Beyond the obvious benefit of helping to prevent sunburn, sunscreens also help prevent damage from UVA and UVB rays which can cause damage and early signs ageing. In addition to dark spots and dullness, damage from the sun can also cause rough texture and fine lines and wrinkles.

Sunscreens work as an effective way to limit the impact of damaging rays from the sun from being fully absorbed by the skin. Depending on the ingredients in the formula, sunscreens can either help reflect UVA and UVB rays or help filter them out to prevent them from being fully absorbed by skin.

Broad-spectrum sunscreens help protect skin from both UVA and UVB rays. UVB rays penetrate the top layer of the skin and are the main cause of damage and sunburn. UVA rays penetrate below skin’s surface layer and can cause long-term damage that may result in wrinkles, dark spots and rough texture. Using a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection help protect skin from both types of rays.

Mineral sunscreens are formulated with an ingredient like Titanium Dioxide and help protect skin by reflecting the sun’s rays. See our Ultra Light Daily UV Defense Mineral Sunscreen.

The sun emits UV rays year-round so applying daily sunscreen is essential. Even on cloudy days, up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate skin.

Always follow the directions on your formula to help protect your skin. As a basic guideline apply the sunscreen product before sun exposure, re-apply frequently to maintain protection, especially after perspiring, swimming or toweling.

A daily sunscreen should be the very last step in your skincare routine. Applying a moisturiser after your sunscreen could even alter its properties and affect its efficacy. After you smooth on your moisturiser, apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before going outside and allow it to fully absorb. You can also use a moisturiser with SPF to hydrate and defend skin in one easy step.

UV rays are not the only environmental aggressors that skin needs protection from. Look for a sunscreen with pollution protection, like our Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++ to help defend skin from skin-damaging free radicals.

If your skin is oily or blemish-prone, you may be tempted to skip a step in your skincare routine but sunscreen is a daily essential for all skin types. Look for a non-comedogenic formula (meaning it won’t clog pores) or a mineral sunscreen to help defend skin without causing breakouts. Read our tips on finding the Best Sunscreen for Your Skin Type.