Stand in the sunshine for just a moment, and you can feel how powerful the sun is. Exposure to the most important star in the universe delivers healthy benefits like vitamin D, but the sun also emits unhealthy ultraviolet radiation that can lead to sunburn, sun damage, skin cancer, and signs of visible aging like wrinkles, discoloration, and leathery skin. Add the power of pollution and dry weather, and you have a triple whammy that dehydrates and dulls the skin.
Sun protection is an essential component of a skincare routine, no matter what Skin Type you have. Even if you tan easily, even if you've never gotten a sunburn, whether you're young or mature—you are not immune to the sun's harsh rays.
That's why it's so important to educate yourself on the effects of SPF and UV rays from the sun and brush up on the best products for your unique skin. Gain confidence when it comes to protecting your skin health by learning how sun exposure impacts the body's largest organ, why sunscreen matters, and what can happen if sunscreen protection is not prioritized.
Why winter SPF is non-negotiable
Why year-round sun protection is important
UV rays don’t hibernate in winter. In fact, your skin needs sun protection more than ever because snow and ice can reflect harmful rays. To help protect your skin from increased exposure, you must apply products with broad-spectrum SPF.
SPF, or sun protection factor, measures how much longer it will take for protected skin to burn than unprotected skin. For example, if unprotected skin starts to burn in 15 minutes—remember, sun exposure varies throughout the day—then a product with SPF 20 means protected skin will start to burn in 300 minutes, or 20 x 15.
But it’s not just a higher SPF that’s important. For optimal sun protection, look for moisturizers and sunscreens containing broad-spectrum SPF. These products can help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, both of which are known to cause sunburn, wrinkles, and premature skin aging. Advanced damage can also lead to skin cancer, which is why it is so important to choose winter skincare products with broad-spectrum protection.
How to layer products for optimal sun protection
Can there be too much of a good thing? Not when it comes to sun protection. Clinique’s line of broad-spectrum SPF products stand on their own, but they’re even better when layered. Mix and match the products that fit your skin type and the coverage you seek.
Remember, as with moisturizers, you’ll want to go lightest to heaviest with your SPF protection. Here are some recommendations:
Clinique Pep-Start Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50
Clinique Pep-Start Daily UV Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 50
This ultra-lightweight, 100% mineral formula blends beautifully under makeup, but it’s also perfect for no-makeup days. The oil-free, non-acnegenic formula is both dermatologist- and ophthalmologist-tested, so you can apply it to your face daily without worries.
How to use: Apply to face daily after cleansing. Use alone or as a makeup primer.
City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 25
City Block Sheer Oil-Free Daily Face Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Good for all skin types, this oil-free product offers sheer protection and acts as a makeup primer.
How to use: Apply to clean skin with fingertips and blend evenly over the entire face. Follow with Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15.
Superdefense City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector
Superdefense City Block Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Daily Energy + Face Protector
This product, which is appropriate for all skin types, helps provide sheer sun protection and acts as a makeup primer.
How to use: Apply to face in the morning after all other treatment products. Can be worn under makeup as a primer or over makeup.
Even Better Brightening Moisturizer SPF 20
Even Better Brightening Moisturizer SPF 20
This is an oil-free face cream that soothes, hydrates, clarifies, and brightens while also offering broad-spectrum protection. The 100% fragrance-free formula has been allergy tested, so it won’t aggravate sensitive skin. It can even be applied to the chest and hands for broader sun protection.
How to use: Apply to face in the morning after Even Better Clinical Dark Spot Clearing Serum. Follow up with Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15.
Moisture Surge Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator
Moisture Surge Broad Spectrum SPF 28 Sheer Hydrator
This cloud-like moisturizer might not feel heavy on your skin, but it offers heavy broad-spectrum protection with a hydrating boost of aloe bioferment and Vitamin D.
How to use: Apply the opaque formula to the highest points of the face, then pat outward to cover the entire face. Massage in until the cream is sheer and fully absorbed.
Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15
Even Better Makeup Broad Spectrum SPF 15
This moderate-coverage foundation provides a 24-hour natural finish with a boost of vitamin C for brighter-looking skin. It has been found to visibly reduce dark spots after 12 weeks of consistent daily use*. Choose from 50 shades for skin tones that are light, moderately fair, medium, or deep.
How to use: Apply to center of face and blend outward, building coverage as desired.
Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Even Better Clinical Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 25
Good for oily skin, this serum provides full, buildable coverage that plumps skin and helps reduce the look of dark spots while protecting skin from the sun. Choose from 42 shades for skin tones that are light, moderately fair, medium, or deep.
How to use: After moisturizer, apply a half-pump—a little goes a long way—to your face wherever you want coverage. Blend with your fingers, a sponge, or the Clinique Buff Brush for a smooth finish.
Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream
Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream
Good for all skin types including sensitive skin, this oil- and fragrance-free face sunscreen is infused with SolarSmart technology and plenty of antioxidants.
How to use: Apply to clean skin morning and night or anytime skin needs a boost of moisture.
SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face
SPF 50 Mineral Sunscreen Fluid for Face
Some mineral sunscreens leave a whitecast, but not this one. The ultra-light, oil-free formula blends into skin so it’s invisible, but don’t worry—it’s standing strong against sun damage and premature aging.
How to use: Use after your daily skincare routine. Shake the bottle well, then smooth a liberal amount of fluid all over face at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure.
Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Cream
Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Body Cream
This oil-free formulation is made with SolarSmart technology and is our highest level of UVA/UVB protection for the whole body.
How to use: Apply liberally all over body 15 to 30 minutes prior to sun exposure. Reapply every two hours or after swimming or perspiring.
Consistency is key with any type of skin care regimen, but you can reap the benefits of sun protection as soon as you apply any of Clinique’s broad-spectrum products.
Clinique has you covered in any season, but when it comes to your winter skincare routine, make sure to apply broad-spectrum SPF products each and every morning.
*Clinical testing conducted on 22 women after using product for 12 weeks.
