What’s the best sunscreen for winter and fall? Check out our picks below!
When winter comes around, I always have the staples in my routine that change to adapt for the colder weather. With the blistering winter winds here in New York City, it’s crucial to have products that protect and hydrate my skin.
So, seeing as it’s the last step of the routine and the outermost line of defense for your skin, having a hydrating sunscreen is extremely important for retaining that dewy, supple glow all winter long. Below, I chose my favorite sunscreens that double down not only on the sun protection, but also on the hydration.
Goodal Mild Protect Watery Sun Cream SPF 30/PA+++
This lightweight, breathable sunscreen is an absolute staple for anyone with dry and thirsty skin. Its formula gives it a mild, watery texture that is quickly absorbed and leaves no white cast.
But don’t let its lightness fool you—this sunscreen packs a serious punch in hydration. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe, it douses skin in moisture, while fermented Jeju prickly pear cactus extract provide vitamins and minerals to strengthen your skin barrier. Combined, they offer abundant hydration and fight off free radicals, leaving your skin hydrated and protected all day long.
Tony Moly My Sunny Watery Essence SPF 50/PA+++
The other major part of my routine that changes for fall and winter is my essence—I always add in one that’s extra hydrating, like my current favorite: the Hanskin Hyaluron Skin Essence. So, when I discovered the Tony Moly My Sunny Water Essence, I was so excited, because it combines these two crucial steps, making it a major multitasking product.
While providing complete SPF 50/PA+++ coverage, it doubles as an essence formulated with hyaluronic acid and aloe vera to seriously hydrate your skin. Plus, its light watery consistency means it absorbs quickly and is super easy to apply. Long story short, it’s a fall/winter must have.
Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++
I often find myself at a tough crossroad: I hate the smell and feel of most sunscreens, but I also have a long list of fragrances, silicones, and surfactants that I refuse to put on my skin. So, when I find a sunscreen that has an enjoyable texture and scent without all the “bleh” ingredients, I know it’s a keeper.
Such is the case with the Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream. Free of mineral oils, sulfates, parabens, and silicones, it has a mild, fresh scent with a light and watery texture that is easy to apply and quickly absorbed, while imparting a dewy glow. To top it all off, it’s formulated with hyaluronic acid, aloe, and centella asiatica extract, so it is deeply hydrating and calming. When I’m facing biting winter winds, this sun cream is my go-to.
Acwell Daily Sun Control Emulsion
This sunscreen is for those days when the wind is so blistering cold that you can hardly open your eyes. On days like those we may not be able to guarantee that you’ll be able to open your eyes, but if you’re wearing this sunscreen, we can guarantee that your skin won’t be dried out. Thanks to its super hydrating formula, this is less like a traditional sunscreen and more like a moisturizer with SPF benefits. If you have really dry skin all year round, this Acwell sunscreen will be your go-to for the coldest of winter months.
The bottom line:
When it’s cloudy, windy, and freezing cold, don’t forget your sunscreen, and make sure you’re choosing one that will protect and hydrate your skin! These choices are all serious winners for their hydrating, restoring, and protective ingredients. Because when the cold weather settles in, your skin needs that extra boost of hydration more than ever.
