When summer rolls around, one of the first things we pick up is sunscreen. But truth is, we really need to use SPF all year long. Even during the dreary winter months, we’re still exposed to sunlight on our daily commutes. And that harsh office lighting can be doing your skin damage, not to mention all that exposure to blue light courtesy of our computers and phones. Winter also brings additional issues, like dry skin from being cooped up indoors with the heat blasting.
That means your go-to summer sunscreen probably won’t get the job done during winter. So what will? Look for sunscreens with moisturizing agents to give your skin that extra burst of hydration it craves this time of year. If combating environmental stressors and blue light is your end game, opt for a winter sunscreen full of antioxidants. Too tired to add another step to your winter regimen? Then pick a tinted formula that lets you skip foundation or concealer. There are even sunscreens with anti-aging benefits.
Ready to find your perfect SPF match? Here are 10 winter sunscreens to keep your skin protected till spring.
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Sunscreens for Winter
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Sunscreens for Winter #1
Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++, $68 at Murad
It’s not just the sun you have to worry about. Harsh lighting and constant exposure to smartphones can damage your skin. Murad has the solution. Its ultra light mineral sunscreen offers SPF 50 plus Environmental Protection Technology to protect your skin from blue light from all your can’t-live-without devices, pollution, UVA/UVB rays and infrared radiation.
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Sunscreens for Winter #2
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46, $37 at DermStore
Spending all that time indoors in winter can suck all the moisture from your skin like a vacuum. Fight back with this winter-appropriate option that’ll not only block UVA/UVB rays, it also has sodium hyaluronate to crank up the moisture and lactic acid to clear pores while reducing shine.
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Sunscreens for Winter #3
La Roche-Posay Anthelios AOX Daily Antioxidant Serum SPF 50, $42.99 at Ulta Beauty
An anti-aging serum with SPF 50? Yes, please. This winter-ready sunscreen boasts Cell-OX Shield technology, a powerhouse complex featuring vitamin E, vitamin Cg and baicalin to keep out free radicals as it improves fine lines and dark spots. The lightweight formula is great for sensitive skin folks and will block out the sun’s rays.
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Sunscreens for Winter #4
Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40, $34 at Supergoop!
This antioxidant-rich, invisible sunscreen protects against blue light thanks to red algae. It also has meadowfoam seed oil to up hydration levels and it’s an awesome base for makeup. The oil-free formula even provides shine control for a flawless finish.
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Sunscreens for Winter #5
Chantecaille Ultra Sun Protection Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 45 Primer, $96 at Nordstrom
OK, this one is a tad expensive, but it includes soothing botanicals as an extra treat for your skin. UVA/UVB rays are stopped in their tracks and the lightweight sunscreen contains carnosine to soften the look of wrinkles. And if you like a little aromatherapy with your sun protection, you’re in luck since its rose scent centers and uplifts.
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Sunscreens for Winter #6
Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare Dark Spot Sun Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $42 at Amazon
Even your skin’s texture and tone while blocking out UVA/UVB rays with this sunscreen cream. You’ll also get anti-aging benefits courtesy of a complex including melatonin as well as three forms of vitamin C and vitamin E that serves as a barrier against photoaging and sun damage. It won’t irritate complexions since it has ceramides, hyaluronic acid and evening primrose oil to keep your skin super moisturized.
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Sunscreens for Winter #7
Neutrogena Sheer Zinc Dry-Touch Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50, $19.99 at Walmart
Neutrogena’s sheer zinc sunscreen gets the job done. The gentle formula is ideal for sensitive skin and was even awarded the National Eczema Association Seal of Acceptance. Its Dry-Touch technology provides a nongreasy, lightweight finish, making it perfect protection both indoors and outdoors this season.
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Sunscreens for Winter #8
SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50, $35 at SkinCeuticals
SkinCeuticals’ sheer, tinted sunscreen won’t leave a white cast, but it will increase your skin’s resistance to UV- and heat-induced stress. The noncomedogenic and fragrance-free formula boosts both radiance and your skin’s natural defenses to block environmental stress. Win-win.
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Sunscreens for Winter #9
Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50, $69 at Colorescience
Just like in summer, sunscreen needs to be reapplied throughout wintry days. This brush-on version makes things easy since you can pack it in your bag and apply it solo or over makeup anywhere. It also protects against pollution plus infrared radiation and blocks out 93 percent of harmful blue light from our phones and other devices.
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Sunscreens for Winter #10
MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50 UVA-UVB Sunscreen, $42 at Amazon
Silky and soft aren’t usually adjectives associated with sunscreen, but this isn’t your average sun protection. The lightweight formula doesn’t sit on top of your skin like heavier options and still packs broad spectrum SPF 50 protection. Plus, the combo of green tea, cranberry and pomegranate extracts safeguards skin from free radicals.
