If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
The weather outside may be frightful and bitter cold (thanks, climate change!), but that doesn’t mean you should be slacking with your sunscreen (also, thanks climate change!) It’s just as easy for those harmful ultraviolet rays to damage our skin in the coldest months. But what are these UV rays? And why does it even matter when we barely see the sun in the winter months?
UVB rays (or, as I like to call them, “U Vill Burn” rays) damage the outermost levels of skin causing delayed sunburn as well as most skin cancers. While these rays are stronger in the summer, they’ll still burn you in the winter, bouncing off the snow and ice. “Snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV light,” according to the Skin Cancer Foundation. “So the rays hit you twice, further increasing your risk of skin cancer and premature aging.”
UVA rays (or “U Vill Age” rays) penetrate the skin deeper, causing wrinkles and aging. These rays are constant year-round and can penetrate clouds, fog and glass. That means you can get a full blast of UVB and UVA rays on your way to work, without even stepping out of your car. This is also whythe Mayo Clinicrecommends a broad-spectrum sunscreen to protect against both types of UV rays — whether it’s sunny or not.
The best way to protect against damage from the sun is to add sunscreen to your morning routine and the easiest way to do this is multi-tasking. Picking up a moisturizer with SPF is a great way to save time, hydrate your skin and protect yourself from those harmful UV rays. Read on for a few of our favorite skin-quenching and protecting multitaskers…
A Version of this story was published February 2020.
Ultra Repair Pure Mineral Sunscreen Moisturizer
The cold air can wreak havoc on our skin, leaving us red, dry and flaky. First Aid Beauty is *chef’s kisses* when it comes to sensitive skin. With colloidal oatmeal, a skin protectant to relieve itching and irritation, this noncomedogenic formula incorporates physical UV blockers to provide broad-spectrum SPF 40 protection. Warm this up in your hands and press into the skin for the best application (as it is a physical sunscreen).
Murad Perfecting Day Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 PA+++
Murad is a brand developed by dermatologists, so you know it’s gonna be good. This anti-aging day cream with SPF 30 uses pomegranate, an antioxidant that helps regenerate skin, and grape seed extracts to condition the skin and protect against UVB And UVA rays.
Origins Plantscription SPF 25 Power Anti-Aging Cream
If you have oily skin you might be thinking, why would I want to add more moisture to my skin? But oily skin is dehydrated, and your skin is producing those oils to compensate. So you need a moisturizer that’s fit for your skin. Something like this Origins oil-free cream, provides a rich but unheavy formula to improve lines and wrinkles and SPF 25 protection.
Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50 Daytime Moisturizer
You may have this in your bathroom at home already because Cetaphil is sort of a drug store skincare institution. And this non-greasy formula will provide broad-spectrum SPF 50 protection and won’t break the bank. Plus it’s skin-friendly, fragrance free and won’t block your pores.
Clinique Smart Broad Spectrum SPF 15 Custom-Repair Moisturizer
When you think of Clinique, the first thing that comes to mind might be “I bought that from Macys with my grandma when I was 12 and had zits,” but Clinique is so much more! Example: this broad-spectrum SPF 15 Custom Repair Moisturizer. An oil-free formula works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles, brighten and plump all while keeping your skin hydrated.
No7 Protect and Perfect Intense Advanced Day Cream SPF 30
This cream feels rich, but stays affordable! Anti-wrinkle peptides plump while hydrating the skin. With broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection, say goodbye to wrinkles and fine lines.
Too Faced Hangover Good to Go Skin Protecting SPF 25 Moisturizer
Gluten- and cruelty- free with broad-spectrum SPF 25 protection, this remix on a classic is like a drink of water for your skin. Aloe leaf extract soothes the skin while coconut water replenishes moisture and hyaluronic acid, a humectant naturally found in skin, grabs moisture from the air and holds it in your skin, giving you that plump, dewy fresh baby face glow.
Bobbi Brown Extra Repair Moisturizing Balm SPF 25
If you are in dire need of hydration for cracked dry skin, this balm might just be the bomb. Providing immediate and longterm hydration, as well as broad-spectrum SPF 25 protection, this moisturizer supports collagen production which helps skins strength and elasticity. This balm like texture should be warmed in the hands before applying.
Leave a Comment