I’ll be honest, I didn’t start using sunscreen until my 20s. Until I noticed tiny new moles popping up on my face and shoulders that hadn’t been there before. That was my “oh no” moment. I finally bought an SPF, just a random “good brand” one that said it was for all skin types.
Greasy finish? Check. Makeup sliding off? Check. That suffocating feeling like my skin was wrapped in cling film? Double check. I started using it in microscopic amounts, or worse, skipped it altogether, especially if I was staying indoors.
It got worse. Breakouts, blackheads, tiny bumps all over my forehead. I blamed the sunscreen for everything and ditched it completely. But a few months later, I caught a glimpse of my skin in natural light, it was dull, lifeless that no “brightening” serum could hide. That’s when I decided to figure out where I’m going wrong! That’s when I figured out how does sunscreen works, and realised I’d been using it all wrong.
Through trial, error, and a lot of research, I learned that sunscreen isn’t the enemy. In fact, it’s one of the most important tools we have to protect our skin’s health and keep it looking fresh for years to come, if we use it right. If you’ve ever felt frustrated with sunscreen or confused about how it fits into your routine, you’re definitely not alone.
Let me walk you through what I learned, starting from the top: why sunscreen is suddenly everywhere, what it really is, how it works, and how to find the perfect match for your skin.
Why Everyone’s Talking About Sunscreen Now
In the past few years, sunscreen has become the Beyoncé of skincare, always trending, always relevant, and everyone suddenly acting like they’ve been fans since day one.
The hype isn’t random. UV exposure is harsher now, thanks to a thinning ozone layer and climate change, bringing longer, hotter summers. Our lifestyles have shifted, too: more time near windows, more screen exposure, and more urban pollution. When UV rays mix with pollution, they create free radicals that speed up ageing and pigmentation.
And most importantly, awareness has exploded. Social media has turned skin science into bite-sized videos, and dermatologists aren’t just talking to patients, they’re reaching millions online.
I’ll admit, I didn’t buy into the hype right away. At first, I thought it was just another skincare trend, like sheet masks or jade rollers. But then I stumbled upon a statistic that stopped me in my tracks: up to 80% of visible skin ageing is caused by UV exposure, more than pollution, stress, genes or lack of sleep combined. That was a wake-up call.
The truth is, sunscreen isn’t a magic solution for every skin problem. It won’t erase scars overnight or replace a good moisturiser. But it is one of the most powerful tools for preventing damage before it happens, things like pigmentation, fine lines, and even skin cancer.
What Is Sunscreen?
At its simplest, sunscreen is a skincare product designed to protect your skin from the sun’s invisible but harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. While sunlight gives us warmth and vitamin D, its UV rays can damage skin cells on both the surface and deeper layers. That’s why dermatologists say sunscreen is non-negotiable.
There are two main types of UV rays you need to know about:
- UVB rays (“B” for Burn): These rays damage the outer layer of your skin and are the primary cause of sunburn. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) specifically measures protection against UVB.
- UVA rays (“A” for Aging): These penetrate much deeper into the skin. They don’t cause an immediate burn but are responsible for long-term damage like wrinkles, pigmentation, and premature aging. They also play a role in skin cancers.
A good sunscreen should protect you from both UVA and UVB rays, which is why labels now say “broad spectrum.” Without broad-spectrum protection, you might prevent a sunburn but still be silently accumulating skin damage from UVA.
Sunscreens also come in many forms, such as creams, gels, sprays, sticks, and even powders. Each one has its advantages:
- Creams: Best for dry skin and everyday use.
- Gels or Fluids: Lightweight, often great for oily or combination skin.
- Sprays: Convenient for reapplication, but easy to under-apply if not rubbed in.
- Sticks: Handy for targeted areas like the nose, ears, and under the eyes.
- Powders: Useful for touch-ups over makeup, though they shouldn’t replace a proper base layer.
When I first started using sunscreen, I honestly thought all of this was overcomplicated. To me, SPF 30 vs. SPF 50 felt like a marketing gimmick, like choosing between “diet” and “zero sugar” soda. I didn’t realize SPF measures how much longer your skin can stay in the sun without burning compared to bare skin, and that UVA protection is a whole separate rating (PA system or broad-spectrum label).
That small misunderstanding cost me time, money, and skin health. I was protecting against burns but not against aging and pigmentation. Once I understood the science, it clicked: sunscreen isn’t just a summer product, it’s a daily shield against visible and invisible damage.’t just for preventing sunburn (although it’s great at that, too). It protects your skin from ultraviolet (UV) rays, which break down collagen, cause dark spots, and yes, can increase your risk of skin cancer. These rays come in two primary forms:
How Does Sunscreen Works
Sunscreen works by creating a protective barrier between your skin and the sun’s rays. Depending on the formula, this barrier either reflects UV radiation away or absorbs it and neutralizes it before it can harm your skin.
