Sunscreen 101: What I Look for, When to Apply It & My Top Picks

August 10, 2026

My practical sunscreen guide covering SPF, ingredients, application, reapplication, daily benefits, and the products I recommend.

Why Sunscreen Matters Every Day

Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in a daily skincare routine because it helps protect your skin from UV radiation. Sun exposure can contribute to both sunburn and tanning, which are signs that your skin has been affected by UV rays.

Repeated UV exposure can contribute to premature skin aging, including fine lines, wrinkles, loss of firmness, and uneven pigmentation. Over time, this exposure can also lead to sun spots (often called age spots or liver spots)—flat areas of darker pigmentation that commonly appear on sun-exposed areas such as the face, hands, shoulders, and chest.

Wearing sunscreen consistently can help protect your skin from this daily exposure and support healthier-looking skin over time.

How to Choose the Right Sunscreen

When choosing a sunscreen, I look for three things first: broad-spectrum protection, water resistance, and at least SPF 30. Broad-spectrum formulas protect against both UVA and UVB rays, while water resistance is particularly useful if you’ll be sweating, swimming, or spending extended time outdoors.

But what exactly does broad-spectrum mean? It means the sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB rays, two types of ultraviolet radiation that can affect your skin in different ways.

UVA rays (“aging” rays) have longer wavelengths and penetrate deeper into the skin. They are strongly associated with premature skin aging, wrinkles, loss of elasticity, and pigmentation such as sun spots. UVA rays are also present throughout the day and can pass through clouds and glass, which is one reason daily protection matters even when you’re mostly indoors. You can absolutely get significant UV exposure on a cool, cloudy day.
UVB rays ( “burning” rays ) have shorter wavelengths and primarily affect the outer layers of the skin. They are the main cause of sunburn and play an important role in the development of skin cancer. UVB exposure tends to be stronger during the middle of the day and varies more with season, location, and altitude.

Want to know how strong the UV is before you head outside? Check the UV Index on your weather app or search for the UV Index in your location. The UV Index tells you how strong the sun’s UV radiation is at a particular time and usually changes throughout the day, with levels often peaking around midday. The higher the number, the greater your need for sun protection. As a general guide, 0–2 is low, 3–5 is moderate, 6–7 is high, 8–10 is very high, and 11+ is extreme. Keep in mind that the UV Index measures overall UV intensity—it doesn’t tell you whether the radiation is specifically UVA or UVB. Both types can reach your skin when you’re outdoors.

Your skin type also matters. If you have oily skin, a non-comedogenic formula can be a better choice because it is designed not to clog pores. If your skin is sensitive, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide may be worth considering.

Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreen: What's the Difference?

There are two main types of UV filters you’ll see in sunscreens: mineral filters and organic (often called chemical) filters. Both can provide effective UV protection.

Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide as their UV filters. These ingredients provide broad-spectrum protection, although zinc oxide generally offers broader UVA coverage than titanium dioxide.

Chemical sunscreens use organic UV filters that absorb UV radiation and convert it into a small amount of heat before it can damage the skin. They tend to have lighter, more invisible textures, which can make them particularly appealing if you dislike the feel or appearance of traditional mineral sunscreens. When you look at a sunscreen ingredient list, you may see names such as: Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Octisalate (ethylhexyl salicylate) and so on.

When choosing your sunscreen, look at the whole formula. Check that it provides broad-spectrum protection, has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30, and has a texture and finish that you’ll actually want to wear every day.

When & How to Apply Sunscreen

Sunscreen should be applied every morning as the last step of your skincare routine, before makeup. Don’t stop at your face—your neck, ears, hands, feet, and scalp or other exposed areas need protection too.

If you’re outdoors, reapply approximately every two hours, and more often after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying. For your first application of the day, I prefer a cream or lotion that allows you to apply a generous, even layer. For reapplication, a spray or powder can be a convenient option, although it shouldn’t replace an adequate initial application.