9 Best SPF Moisturizers for Winter, According to Dermatologists
<p> “The sun shines year-round, and while its rays may not be as intense as they are in the warmer months, they still have enough strength to cause damage to your skin,” confirms Dr. Corey L. Hartman, board-certified dermatologist and founder of <a href=” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Skin Wellness Dermatology</a> in Birmingham, Alabama. This is before noting that UV rays can reflect off ice and snow onto your skin. He adds that even if you aren’t spending much time outside during the winter, the sun’s rays can still penetrate through windows and reflect off surfaces. <br> <br>According to <a href=” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Dr. Alicia Zalka</a>, board-certified dermatologist and Associate Clinical Professor of Dermatology at Yale University, “If you can see the sun, the sun can see you.” Not to mention, using a daily SPF (short for sun protection factor) moisturizer is one of the most important tools in combating signs of premature aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer. Plus, as Dr. Marc Hurlbert, CEO of the <a href=” target=”_blank” rel=”nofollow”>Melanoma Research Alliance</a> warns, “Snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV light which means amplified intensity.”<br> <br>In short, wearing an SPF moisturizer or quality sunscreen through winter is just as important as during the summer months. Of course, that doesn’t mean you should up and grab the first SPF 15 you find and call it a day.</p><h2 class=”body-h2″>What To Consider </h2><h3 class=”body-h3”>SPF Level</h3><p>In fact, you should avoid SPF 15 altogether. Every dermatologist we consulted with agreed on this: Whether it’s winter or one of the other seasons we actually enjoy, your daily moisturizer should be at least SPF 30 or higher. Dr. Zalka says that for day-to-day tasks, like commuting to work, running errands, etc., an SPF 30 will be sufficient. However, once you start engaging in more involved wintery activities, she recommends bumping up to an SPF 50. “If you find yourself atop a mountain or in the outdoors for extended periods of time, especially if there is snow on the ground reflecting light to your skin, be sure to use SPF 50 on exposed parts like face, neck, and hands.”<br> <br>Board-certified dermatologist <a href=” Hadley King</a> breaks it down further noting that, while no SPF product is capable of blocking 100 percent of the sun’s UVB rays, a sunscreen with SPF 30 will block up to 97 percent of them. “A sunscreen’s SPF, or sun protection factor, measures how much the product shields shorter-wave ultraviolet B rays, known as UVB radiation, which can cause sunburn,” she explains. <br> <br>That being said, Dr. King also notes that anything above SPF 50 is mostly unnecessary. “The difference in UVB protection between an SPF 100 and an SPF 50 is marginal. Far from offering double the blockage, SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks 98 percent,” she says. With that in mind, most dermatologists advise using an SPF between 30 and 50 SPF for the best protection. It’s also crucial to reapply SPF throughout the day, and every couple of hours if you’re doing any activity involving sweating, water, snow, or anything else that might wash away the product. <br></p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Broad-Spectrum Protection</h3><p>Something you might come across while shopping for an SPF this winter is the term “broad-spectrum protection” slapped across the labels—this is a good thing, and a prerequisite in our opinion. Broad-spectrum essentially means that the product protects against both the sun’s UVA and UVB rays. In general, the major difference between the two is in their wavelength and how deep they penetrate the skin. UVA (aka Ultraviolet A) rays have longer wavelengths and can travel farther, “meaning they put you at risk for accelerated skin aging, resulting in sun spots, fine lines, and wrinkles and dull, tired skin,” according to Dr. Hartman. UVB (aka Ultraviolet B) rays mostly affect the skin’s outer layer, responsible for burning the skin. “Both UVA and UVB rays are dangerous and can lead to accelerated skin aging and skin cancer,” Dr. Hartman warns. </p><p>As a result, Dr. Hurlbert and the Melanoma Research Alliance as a whole—not to mention, just about every dermatologist we spoke to—recommend using a broad-spectrum to protect you from UVA rays that age skin and UVB rays that burn, along with avoiding a much worse consequence. “It’s important to find a sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection because exposure to UVA and UVB rays can cause cancer,” Dr. Hurlbert explains. