Top 10 Best Sunscreens for Summer and Winter

No matter the season, sunscreens remain a key player in protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful effects. The sun emits UV rays year-round, and even on cloudy days or during winter, UV exposure can damage your skin. However, sunscreen needs can vary between seasons due to different climates, temperatures, and skincare needs. Here’s a guide to the best sunscreens for summer and winter, helping you choose the right protection year-round.

Top 5 Best Sunscreens for Summer

Summer brings increased sun exposure, heat, and humidity, which requires sunscreens that are both lightweight and effective at shielding your skin from intense UV rays. Here are the best sunscreens for summer:

1. EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

• Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide
• Why It’s Great for Summer: EltaMD’s UV Clear is lightweight, oil-free, and ideal for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Its broad-spectrum SPF 46 provides high protection without clogging pores or causing breakouts.
• Pros: Reduces inflammation, lightweight, ideal for sensitive skin

2. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

• Key Ingredients: Red algae, frankincense, meadowfoam seed complex
• Why It’s Great for Summer: This sunscreen is known for its unique gel-based formula that’s invisible on all skin tones. It’s also water- and sweat-resistant, making it a popular choice for beach days and outdoor activities.
• Pros: Lightweight, oil-free, sweat-resistant

3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Melt-in Milk Sunscreen SPF 100

• Key Ingredients: Avobenzone, homosalate, octocrylene
• Why It’s Great for Summer: Offering SPF 100, this sunscreen is perfect for those who burn easily. Its creamy texture absorbs quickly, providing high sun protection for both face and body.
• Pros: High SPF, non-greasy, hydrating

4. Neutrogena Hydro Boost Water Gel Lotion SPF 30

• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid
• Why It’s Great for Summer: Ideal for those who prefer a cooling, water-gel texture, Neutrogena’s Hydro Boost hydrates with hyaluronic acid while providing SPF 30 sun protection. It’s also water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.
• Pros: Hydrating, lightweight, absorbs quickly

5. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion SPF 50+

• Key Ingredients: WetForce Technology, SynchroShield
• Why It’s Great for Summer: Shiseido’s sunscreen strengthens its protection upon contact with water and heat, making it ideal for intense summer days. The sunscreen also feels weightless and works well for outdoor sports.
• Pros: Water-resistant, reef-safe, lightweight

Top 5 Best Sunscreens for Winter

In winter, sun protection remains essential, especially since snow reflects up to 80% of UV rays, increasing exposure. Winter sunscreens should offer ample hydration to combat the dryness of cold weather.

1. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30

• Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, niacinamide, ceramides
• Why It’s Great for Winter: This mineral sunscreen contains ceramides to help restore the skin barrier and prevent moisture loss, making it ideal for winter’s harsh, dry air.
• Pros: Moisturizing, good for sensitive skin, fragrance-free

2. Vanicream Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50+

• Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, octinoxate
• Why It’s Great for Winter: Specifically formulated for sensitive and reactive skin, Vanicream is free from common irritants and offers broad-spectrum SPF 50+.
• Pros: Moisturizing, free from irritants, suitable for dry and sensitive skin

3. Aveeno Positively Mineral Sensitive Skin SPF 50

• Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, oat extract
• Why It’s Great for Winter: Oat extract soothes and calms the skin, which is perfect for winter’s dry and harsh conditions. This mineral sunscreen also provides SPF 50 protection and works well under makeup.
• Pros: Soothing, non-greasy, ideal for sensitive skin

4. Murad City Skin Age Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50

• Key Ingredients: Zinc oxide, iron oxides, vitamin C
• Why It’s Great for Winter: Specifically designed to protect against environmental damage, this sunscreen shields from blue light as well. Vitamin C brightens and evens skin tone, which is ideal for winter skincare routines.
• Pros: Broad-spectrum protection, lightweight, provides a radiant finish

5. EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40

• Key Ingredients: Hyaluronic acid, vitamin E
• Why It’s Great for Winter: Similar to the summer version, EltaMD’s UV Daily is ultra-hydrating and ideal for drier winter conditions. The added hyaluronic acid boosts moisture retention, keeping skin plump and protected.
• Pros: Lightweight, moisturizing, suitable for all skin types

While sunscreen is essential year-round, finding the right one for each season ensures your skin stays protected and comfortable. In summer, prioritize lightweight, sweat-resistant, and high-SPF options, while in winter, opt for more hydrating sunscreens that support the skin barrier. With these top sunscreens for each season, you’ll keep your skin healthy and protected no matter the weather!