If you have sensitive skin, choosing the right sunscreen can feel like a minefield. The wrong product or ingredient blend can lead to redness, irritation, or even breakouts. Yet, sun protection is non-negotiable, UV rays don’t take a day off even during the winter. In fact, cold weather, low humidity and central heating can cause vulnerable sensitive skin to damage, premature ageing, and flare-ups.

During the winter, our skin barrier is under extra stress. Indoor heating, cold winds, and low moisture levels all contribute to dryness, flakiness, and increased sensitivity. This means your skin’s natural defenses are weaker, making it more prone to UV-induced irritation, redness, and premature ageing.

In this post, we’ll explore how to choose the best sunscreen for sensitive skin for winter, and all year round, and take a closer look at our two highly recommended options: Face SPF50+ and Extreme SPF50+.

Understanding Sensitive Skin and SPF in winter

Sensitive skin often reacts to common sunscreen ingredients such as fragrances, alcohols, strong chemical filters, or heavy oils. Winter can amplify these issues, when you skin barrier is compromised by cold air and heating elements. If you have sensitive skin, your ideal SPF should be:

• Fragrance-free and hypoallergenic
• Broad-spectrum: protecting against UVA and UVB rays, using chemical or mineral filters, or a combination of the two
• Lightweight and non-greasy
• Non-comedogenic: which means they won’t clog pores

Why Daily SPF Matters for Sensitive Skin

Even on cloudy days, indoors and during the winter, UVA rays can penetrate windows and clouds, making daily protection essential. Sensitive skin has a weaker barrier, which means UV exposure can result in redness, dehydration, and premature ageing. So, using the right SPF consistently helps prevent flare-ups and keeps your skin healthy.

Introducing Ultrasun: Trusted Sun Protection

We are a Swiss-born brand known for high-performance suncare all year round, particularly for sensitive skin. Our formulas are fragrance-free, non-comedogenic, lightweight and help prevent sun allergies, which are common with those who have sensitive skin.

Two standout options for daily SPF for sensitive skin are our Face SPF50+ and Extreme SPF50+ even in the colder winter months, covering targeted solutions for both face and body.

Face SPF: Ultrasun Face SPF50+

What It Does

Our Ultrasun Face SPF50+ is a lightweight, daily sunscreen that doubles as a moisturiser and primer, so you can streamline your routine even further and layer extra moisture in the winter!

It provides broad-spectrum protection against UVA, UVB, Infra-red A, and HEVL (blue light), helping prevent UV-induced ageing. It’s the perfect face option of daily SPF for sensitive skin.

Why It’s Great for Sensitive Skin

• Fragrance and emulsifier-free to minimize irritation
• Non-comedogenic, ideal for breakout-prone sensitive skin
• Multi-purpose: acts as a moisturiser, primer, and SPF in one. Avoiding multiple products reacting to your skin.

Ideal For

• Rosacea-prone or redness-prone skin
• Sensitive skin seeking a lightweight, daily SPF
• Those who prefer a one-step product
• Every day face SPF application

Body SPF: Ultrasun Extreme SPF50+

What It Does

Our Ultrasun Extreme SPF50+ is designed for intense conditions and ultra-sensitive skin, think winter sports, skiing and outdoor long walks. Its formula provides high UVA protection (95%) plus UVB, Infra-red A, and HEVL coverage. The lightweight lamellar technology ensures fast absorption without greasiness.

Why It’s Great for Sensitive Skin

• Hypoallergenic, free from fragrance, silicones, and harsh chemicals
• Suitable for sensitive body skin, including eczema-prone areas
• Offers reliable protection for long exposure situations such as beaches, outdoor sports, or family holidays

Ideal For

• Adults and children with sensitive body skin
• Outdoor enthusiasts needing high-protection body SPF
• Long sun exposure situations requiring durable, gentle SPF

Building a Winter Sun Protection Routine For Sensitive Skin

1. Morning: Apply Ultrasun Face SPF50+ on the face, neck, and ears
2. Body: Use Ultrasun Extreme SPF50+ on arms, legs, chest, and back if your skin is exposed to the sun and in warmer weather.
3. Reapply regularly, especially after swimming or sweating
4. Complement SPF with hats, sunglasses, and shade
5. Patch-test if prone to flare-ups or very reactive skin

Choosing the Best Sunscreen For Sensitive Skin

• SPF50+ is ideal for sensitive skin: offers a safety buffer against UV damage
• Filter choice matters: Mineral filters are gentle, but our carefully formulated blend of chemical and mineral filters are safe for sensitive skin
• Texture and comfort: Lightweight, fast-absorbing formulas increase compliance
• Durability and water resistance: Essential for body SPFs during outdoor activities