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Water Resistance<br></h3><p>Depending on how adventurous you are during the winter, Dr. Hartman advises using a water-resistant SPF to minimize the amount that sweats or rinses off. “If you are outside and plan to engage in activities, look for a water-resistant sunscreen so that it protects your exposed skin,” he says. However, Dr. Hurlberts adds the major caveat that no sunscreen is 100 percent waterproof. “Instead, sunscreens can be rated as water-resistant for 40 or 80 minutes,” he notes. With that in mind, if you’re a snowboarder, skier, outdoor runner, or just an especially sweaty person, look for water-resistant options to get the most out of your SPF, and consider its length of water resistance. </p><h3 class=”body-h3″>Key Ingredients </h3><p>Like any skincare product, a quality SPF moisturizer is only as good as its core ingredients. What’s unique to SPF products, however, is that they need to fulfill two crucial responsibilities—hydrate skin while also protecting it from the sun’s UV rays. Dr. King recommends you seek out products with skin-soothing humectants like glycerin or hyaluronic acid to draw moisture into the skin, emollients like ceramides and squalane to reinforce the skin’s protective barrier, and occlusives like petrolatum to seal in hydration. Additionally, calming ingredients like shea butter, niacinamide, chamomile, or aloe can offer added benefits. </p><h2 class=”body-h2″>How We Selected </h2><p>For the past two winters, we have consulted with <em>Men’s Health </em>grooming writers and editors to determine the top SPF moisturizers for men to use during cooler weather. Experts, including our Grooming Commerce Editor Sean Zucker, tried dozens of face moisturizers with SPF and evaluated their ingredients, feel, consistency, ability to rub in, and effectiveness at protecting skin from the sun. We also spoke with a panel of board-certified dermatologists on what to look for in an SPF cream and which they recommend, as well as considering top-reviewed face moisturizers on e-commerce websites that we trust.<em></em></p><p>Below, the nine best SPF moisturizers for men to use during the winter based on this research and testing. </p>” data-next-head/>
Best Overall SPF Moisturizer for Winter
Marlowe No. 128 Daily Face Lotion with SPF 50
Cons
- Cream is thick so it’s easy to over-apply
When choosing any facial lotion, it often comes down to this question: Do you have dry or oily skin? This SPF 50 moisturizer from Marlowe is our top option because it offers protection for both, and much more.
If you have dry skin, Dr. Hartman recommends finding an SPF moisturizer with hydrating ingredients like shea butter or aloe vera. On the flip side, “If your skin is oily, you can help regulate sebum production by adding an appropriate level of moisture,” he adds, which this lotion also achieves thanks to its lightweight formula backed by vitamin A. Beyond sheer versatility, we found this SPF cream to absorb so quickly, it borderline cut our skincare routine in half (something we especially appreciate on those cold and dreary mornings).
Read More: Best Moisturizers for Men
| SPF Level | 50 |
|---|---|
| Broad-Spectrum Protection? | Yes |
| Water-Resistance | 80 minutes |
| Key Ingredients | Shea butter, aloe vera, vitamin A |
Best SPF Moisturizer for Winter Sports
Freaks of Nature Peak Performance SPF 50
Leave it to surf legend Kelly Slater to develop the best sunblock for winter sports. Not even a full-calendar year into its existence, Slater’s impressive Freaks of Nature skincare line has been making waves thanks to its SPF-focused moisturizers devised to withstand all the elements. Our snowboarding and skiing testers loved this moisturizer for its ability to hold up while hitting the slopes. It’s also certified reef-safe for wearing in any tropical locations (and for our surfers out there).
Whether it’s fighting off sweat or snow, the 80-minute resistance claim of this cream is quite the modest estimate—we found it lasted much, much longer. Sure, the bottle is on the expensive side but this moisturizer lays on like crazy, just a small dap of this stuff will be enough to cover your entire face.
| SPF Level | 50 |
|---|---|
| Broad-Spectrum Protection? | Yes |
| Water-Resistance | 80 minutes |
| Key Ingredients | Zinc oxide, titanium dioxide |
Best SPF Moisturizer for Acne Prone Skin in the Winter
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
Pros
- Fragrance-free
- Ultra-thick
- Contains niacinamide for reducing inflammation
Cons
- Expensive considering its smaller sizer, 1.7 oz
EltaMD UV Clear comes highly recommended by Dr. Zalka, and it did not disappoint. This moisturizer is truly scentless (perfect for sensitive or dry skin), next-level thick (ideal for protection during the winter), and loaded with skin-repairing ingredients. There’s zinc oxide, which not only protects against UV rays but also reduces inflammation and redness, as well as octinoxate for additional protection.
