Yes, You Still Need to Wear Sunscreen in the Winter
Here are 7 of our current favorites.
You hopefully already know how vital sun protection is in the warmer months, but we’re here to remind you that wearing an SPF is still of utmost importance in the winter as well. Just think about it this way—if the sun is shining, the rays can damage your skin. Think increased signs of premature aging like sunspots, fine lines, and loss of elasticity due to the breakdown of collagen and elastin. Not good. So although you may not need to slather your whole body in sunscreen this time of year (wearing a wool coat and scarf sort of takes care of that for you), you still need to apply a broad-spectrum formula to your face prior to walking outside. Do it for your skin’s health.
Still not sold on the idea? We have seven of the most lightweight formulas on the market that are guaranteed to convert even the most strident of SPF naysayers.
Coola Full Spectrum 360° Refreshing Water Mist Organic Face Sunscreen SPF 18, $42
If you love misting your complexion as much as we do this time of year, then meet an SPF-packed version that is ideal for midday touch-ups. This is great if you work in a place with sunlight streaming through the windows—your sunscreen becomes less effective throughout the day, so keep this on your desk to protect and hydrate.
MyChelle Sun Shield Liquid SPF 50, $24
Fan of a mineral formula but don’t want to deal with a heavy cream SPF? This liquid sunscreen comes in translucent or two tinted versions and feels weightless on the skin—never heavy or greasy. Skin is left looking glowy and feeling like your pores can still breathe.
Supergoop! Glowscreen, $36
Continuing in the trend of skin-care doubling as complexion-enhancing makeup, Supergoop! just launched their newest base-layer SPF. This is a primer and highlighter in one, still with an SPF of 40, so for anyone who loathes the feeling of sunscreen on their face, you have no excuse with this formula.
Solid & Striped Face Sunscreen Meets Serum SPF 30, $28
If the heavy, chalky feel of sunscreen makes your skin crawl, then this lightweight serum-sunscreen hybrid will quickly become your new go-to. It sinks in fast and never leaves a whitish cast on the skin, thanks to the golden color.
Sonrei Sea Clearly Translucent Gel Sunscreen SPF 50, $25
This clear gel sunscreen contains nourishing and brightening vitamin C, vitamin E, and ferulic acid, and although it looks a tad greasy when you apply, it actually dries down super matte. It’s also reef-safe and paraben-, fragrance-, and gluten-free.
Shiseido Clear Stick UV Protector WetForce Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+, $28
The WetForce protection in this sunscreen guarantees the SPF won’t break down just because you sweat or come into contact with water (hello, random afternoon snowstorm). And if you’re already a fan of Shiseido's cult-beloved sunscreens, get ready—there are two new formulas launching next month.
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, $65
If you’re concerned about looking especially shiny when you wear an SPF, then try using a powder formula instead. This tinted sunscreen from Colorescience comes in four shades and provides broad-spectrum mineral sun protection. You can dust it over makeup or wear it alone for a minimalist, airbrushed look.
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