Sun Protection & SPF

Sunscreen is the single most effective anti-ageing step in any routine, yet it is also the most misunderstood. Between SPF numbers, PA ratings, mineral versus chemical filters and the eternal question of how much to apply, it is easy to feel unsure whether you are actually protected. This hub brings the essentials together in plain English, then points you to deeper guides for the details. The short version: a broad-spectrum sunscreen, worn daily and applied generously, helps guard against the UV that drives sunburn, pigmentation and premature ageing.

How Does Sun Exposure Damage Skin?

Sunlight reaches your skin as two types of ultraviolet radiation, and they behave differently. The part most people underestimate is daily, incidental exposure: the walk to work, sitting near a window, popping out at lunch. None of it feels like “sunbathing”, but UVA is working the whole time, and the effects add up. That is why dermatologists and bodies such as the British Association of Dermatologists recommend daily protection rather than reserving sunscreen for the beach.

Once that damage has accumulated as visible pigmentation, texture change or loss of firmness, the goal shifts from protection to repair — which is a different job. If that is where you are, our sun damage hub covers the ingredients and routines that help address existing marks.

What Do SPF and PA Ratings Actually Mean?

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well a product guards against UVB, the burning rays. It is a ratio: SPF 30 filters roughly 97% of UVB, SPF 50 around 98%. The jump from 30 to 50 looks small on paper, but it is meaningful in real life because almost nobody applies the full test amount — so a higher number gives you a helpful buffer. SPF says nothing about UVA on its own.

For everyday use, aim for a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or 50 with a strong UVA rating so both wavelengths are covered.

Mineral or Chemical — Which Filters Should You Choose?

Sunscreens protect using two broad filter types, and neither is inherently “better” — the best sunscreen is the broad-spectrum one you will happily reapply.

For a proper breakdown of textures, white cast, sensitivity and which suits which skin, see our dedicated guide to mineral vs chemical sunscreen. Two more everyday questions worth settling: does sunscreen expire? and does sunscreen stop you tanning?

How Much Sunscreen Should You Use, and How Often?

Under-application is the most common reason sunscreen underperforms. As a guide for the face and neck, use the two-finger rule: squeeze a line of product along both your index and middle fingers, and apply that amount. For the body, roughly a shot-glass (about two tablespoons) covers exposed skin.

How Do You Choose Sunscreen for Your Skin Type?

The right formula is the one that fits your skin, so you will actually wear it every day.