Plus, the formula features niacinamide (aka vitamin B3) to hydrate skin and help balance its oil production, which is especially useful for people with oily skin or acne-prone skin as it can unclog pores. “If you are looking for a more even tone to the skin, or to reduce inflammation, look for niacinamide. It helps reduce age spots and redness, and also helps minimize the appearance of pores,” Dr. Hartman. This is all on top of being ultra-gentle and quickly absorbing.
Read More: Best Sunscreens for Men
| SPF Level | 46 |
|---|---|
| Broad-Spectrum Protection? | Yes |
| Water-Resistance | Undisclosed from brand, but up to 30 minutes according to our testing |
| Key Ingredients | Zinc oxide, octinoxate, niacinamide |
Best Anti-Aging SPF Moisturizer for Winter
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery
Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery offered one of the most renewing moisturizing experiences we’ve had during our testing phase. One of its key ingredients is squalane, which Dr. King explains is an emollient that helps support the skin barrier by mimicking your skin’s natural oils. We can certainly confirm that this stuff leaves skin feeling smooth and hydrated, not to mention its anti-aging powerhouse duo of polypeptides and white tea extract helping reduce wrinkles and other lingering blemishes.
| SPF Level | 50 |
|---|---|
| Broad-Spectrum Protection? | Yes |
| Water-Resistance | No |
| Key Ingredients | Polypeptides, white tea, squalan |
Best Winter SPF for Sensitive Skin
CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion
During our testing phase, we constantly found ourselves returning to this no-nonsense SPF lotion for low-maintenance protection. Its sensitive skin-safe formula is backed by hyaluronic acid, which helps skin retain moisture, and ultra-soothing niacinamide to calm skin.
Dr. Hartman also advocates for the cream, especially for those with easily aggravated skin. According to the dermatologist, “CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 is a nice option for someone with sensitive skin who needs a quick routine in the morning, since you get moisturize from ceramides, plus essential sunscreen protection.”
Read More: Body Washes for Dry Skin
| SPF Level | 30 |
|---|---|
| Broad-Spectrum Protection? | Yes |
| Water-Resistance | No |
| Key Ingredients | Hyaluronic acid, zinc oxide, niacinamide, glycerin |
Best Luxury Winter SPF Moisturizer
Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion
Based on our testing, this 100 percent mineral sunscreen is perfect for sensitive skin. With its hypoallergenic formula, it moisturized and protected our skin without ever inviting a reaction or any irritation. While it is certainly one of the more expensive options out there, we found it to be more than worth it thanks to its effectiveness and sensitivity toward skin that’s acne-prone, easily aggravated or just oily.
“Isdin Eryfotona Actinica Ultralight Emulsion Broad Spectrum SPF 50+ is a lightweight emulsion that delivers moisture and mineral zinc oxide for a chemical-free, physical sunscreen that eliminates the possibility of allergy,” Hartman says.
| SPF Level | At least 50 |
|---|---|
| Broad-Spectrum Protection? | Yes |
| Water-Resistance | 40 minutes |
| Key Ingredients | Zinc oxide, vitamin E |
Best Winter SPF for Deep Skin
Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick
If you’ve ever thought to yourself, gee I really wish my sunscreen was more like my deodorant, then sir this is the SPF for you. It rolls on for easy application, which also makes it ideal for anyone who often finds themselves with SPF in their eyes. Not to mention, it goes on clear without any lingering casing or residue.