Not all sunscreens are created equal. Understanding the difference can save your skin from breakouts, irritation, or white-cast drama.
The Two Main Types of Sunscreens
- Physical (Mineral) Sunscreens
- Use natural filters like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.
- Work immediately by sitting on top of the skin and reflecting UV rays.
- Less likely to irritate, so they’re great for sensitive skin.
- Downside: They can leave a white cast, especially on deeper skin tones (though modern tinted or sheer formulas reduce this).
- Chemical Sunscreens
- Use ingredients like avobenzone, octisalate, oxybenzone, octocrylene, homosalate.
- Absorb UV rays and convert them into harmless heat, which is then released from the skin.
- Typically lighter, more elegant textures that blend invisibly.
- Need about 15 minutes after application to fully activate.
- Downside: Some people find them irritating, especially near the eyes.
I personally started out with a heavy, greasy mineral sunscreen that looked terrible under makeup. I hated how it sat on my skin, so I’d apply the tiniest amount just to “say I used it,” which of course gave me little protection. It wasn’t until I discovered lighter hybrid sunscreens that I realised I could actually enjoy wearing SPF daily.
SPF Meaning – Your Sunburn Shield
Let’s decode that number on your sunscreen bottle. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. SPF measures how well a sunscreen protects from UVB rays (the ones that cause sunburn).
- SPF 30: Blocks ~97% of UVB
- SPF 50: Blocks ~98%
- SPF 100: Blocks ~99%
Even though the difference between SPF 30 and 50 seems tiny, but that extra margin matters because most people apply less than half the recommended amount of sunscreen. A higher SPF gives you more room for error.
I found that SPF 50 gave me a lot more real-life protection. Because like most people, I never applied a perfectly even, thick layer. That little buffer really mattered for me.
So don’t stress over higher numbers; what matters more is how much you apply and how often you reapply.
PA Ratings – The Aging Defense
You’ve probably seen those mysterious little “PA+” symbols on some sunscreens, especially K-beauty or Asian skincare products. PA stands for Protection Grade of UVA rays, and it’s used to measure the effectiveness of sunscreen in protecting against UVA damage (the type that causes aging). The more + signs, the higher the level of protection.
SPF doesn’t measure UVA protection, and that’s the part I totally ignored at first. UVA rays don’t burn you immediately, but they sneak in to cause pigmentation, wrinkles, and long-term damage.
That’s where PA ratings come in:
- PA+ → Some UVA protection
- PA++ → Moderate protection
- PA+++ → High protection
- PA++++ → Extremely High protection
In my early 20s, I was only looking at SPF numbers. I didn’t know to check for “broad spectrum” or “PA+++.” Looking back, that explains why I had dullness and new spots appearing even though I was “using sunscreen.” The real turning point came when I switched to a sunscreen with SPF 50 and PA++++. Within a few months, my skin tone evened out, and I actually started to see that “healthy glow” everyone talks about.
If you’re worried about wrinkles, pigmentation, or just keeping that bounce in your skin, look for PA+++ or higher.
Does Sunscreen Block Vitamin D?
A common concern is whether sunscreen blocks Vitamin D production. Here’s the truth:
Sunscreen can reduce the amount of UVB rays that your skin absorbs, and UVB rays are responsible for Vitamin D production. However, it doesn’t block all UVB rays. Most people don’t apply enough sunscreen to completely block UVB radiation.
You can still get incidental sun exposure (like walking to your car or sitting by a window) that will help your body produce Vitamin D. If you’re still concerned about your Vitamin D levels, talk to your doctor and consider getting a blood test or taking a supplement.
Important: The risk of skin cancer and premature aging from UV exposure far outweighs the small reduction in Vitamin D from sunscreen use. don’t skip SPF to chase vitamin D. There are safer (and smarter) ways to get it.
My Mistakes & Lessons Learned
Looking back, I made almost every sunscreen mistake possible:
- Using too little: I’d apply a pea-sized amount and call it a day. (Spoiler: that’s nowhere near enough.)
- Skipping reapplication: I thought one morning application would last all day, even if I went outside in the afternoon.
- Not removing it properly: I wasn’t using an oil cleanser at night, so sunscreen mixed with makeup just sat on my skin, leading to clogged pores, blackheads, and tiny bumps. Remember, I blamed it all on sunscreen, but the actual culprit was me, not doing proper cleansing. One Game-Changing Skincare Step: Double cleansing completely changed that for me.
- Choosing the wrong formula: My first sunscreen was way too greasy for my combination skin, so I ended up resenting it.
The turning point came when I researched SPF and PA ratings, tried formulas designed for my skin type, and started cleansing properly at night. That’s when I noticed my glow coming back.
