Sunscreen Guide

Sunscreen is the single most important step in any skincare routine. UV radiation (UVA and UVB) is responsible for up to 80% of visible skin ageing — wrinkles, pigmentation, loss of elasticity — and is the primary cause of skin cancer. No anti-ageing ingredient works as well as daily SPF.

Active ingredients: **Zinc Oxide** and **Titanium Dioxide**. • Sit on top of the skin and reflect/scatter UV rays. • Work immediately upon application — no wait time. • Broad spectrum (both UVA and UVB protection). • Zinc oxide at 15–25% is the best single ingredient for full UVA protection. • Can leave a white cast, especially on darker skin tones (micronised versions help). • Generally better for sensitive, acne-prone, and rosacea skin. • Reef-safe (Hawaii and Palau have banned chemical filters).

Active ingredients: Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octocrylene, Homosalate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone. • Absorb UV rays and convert them to heat, which is then released from the skin. • Need 15–20 minutes to form a protective film before sun exposure. • Generally cosmetically elegant — no white cast, lightweight textures. • Some ingredients (avobenzone) are unstable alone and require photostabilisers. • Oxybenzone and octinoxate are banned in some regions due to coral reef toxicity. • More likely to cause irritation or contact allergy in sensitive skin.

• **SPF 50+** for daily use — SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB, SPF 50 blocks 98%. • **Broad spectrum** (UVA + UVB protection) — look for PA++++ or a UVA circle logo. • **Normal/Oily skin**: lightweight chemical or hybrid formulas, gel or matte finish. • **Dry skin**: moisturising mineral or chemical formulas with added glycerin/ceramides. • **Sensitive/Rosacea**: mineral (zinc oxide) only — no chemical filters.p• **Darker skin tones**: micronised zinc or chemical filters — avoid white cast. • **Environmentally conscious**: mineral only or chemical filters without oxybenzone/octinoxate.

• Apply **1/4 teaspoon** to face and neck — most people apply half the required amount. • Apply to dry skin, **after moisturiser and before makeup**. • Chemical sunscreens: wait 15 minutes before sun exposure. • **Reapply every 2 hours** when exposed to direct sunlight. • Reapply sooner if swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. • Sunscreen expires — check the bottle for the expiration date. • UV penetrates clouds and windows — wear SPF indoors and on cloudy days.

EU sunscreens offer superior UVA protection — they require UVA protection to be at least 1/3 of the SPF value. US sunscreens often lag behind in both ingredient innovation (newer filters like Tinosorb S/M, Uvinul A Plus, Mexoryl are not FDA-approved) and UVA standards. If you are in the US, consider European or Asian sunscreens for better UVA protection.