 3,800 hours of sun per year, followed by Las Vegas and Tucson. These cities experience sunshine around 85% of daylight hours. In Canada, Winnipeg ranks among the sunniest, with approximately 2,353 hours of sunshine annually, making it the second sunniest major Canadian city after Calgary. Calgary, in Alberta, leads with around 2,396 hours of sunlight per year .
Winnipeg’s annual sunlight hours place it well above average, especially within Canada, due to its relatively dry prairie climate, which allows for a high percentage of clear days.
When am I being exposed to UV rays?
This skin degradation occurs not only when you’re directly under the sun but also with indirect exposure, such as being in a room with a window or driving. UVA rays penetrate through glass, reaching the skin even on overcast days, causing gradual damage that contributes to aging, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity over time.
This is why you should wear SPF on any areas where you want to prevent premature aging, from morning until bedtime.
Why We Need SPF Year-Round in Winnipeg
We often assume we only need SPF during the summer months, often letting sun protection slip in fall and winter. However, daylight itself—regardless of direct sunlight—brings enough UV exposure to impact your skin’s health and appearance. This is also true about exposure to daylight on cloudy days.
This exposure accumulates over time, leading to fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven texture and pigmentation. Keeping up with SPF during colder months boosts your efforts to prevent these signs of aging.
What's all the fuss about sun exposure and Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that enhances the effectiveness of your sunscreen by neutralizing free radicals caused by UV exposure. While sunscreen creates a barrier to shield your skin, Vitamin C adds an extra layer of defence, helping to prevent damage from sun-induced oxidative stress.
Incorporating a Vitamin C serum into your morning skincare routine not only helps prevent sun damage but also provides additional benefits: Brightening your complexion and improving skin texture for firmer, more youthful-looking skin.
How do free radicals damage my skin?
Free radicals are harmful molecules created by sun exposure. When sunlight comes into contact with your skin, it triggers a reaction in your skin cells that produces unstable oxygen molecules, called free radicals. These molecules damage your skin by stealing electrons from healthy skin cells, which leads to your skin becoming damaged and looking dull, rough, or unhealthy.
Vitamin C neutralizes free radicals by giving them electrons, making them stable and preventing them from causing harm, which helps keep your skin healthy and glowing.
The Best SPF Sunscreen in Canada: What to Look For
In choosing the best SPF sunscreen registered with Health Canada, consider factors such as broad-spectrum coverage, which protects against both UVA and UVB rays, and an SPF of at least 30. These sunscreens offer a protective barrier that prevents UV rays from causing cellular damage, keeping your skin healthier longer.
You may prefer SPF combined with foundation, moisturizer, or added skincare benefits. Here is a curated list of versatile sunscreens with dual uses to simplify your morning routine.
The Benefits of Consistent SPF Use to Support Your Skin Care
Preventing premature aging and restoring a smoother glow requires a well-rounded approach. A consistent daily skincare routine and regular professional treatments play a major role in this effort.
From routine facials to more impactful treatments like laser, microneedling, or RF, these noninvasive options activate the body’s natural repair processes, helping to smooth and clear up the skin.
Where does sunscreen come in?
However, it’s essential to protect your investment in your skin from the leading cause of skin damage—unprotected sun exposure. Using SPF consistently, even in winter, helps delay long-term damage. Studies have shown that those who use SPF year-round experience fewer age spots, wrinkles, and reduced risk of skin cancer. This commitment to protection can make a visible difference, helping maintain a more even skin tone and youthful appearance.
Embracing SPF as Part of Your Routine
For residents of sunny Southern Manitoba, making SPF a year-round habit is important. Whether you are outside in direct sunlight or simply exposed to daylight (even if it’s cloudy!), your skin is vulnerable to UV damage. Prioritize sun protection and choose from the best SPF sunscreens in Canada to safeguard your skin against Winnipeg’s abundant sunshine.
This small step will make a lasting impact on your skin’s health and beauty.