There’s a particular kind of joy in booking a winter escape. Flights to Fiji. A long stretch in Bali. Three weeks chasing the European summer while New Zealand sits under grey skies and four layers of merino.

And there’s a particular kind of regret in arriving at your destination, sun-starved and pale, and reaching for sunscreen only to realise the only thing in your toiletry bag is a half-used tube of something that expired during the last Labour government.

If winter is when you’re planning your getaway, this is your reminder: pack the SPF before you pack anything else.

Wondering whether you need sunscreen in the winter? Even when temperatures drop, UVA rays stay strong, meaning your skin is still vulnerable to sun damage, dryness, and premature aging. That’s why using sunscreen in winter and choosing the right SPF for winter, is essential for healthy, protected skin.

Discover why winter sun protection matters, how UV exposure changes in colder months, and the best COOLA formulas to keep your skin hydrated and shielded all season long.

Cold weather calls for a smarter approach to skincare. As temperatures drop, skin needs deeper hydration, barrier support, and daily protection to stay balanced and radiant. Discover COOLA’s cold-weather essentials designed to nourish, protect, and keep your glow going all season long.

Let’s bust a myth right here, right now: just because it’s winter doesn’t mean you can skip the SPF. In fact, winter sun can be extra sneaky— especially up in the mountains. Snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, and at higher altitudes, those rays are stronger and closer to your skin than you think.