Top SPF Face Products for Fall + Winter

As autumn transitions into even cooler weather, it can be tempting to forgo sunscreen. However, for those with red hair, this is not advisable. Daily sunscreen application remains essential for protecting sensitive skin from harmful UV rays. Even though daylight hours are shorter, the risk of sun damage persists. Maintaining your sunscreen routine throughout the fall and winter months will help ensure your skin remains healthy and radiant.

Rather than eliminating sunscreen from your routine, consider transitioning to something more suitable for colder weather. During the fall and winter months, we recommend using facial sunscreens that offer effective protection, wear well under makeup, and provide hydration. Here are our top seven facial SPF products specifically curated for redheads in the fall and winter.

Redheads usually have fair skin that can be sensitive to sun exposure year-round. Here are some sunscreen tips for the fall and winter:

Choose Broad-Spectrum Protection: Opt for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection (UVA and UVB) with at least SPF 30.
Look for Physical Blockers: Sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are often more effective for sensitive skin and provide immediate protection.
Consider Moisturizing Formulas: Your skin may become drier in cooler months. Look for sunscreens that are also moisturizing to keep your skin hydrated.
Apply Generously: Don’t skimp on the amount. Use a nickel-sized amount for your face and a shot glass full for your body.
Reapply Regularly: If you sweat or spend time outdoors, reapply every two hours.
Don’t Forget Common Areas: Apply sunscreen to often-missed areas like your ears, neck, and scalp (especially if you have thin hair).
Wear Protective Clothing: When possible, wear long sleeves, hats, and scarves to minimize sun exposure.
Be Mindful of Reflections: Snow can reflect UV rays, so even in winter, you can still get burned. Be extra cautious if you’re in snowy areas.
Use Lip Balm with SPF: Protect your lips with a lip balm with SPF to avoid chapping and sunburn.
Check the Expiration Date: Sunscreen can lose effectiveness over time, so ensure yours is still good.

These tips can help protect your skin from UV damage, even in the colder months:

1. La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen SPF 40+

This tinted sunscreen wears beautifully on its own and under makeup as an added layer of coverage. The tint gives you a gorgeous glow, and the fast-absorbing formula provides an excellent base for your face makeup.

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Tinted Sunscreen: $38

2. Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40

Another excellent choice for wearing under makeup is this weightless and colorless option! We love this sunscreen for year-round use, but it stays in our rotation through the fall and winter.

Supergoop! Unseen Sunscreen: $38

3. La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm SPF 50

This is a must if you suffer from dry skin in the winter. It relieves and hydrates dry, cracked skin while helping protect it from sun exposure.

La Roche-Posay Cicaplast Balm: $20

4. CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with Sheer Tint

For added hydration and a tint on a budget, this SPF is always a winner. It’s perfect for colder weather, formulated with Niacinamide to help calm skin and Hyaluronic Acid to help retain the skin’s natural moisture.

CeraVe Hydrating Mineral Sunscreen: $15

5. PÜR Beauty 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 20

Try this fantastic combination product to simplify your routine this fall and winter. It’s a moisturizer, primer, foundation, and SPF all rolled into one! It is below SPF 30, so we recommend pairing it with another SPF product for complete protection.

PÜR Beauty 4-in-1 Tinted Moisturizer: $36

6. innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 36

This SPF wears gorgeously under makeup and leaves your skin glowing. It has sunflower seed oil to nourish and Green Tea and Cica to hydrate and soothe.

innisfree Daily UV Defense Sunscreen Broad Spectrum: $18

7. Vanicream Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30

Formulated with ceramides to help retain moisture, this sensitive, skin-safe sunscreen is a beautiful choice for redheads. It’s suitable for wearing under makeup and won’t irritate your skin!