The Ultimate Guide to Sunscreen: Why You Need It and How to Choose the Best One for Your Skin

When it comes to skincare, sunscreen is the unrecognized champion. It’s often overlooked, but it’s one of the most important products you can use to protect your skin. Whether you’re at the beach, or just stepping out for a quick walk, sunscreen should be a part of your daily routine.. ALL YEAR ROUND. I’m going to share why sunscreen is essential, the different types available, and how to choose the best one for your skin!

Why Sunscreen is So Important

Our skin is constantly exposed to ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun, and while these rays might feel warm and soothing, they can cause long-term damage to the skin. There are two types of UV rays to be aware of:

1. UVA Rays: These rays penetrate deeply into the skin and are primarily responsible for premature aging, wrinkles, and  pesky sunspots. They can even penetrate through windows, so you’re still not safe from them indoors.
2. UVB Rays: These rays cause sunburns and are the primary cause of skin cancer. They are stronger than UVA rays but don’t penetrate as deeply.

Regular use of sunscreen (and reapplying!) helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of skin damage, premature aging, and even skin cancer.

What Does SPF Really Mean?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it’s a measure of how much UVB radiation a sunscreen can block. The higher the SPF, the greater the level of protection. Here’s a simpler breakdown:

• SPF 30: Blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
• SPF 50: Blocks about 98% of UVB rays.
• SPF 100: Blocks about 99% of UVB rays.

While higher SPF numbers offer a small increase in protection, it’s important to reapply sunscreen regularly (every two hours, and more often if you’re sweating or swimming) to maintain the effectiveness of it.

Types of Sunscreen: Mineral vs. Chemical

There are two main types of sunscreen: mineral (physical) and chemical. They are both effective, but work in different ways.

• Mineral Sunscreen (Physical Sunscreen): These contain active ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that sit on top of the skin and physically block UV rays. They are generally recommended for sensitive skin, as they are less likely to irritate it.

• Chemical Sunscreen: These contain active ingredients like avobenzone, oxybenzone, or octinoxate, which absorb UV rays and transform them into heat, which is then released from the skin. Chemical sunscreens are often more lightweight and are a great option for daily wear under your makeup.

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for Your Skin

When choosing sunscreen, consider your skin type and lifestyle. We have so many more options available nowadays than say even 5-10 years earlier.

1. For Oily or Acne-Prone Skin: Look for oil-free, non-comedogenic sunscreens that won’t clog your pores. Gel-based or mattifying sunscreens are great options for this skin type.

2. For Sensitive Skin: Opt for mineral sunscreens with ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are less likely to cause irritation.

3. For Dry Skin: Choose a sunscreen with added moisturizers to help keep your skin hydrated. Look for options with ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides.

4. For Active Lifestyles: If you’re going swimming, hiking, or engaging in activities that make you sweat (even walking around Europe in the summer IYKYK), look for water-resistant sunscreens. However, be sure to reapply after water exposure!

5. For Darker Skin Tones: Choose a sunscreen that is broad-spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays) and formulated without a white cast.

Sunscreen Myths Debunked

Let’s clear up a few misconceptions about sunscreen:

• Myth #1: I don’t need sunscreen on a cloudy day. UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so even on overcast days, sunscreen is a must. You can even get a sunburn on a cloudy day!

• Myth #2: I only need sunscreen when I’m at the beach or on a sunny destination vacation. UV rays are present year-round, and they can damage your skin even if you’re just running errands, driving your car or sitting by a window.

• Myth #3: Sunscreen with a higher SPF means I can stay in the sun longer. While SPF 50 does offer more protection than SPF 30, no sunscreen can block 100% of UV rays. Reapplication is the key to prevention.

How to Apply Sunscreen Effectively

To get the most out of your sunscreen, follow these tips:

1. Apply liberally: Use about a nickel-sized amount for your face and at least an ounce (about a shot glass) for your body.
2. Apply 15-30 minutes before sun exposure: This allows the sunscreen to fully absorb and start protecting.
3. Reapply every two hours: Sunscreen wears off, so make sure to reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming. A stick or powder can be easier to reapply for your face and for kids.
4. Don’t forget areas like your ears, neck, and the tops of your feet: These areas are often neglected but are just as susceptible to sun damage.

Sunscreens You Should Try Now

Vichy Laboratories Capital Soleil Sunscreens

A great drugstore sunscreen! It’s a nice consistency–not super thick, but not runny, either–it’s light and it absorbs quickly. No white streaks that take forever to sink in, and I don’t feel like I have to wash my hands after applying it. I’ve used this on some very hot and humid days, and it held up well.

IDC Sunscreens

Solis+ SPF 50 | Mineral Powder Sunscreen

Very useful for sunscreen application on the exposed areas of my scalp when not wearing a hat. Also useful for reapplication of sunscreen on my face throughout the day. Easy to pack in my bag.

Naked Sundays SPF50 CabanaClear™ Invisible Water Gel Serum

The gel serum is lightweight, with no scent and as you rub it in, it goes clear. A smooth texture with no residue, I wore it on top of my usual moisturizer.

Skinceuticals Sheer Physical UV Defence SPF 50

I’ve been using this for as long as I can remember. Probably more than 15 years, and I’ve used both the tinted version and sheer. It is silky and you only need a small dab to cover your whole face. The tinted version gives your face a nice glow and I just wear it over my moisturizer to run errands or on vacation.

Coola Anti-Aging Sun Silk Drops

It’s a great sunscreen, every formula from this brand is made with as many sustainably farmed, certified organic ingredients as possible—at least 70%. Goes on like a serum and it disappears into your skin leaving it moisturized, protected but not super shiny, just a very slight glow. It has BlueScreen™ Digital De-Stress™ Technology to mitigate the effects of blue light and environmental stressors, which is a cool bonus.

KOA Anti-Pollution Mineral Face Sunscreen (SPF 45)

I like this lightweight, mineral, daily UV protection from Hawaii. It boosts the UV protection with B Vitamins and soothing Chamomile that blends seamlessly into skin leaving no white cast. And it’s reef safe, which makes you feel good when swimming in the ocean or sea.

Kiehl’s Beyond Screen UV Serum

This sunscreen offers great protection with SPF 50+ and feels incredibly lightweight on my skin. It absorbs quickly, leaving no greasy residue. The added collagen peptide helps keep my skin smooth and hydrated. Perfect for daily use!

La Roche-Posay Anthelios Line

The sunscreen offers excellent sun protection, it goes on flawlessly, it is not oily and doesn’t dry my skin. I love anything from this brand, the kids sunscreen is also terrific and we use that on Rowan. I really love the size of the Face Ultra-Fluid, great for packing for the beach to reapply and travel.

Final Thoughts

Hands down, sunscreen is one of the simplest and most effective ways to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Whether you’re heading to the beach or just running errands, make it a habit to wear sunscreen every day. With so many options available, you’re sure to find one that fits your skin type and lifestyle.

Remember, your future self will thank you for the protection you’re giving your skin today!