How to Choose Sunscreen for Your Skin Type
This was the game-changer for me. The moment I switched to a lightweight gel sunscreen designed for combination skin, it felt breathable, non-greasy, and makeup-friendly. No more excuses to skip SPF.
Here’s what I’ve learned (from my own trial and error + stories from friends and family):
🌿 Combination Skin (my type)
Best Pick: Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish SPF50+ PA+++
Cruelty-free ✔ Lightweight ✔ No white cast ✔
This water-based gel sunscreen has been my go-to for the past year. The texture feels like a hydrating serum but dries down completely weightless, no sticky film, no heavy feeling. On my T-zone, it keeps the shine under control, and on my drier areas, it doesn’t cling. Plus, it layers beautifully under makeup. I can finally wear foundation without my face looking like an oil-slick two hours later.
💧 Oily Skin
Best Pick: COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA+++
Cruelty-free ✔ Semi-matte ✔ Non-comedogenic ✔
My sister Sara, who has oily skin, lives for this sunscreen. It has a creamy-gel texture that absorbs fast and leaves a natural matte finish. She told me it’s the only SPF she’s tried that doesn’t slide off her skin by lunchtime. I’ve tested it myself on hot summer days, and it stayed put, even with a little sweat. Bonus: the aloe in it soothes any redness.
🥥 Dry Skin
Best Pick: Pacifica Sea & C Sheer Face Sunscreen SPF55
Cruelty-free ✔ Hydrating ✔ Dewy finish ✔
My cousin, who’s always battling dry patches, swears by this one. It’s packed with hydrating ingredients like vitamin C and marine extracts, so it feels more like skincare than sunscreen. She even skips moisturizer some mornings because this SPF doubles up. When I borrowed it during winter, my skin felt plump and comfortable all day, no tightness, no flakiness, just a healthy glow.
🌸 Sensitive Skin
Best Pick: Australian Gold Botanical Tinted Mineral Sunscreen SPF50
Cruelty-free ✔ Zinc-based ✔ Gentle ✔
My friend has sensitive skin that flares up at the slightest hint of harsh chemicals. This mineral sunscreen with zinc oxide has been her savior. It goes on smoothly, gives a soft matte finish, and never stings her eyes. I’ve used it too, especially on days when my skin feels reactive, and it’s calming rather than irritating. Plus, the light tint helps even out skin tone, perfect for makeup-free days.
✨ The key takeaway? Don’t just grab a random sunscreen. Choose one that actually fits your skin’s personality. Once you find that match, SPF stops being a chore and becomes second nature.
👉 Hope this post will help you choose the right one for you: How to Choose Sunscreen for Your Skin Type.
Application Tips for Best Results
Here’s something I wish I had learned years ago: sunscreen only works if you use enough of it, and apply it the right way.
- The 2-Finger Rule: Squeeze out sunscreen along the length of two fingers; that’s roughly how much you need for your face and neck. For years, I was using less than half of that, which explained why my “SPF 50” wasn’t really protecting me.
- Timing Matters: Apply sunscreen about 15 minutes before sun exposure. I used to throw it on as I walked out the door, not realizing it needed time to bond with the skin.
- Reapply Every 2 Hours: This was another mistake of mine, I put it on in the morning and assume I was covered until night. But sweat, touching your face, and even just time reduce its effectiveness.
- Don’t Forget the Hidden Spots: Ears, neck, hands, and even the tops of your feet if you’re wearing sandals. I learned this the hard way after getting a random patch of sunburn on my hand.
Now, reapplying SPF has become a habit for me. I carry a travel-size gel sunscreen in my bag, so I never have an excuse.
🔆 Think You Know Sunscreen? Take Our Quiz.
If you’ve been avoiding sunscreen because it feels greasy, breaks you out, or seems unnecessary indoors, I get it. I was you. But learning how does sunscreen work and finally finding the right formula changed my skin completely.
Your skin’s future really does depend on today’s SPF habit. Start small, pick a sunscreen suited for your skin type, apply it every morning, and commit to reapplying.
For me, it meant going from dull, breakout-prone skin to a glow I never thought I’d get back. And trust me, if I can make SPF a daily habit after years of resisting it, you can too.
Your perfect SPF is out there, just waiting to become your daily ride-or-die. Bookmark this guide, try out a few of the options, and let your skin do the talking (or glowing!).
Check out our full range of skincare tips and product recommendations, and don’t forget to share your sunscreen experience with us!
✨ Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and Facebook for more bite-sized skincare tips, cruelty-free product reviews, and glow-up inspo, visit our website Tips To Glow for more in-depth skincare guides and product reviews.
Stay protected, stay glowing! ✨
Your future self will thank you for every layer you apply today. 🌞