The 8 best winter SPF formulas to keep you protected
As the cold weather sets in many of us are experiencing dry skin that is irritated, so we’re willing to bet that applying (and reapplying) winter sunscreen isn't the first thing on your mind. But every skin expert under the sun tells us that SPF is important when it's rainy, cloudy and even snowy, too.
“Exposed areas need UV protection even when it’s cold as ageing UVA rays are present all year round and travel through glass, making broad-spectrum sunscreen an essential,” Dr Sam Bunting, skin expert and founder of Dr Sam’s tells GLAMOUR.
Although there is no true rule for a winter vs a summer sunscreen, your skin might be craving a little more sustenance. “Seek out sunscreen enriched with indulgent occlusives, like shea butter and squalane that shield us from the effects of the elements and protect our skin barrier at the same time,” says Dr Bunting. “I’m particularly fond of sunscreen with added niacinamide, which is a tremendously useful active ingredient that’s both anti-inflammatory and helps skin produce more ceramides to become more resilient.”
Keeping topped up with your SPF is especially important if you’re taking part in winter activities like skiing. “On a bright day, clean fresh snow can reflect up to 90% of UV rays, meaning you’re bombarded directly and indirectly,” says Dr Bunting.
It’s important to top-up throughout the day so take a mini SPF with you to keep in your pocket. The same goes for lip care. We often neglect our poor lips forgetting that they need sun protection, too. Look out for a lip balm with SPF and remember to reapply throughout your action-packed day.
The one rule regardless of what season it is remains: the best winter SPF is the one you’ll wear. So if you find in winter your skin needs a richer, more hydrating formula to keep you comfortable then seek that out. But, if you find your skin is perfectly fine with your go-to summer formula, then stick to that! It really is just about finding what works for you and your skin.
Winter sunscreen: Dr Sam's
Dr Sam's Flawless Daily Sunscreen, £29, Dr Sam's
If you’re looking for guaranteed comfortable, hydrated and protected skin, Dr Sam’s Flawless Daily Sunscreen is just the ticket. It ticks off everything we like to see in sunscreen (and much more); as the formula is broad-spectrum and SPF 50. And not only does it not clog pores, it actually helps to keep them clear thanks to the clever inclusion of niacinamide — no more “I don’t wear sunscreen because it breaks me out” excuse! And if that wasn’t enough, the sunscreen is fragrance-free (perfect for sensitive skin types) and also cruelty-free and vegan.
Winter sunscreen: Medik8
Medik8 Advanced Day Total Protect, £57, Medik8
Come winter, if your skin craves all of the comforting creams then Medik8’s formula is the one for you. It’s thick without losing any of its elegance and leaves a hydrating (never greasy or sticky) layer on the skin once absorbed. It’s also a great option for sensitive skin types as it doesn’t contain any fragrance or alcohol.
Winter sunscreen: Beauty Pie
Featherlight UVA UVB SPF 50 Sunscreen, £13.5, Beauty Pie
I always say, a Beauty Pie membership is worth getting for this SPF alone (and the Clean candle). It’s broad-spectrum, SPF 50, and as the name suggests, it’s ultra lightweight so it works brilliantly layered on top of heavier creams in the winter, as well as underneath makeup.
Winter sunscreen: YourGoodSkin
YourGoodSkin SPF 30 Day Cream, £8, Boots
Like to multitask your products? Combine your day cream and sunscreen with the YourGoodSkin SPF 30 Day Cream. It’s slightly thicker in consistency than a lot of lightweight sunscreen formulas but still works well under makeup and it leaves a nice glow. If you’re using a moisturiser, just make sure you’re using enough. Two finger lengths are recommended for the face and neck to be fully covered.
Winter sunscreen: Bondi Sands
Bondi Sands Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50, £8, Cult Beauty
Bondi Sands SPF 50 is a great option if you’re outside and being very active because it’s water-resistant so won’t slide off your face in a matter of seconds. You’ll find aloe vera and vitamin E in the formula to keep your skin feeling super hydrated and in tip top condition — no matter how cold and harsh the weather be outside.
Winter sunscreen: Supergoop
Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen, £32, Cult Beauty
If you hate more traditional creamy SPF formulas, try Supergoop’s Unseen Sunscreen, which is unlike any other formula in the list. It’s completely colourless, odourless, and doesn’t leave any film whatsoever on the skin. The velvety finish actually makes it a great primer underneath makeup.
Winter sunscreen: Ultra Violette
Ultra Violette Supreme Screen Hydrating Facial Skinscreen SPF 50+, £34, SpaceNK
Ultra Violette knows how to make an epic sunscreen. Lightweight, hydrating and effortlessly settles onto the skin ready for makeup (no pilling guaranteed!) or to be worn alone. It does have quite a strong scent so if that isn’t your thing, you might want to opt for a fragrance-free option.
Winter sunscreen: La Roche-Posay
La Roche-Posay UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+, £19, Boots
A beauty editor favourite thanks to being a great all-rounder. True to its name, the formula is truly invisible (no matter your skin tone) and about as featherweight as sunscreens go. What makes this formula really special though is its filter Mexoryl 400, which targets ultra long UVA wavelengths — the rays responsible for accelerated ageing caused by the sun, even when it’s cloudy. Although said to be OK for sensitive skin types (and for some it is), if you’re extra sensitive to alcohol in skincare then you’ll definitely want to avoid this one as it contains the ingredient.
