Yes, You Still Need Sunscreen In the Winter — Here Are Some of Our Favorites
From Vacation’s Orange Gelée SPF 30 Sunscreen Gel to Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen.
We hate to break it to you, but sunscreen is needed year-round — no questions asked. While it might seem strange to apply it when it’s cold outside, the sun’s rays are still powerful and they continue to impact our skin, even in the winter. In case you didn’t know, UVA and UVB rays cause major damage, leading to premature aging, sunburns and an increased risk of cancer. Of course, finding one you love can be quite the task — some are too sticky, slightly tacky or leave a crazy-looking white cast. Thankfully, we know a thing or two about the skincare essential.
Below, browse through a few of our favorite sunscreens, from EltaMD’s Deep-Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF46 to Saie Beauty’s Slip Tint Broad Spectrum SPF35 Sunscreen.
Vacation “Orange Gelée” SPF 30 Sunscreen Gel
View this post on Instagram
A revival of the century-old beach staple, Vacation’s “Orange Gelée” sprays on with ease and leaves skin feeling hydrated. Tested by dermatologists for safety and efficacy, the product also features the classic’s revived scent, crafted by developer Carlos Huber.
Supergoop “Unseen Sunscreen” SPF 50
View this post on Instagram
Supergoop is revamping its best-selling “Unseen Sunscreen” with a new formula that doubles as a makeup primer. Popularized by its super lightweight feel, this offering can also be worn alone — it still delivers a mattifying and blurring effect.
EltaMD Deep-Tinted Face Sunscreen SPF46
View this post on Instagram
Beloved by dermatologists and beauty lovers alike, EltaMD’s non-comedogenic sunscreen blends into the skin with ease, providing an invisible finish that feels nourishing on the face. This tinted version can double as a foundation, ideal for when the winter air dries skin out.
Saie Beauty Slip Tint Broad Spectrum SPF35 Sunscreen
View this post on Instagram
It’s important to get extra hydration during this season, so we recommend finding a sunscreen that can give you a slight moisture boost like the “Slip Tint” from Saie. The skin tint contains ingredients like hyaluronic acid and licorice root that work to revitalize and brighten thirsty skin while protecting it from UVA and UVB rays.
Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Lotion SPF45
View this post on Instagram
The cold can sort of suck the life out of your skin, so going for an option with a bit of glow can counteract this effect. One of our favorites is the Cay Skin Isle Glow Face Lotion, a moisturizer and sunscreen hybrid that utilizes a blend of pearls to bring a glow back to the dermis.
Dr. Dennis Gross Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF30
View this post on Instagram
Failing to protect our skin from the sun can lead to a range of harmful health effects, including premature fine lines and cancer. Dr. Dennis Gross’ Wrinkle Defense Broad Spectrum Sunscreen offers a powerful formula enriched with barberry, sea buckthorn and ferulic acid — antioxidants that help shield skin from blue light, pollution and UVA/UVB rays.
Dr. Jart Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF50
View this post on Instagram
If you suffer from sensitive skin, your best bet is to go for a mineral sunscreen. This one from Dr. Jart doesn’t absorb into the face, creating a barrier between your dermis and the sun. While it might leave a slight white cast, it’ll allow you to combat inflammation, irritation and acne.
For more beauty coverage, check out our guide to knowing when to throw out your makeup.