According to Dr. Hartman, “Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick 50+ is a great option for people with darker skin as it won’t leave a white cast. It also applies incredibly easy and stays put without feeling sticky or greasy.”
| SPF Level | At least 50 |
|---|---|
| Broad-Spectrum Protection? | Yes |
| Water-Resistance | 80 minutes |
| Key Ingredients | Licorice root, avobenzone |
Best Lightweight SPF for Winter
Face Reality Daily SPF 30 Lotion
Another favorite of Dr. King, she says its, “lightweight formulation, provides broad spectrum protection and also contains antioxidants for additional protection from free radicals.” Our testers confirm this is by far the thinnest SPF of all on this list, which is perfect for those who have oily or sensitive skin. We found this cream was ideal for everyday application before commuting to work or running errands. However, if your winter is more adventurous, it might be best to look for a thicker option.
Still, if you have oily skin or don’t get too wild during this season, Face Reality will be an easy-to-apply, daily SPF. “Moisturizing but sheer, lightweight, and non-comedogenic—great for oily skin, and still moisturizing so it’s a nice choice for winter,” Dr. King says.
| SPF Level | 30 |
|---|---|
| Broad-Spectrum Protection? | Yes |
| Water-Resistance | No |
| Key Ingredients | Green tea extract, sunflower seed oil, vitamin E |
Best Winter SPF for Sun Damaged Skin
Garnier SkinCare Clearly Brighter Even Tone Daily Moisturizer
Look, I get it, most dudes aren’t like me and haven’t been obsessing over their skin’s health since high school. It’s completely understandable (and probably more sane), but unfortunately, there are consequences to entering this game late. Maybe you even sought out this list because you’ve already experienced sun damage.
Many of our testers have gone through a similar journey and they swear by this moisturizer’s ability to not only protect against new damage, but also help repair preexisting dark spots and blemishes. Plus, the pros vouch for it: “Contains vitamins C and E for added protection from antioxidants. Also contains moisturizing ingredients, and lipo-hydroxyl acid to gently exfoliate to help reduce the appearance of sun damage,” Dr. King says.
| SPF Level | 30 |
|---|---|
| Broad-Spectrum Protection? | Yes |
| Water-Resistance | No |
| Key Ingredients | Vitamin C, vitamin E, lipo-hydroxyl acid |
Can I Use My Daily Summer SPF in the Winter?
Given that SPF and sunscreen are necessary for all 12 months, it’s fair to wonder if you need different products for each season or if one solid option will be sufficient. The short answer is it depends. Overall, what’s most important is to keep using SPF every day, so if the easiest way to do that is to stick to one product, then do it. As Dr. Hartman says, “If sunscreen is already a habit from the summer, keep it going through fall right into winter.”
However, if you want to really take your skincare and UV protection seriously, you’ll want to slightly adjust your products during the cooler months. Dr. King explains, “In general, we need heavier, more moisturizing formulations in the winter that contain more emollients and occlusive.” Those latter two are primarily moisturizing agents because cold air tends to draw moisture out of the skin much faster, leaving it drier than usual.
That being said, Dr. King notes that if a person’s skin is already especially oily or the winter weather is mild, using the same product from the summer would be acceptable. Plus, Dr. Zalka offers another solution for those hooked on one particular SPF. “You can use your favorite SPF all year long. In winter just incorporate layers of hydration underneath your product,” she says adding face oil as a great resource here.
Why Do I Need to Wear Sunscreen in the Winter?
Is wearing SPF to protect yourself from the sun’s rays is necessary when it’s freezing out and the sun goes down before 5 o’clock? Every dermatologist we consulted with confirmed it’s still just as important to wear SPF during the cooler months as the warmer ones. Beyond the fact that UV rays are still ultra-present when it’s cold out, snow and ice reflect them to give their threat a boost this season.
This, of course, creates unique challenges during the winter. “That is why you will find if there is snow on the ground and the sun is shining you reach for your sunglasses because it is very bright. This is the same for the skin and the effect is magnified if you are at high altitudes, like on a ski slope,” Dr. Zalka explains.
Dr. Hartman adds that while lower temperatures and lower humidity don’t directly affect the skin’s ability to protect itself from UV damage, these conditions can absolutely lead to drying and irritation, which can impact protection. “When skin is irritated and stressed overall, it has a harder time protecting and renewing itself,” he says. “Many times in the winter you might feel that your skin is tight or feels pulled. This is from a lack of moisture in the skin, so you need to add moisture back.”
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