Smart Skincare: Why SPF Belongs in Every Season

As the days grow shorter and the air turns crisp, many of us naturally swap lightweight moisturizers for richer creams — but one product that should never leave your skincare routine is sunscreen.

It’s a common misconception that SPF is only essential during the hot summer months. Yet dermatologists emphasize that ultraviolet (UV) rays don’t take a seasonal break. Even when the sky is cloudy or the air feels cold, UVA and UVB radiation continue to penetrate the skin, accelerating photoaging — the process that leads to fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven tone. 

“Using SPF products in winter is just as important as in summer, since UV rays can reach the skin through clouds and windows all year round. To prevent long-term damage, SPF use should become a daily ritual regardless of the season,”— Dr. Demija Pleša- Bogomolova dermatologist.

And there’s more to consider: snow and ice can reflect up to 90% of UV rays, doubling your exposure, while the ozone layer — our natural UV shield — is often at its thinnest during colder months. The result? Increased risk of premature aging and even skin cancer if sun protection is neglected.

From Nordic Nature to Skin Protection: The Science of DragonCell™

At Alternative Plants, we believe in merging scientific innovation with the power of Northern flora. One of our signature bioactive ingredients, DragonCell™, is derived from Northern dragonhead (Dracocephalum ruyshiana) stem cells.

This extract is rich in phenolic compounds — over 60% are caffeic acid derivatives, including rosmarinic acid and chlorogenic acid, both known for their strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-aging properties. Beyond its antioxidative effects, DragonCell™ enhances the skin’s ability to resist UV-induced stress: studies show that keratinocyte cell viability after UVA/UVB exposure increases by 27% when pretreated with 1% DragonCell™, compared to untreated cells.

Where Innovation Meets Everyday Skincare

DragonCell™ is used in MADARA COSMETICS SPF30 antioxidant body sunscreen and SPF30 age-defying face sunscreen with plant stem cells — two innovative, 100% mineral-based formulations that offer high UVA/UVB protection without synthetic filters or nano zinc oxide.

Rich in antioxidants and featuring a softly tinted, creamy texture, these sunscreens protect the skin from sun damage and environmental stressors while keeping it hydrated and radiant.

The excellence of MADARA’s sun protection line has also gained international recognition — the MADARA SPF50 Plant Stem Cell Ultra-Shield Sunscreen was recently featured in Harper’s Bazaar UK’s My Beauty Edit by Emma Mackey, who shared:

“The MADARA tinted SPF50 Plant Stem Cell Ultra-Shield Sunscreen I really love — it gives a bouncy little glow, which is lovely.”

Read the full text here.

A Year-Round Commitment to Healthy, Protected Skin

Winter sunlight may feel gentle, but its effects on the skin can be long-lasting. By choosing SPF products enriched with natural actives like DragonCell™, you’re not only protecting your skin from UV damage — you’re investing in its long-term resilience and vitality.

Because true skincare doesn’t stop when summer ends — it continues, season after season, with nature and science working hand in hand.