Sunscreen is one of those products that most of us know we are supposed to use, but our actual relationship with it can be a little inconsistent. We remember it when we are packing for the beach, when the weather forecast says it is going to be extremely hot, or when we know we will be spending the whole day outdoors. On an ordinary Tuesday morning, however, sunscreen can very easily be forgotten.
The problem is that the sun does not only affect our skin when we are sitting beside a swimming pool.
Ultraviolet radiation is part of our everyday environment, which means sun protection should ideally be part of our everyday skincare routine too. This is particularly important in a country like South Africa, where we experience plenty of sunny days throughout the year.
But sunscreen can also be confusing. There is SPF 15, SPF 30 and SPF 50. There are chemical sunscreens, mineral sunscreens, face sunscreens, body sunscreens, moisturisers with SPF and foundations that promise sun protection. Then there are terms such as UVA, UVB, broad spectrum and water resistant.
So, what do we actually need to know?
First, What Exactly Does Sunscreen Protect You From?
Sunlight contains different types of ultraviolet radiation, but when we talk about sunscreen, the two you will hear about most often are UVA and UVB rays.
UVB rays are strongly associated with sunburn and play an important role in the development of skin cancer. UVA rays penetrate more deeply into the skin and contribute to premature skin ageing, including wrinkles, pigmentation and changes in skin texture. UVA exposure is also associated with skin cancer.
This is why choosing a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum protection is important. Broad-spectrum sunscreen is designed to provide protection against both UVA and UVB radiation.
It is also worth remembering that you do not necessarily have to feel your skin burning for sun exposure to be affecting it. Some of the effects of ultraviolet exposure accumulate gradually over time.
What Does SPF Actually Mean?
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor.
The number mainly indicates the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB radiation when it is applied correctly. Generally, the higher the SPF, the greater the protection.
For everyday use, SPF 30 or higher is commonly recommended, while SPF 50 can provide additional protection, particularly if you spend significant amounts of time outdoors or have skin that is especially sensitive to the sun.
There is one important catch, though.
A high SPF does not mean you can apply a tiny amount in the morning and consider yourself protected for the entire day. Sunscreen still needs to be applied properly, and it may need to be reapplied depending on your activities and exposure.
Yes, Darker Skin Needs Sunscreen Too
One of the most persistent myths about sunscreen is that people with darker skin do not need it.
Melanin does provide some natural protection against ultraviolet radiation, which means darker skin may be less likely to burn as quickly as very fair skin. That does not mean darker skin is immune to sun damage.
People with darker skin tones can still experience sunburn, hyperpigmentation, premature ageing and skin cancer.
There is another reason sunscreen can be particularly relevant if you struggle with uneven skin tone or dark marks. Sun exposure can make existing pigmentation more noticeable and may make some dark marks take longer to fade.
If you are spending money on skincare products aimed at improving pigmentation while ignoring sun protection, you may be making the job much harder for your skincare routine.
Sunscreen Is Not Only for Hot Days
Temperature and ultraviolet radiation are not the same thing.
A cool day can still have significant UV levels. Clouds can reduce some ultraviolet radiation, but they do not necessarily block all of it. This means that an overcast morning is not automatically a sunscreen-free morning.
This is where checking the UV Index can be useful.
The UV Index provides an indication of the expected level of ultraviolet radiation for a particular location and time. When UV levels are elevated, additional sun-protection measures become increasingly important.
In practical terms, that can mean using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, choosing a hat, using sunglasses and seeking shade where possible.
What About Sitting Inside?
This is where the sunscreen conversation becomes more nuanced.
If you spend almost your entire day indoors and away from windows, your exposure may obviously be very different from someone working outdoors. However, UVA radiation can penetrate ordinary window glass to some extent.
Think about how your day actually works.
You might drive to work, sit next to a large office window, walk outside to buy lunch, collect the children in the afternoon, run errands and drive home. Individually, none of those moments may feel like serious sun exposure, but together they form part of your daily exposure.
Skincare does not have to become obsessive. It simply helps to understand your own routine.
How Much Sunscreen Should You Use?
One of the biggest sunscreen mistakes is simply not applying enough.
Many people use sunscreen like an expensive serum, spreading the smallest possible amount across the face. Unfortunately, the protection stated on the packaging is based on a particular amount being used during testing.
For the face and neck, you will sometimes see the two-finger method recommended as an easy guide. This involves dispensing sunscreen in lines along two fingers before applying it across the face and neck. The exact amount required can vary depending on the formulation, your face and the area being covered, so the manufacturer’s directions should also be followed.
And do not forget the areas that are easy to miss.
Your ears, neck, chest, hands and the area around your hairline are exposed more often than you might realise.
When Should Sunscreen Be Applied?
For most skincare routines, sunscreen is applied as the final skincare step in the morning, before makeup.
A simple routine might therefore look something like cleansing your face, applying any treatment products you use, applying moisturiser if necessary and then finishing with sunscreen.
You do not need a complicated 12-step routine to protect your skin.
In fact, if simplifying your routine makes you more consistent with sunscreen, simplicity may be the better option.
Do You Really Need to Reapply It?
If you are outdoors for extended periods, particularly when swimming, exercising or sweating heavily, sunscreen needs to be reapplied according to the product’s instructions. Water-resistant sunscreen is particularly useful in these situations, but water resistant does not mean waterproof.
Reapplication becomes slightly more complicated when you are wearing makeup.
There are sunscreen sprays, sticks and other products marketed as convenient ways to top up protection, but you should still check whether you are applying enough product to achieve the advertised protection.
For someone spending most of the working day indoors, reapplication needs may be different from those of someone spending hours outside. The important thing is to consider your actual sun exposure instead of following skincare advice without context.
Sunscreen and Makeup
Makeup containing SPF can provide additional protection, but it may not always be wise to rely on it as your only source of sunscreen.
The reason is simple: most people do not apply foundation in the same quantities used when SPF protection is tested.
A dedicated sunscreen underneath your makeup can therefore provide a more reliable foundation for your sun-protection routine.
The good news is that sunscreen formulations have improved significantly. There are lightweight fluids, gels, creams, mattifying formulas and moisturising formulas, so finding something that works underneath makeup is much easier than it used to be.
What About the White Cast?
This is a particularly important consideration for people with brown and darker skin tones.
Some sunscreens, particularly certain mineral formulations, can leave a visible white or grey film on the skin. That does not mean you have to accept looking slightly ashy in the name of sun protection.
There are now many sunscreens designed to blend more easily into different skin tones. Some formulations are transparent, while others are tinted.
Finding the right sunscreen may require some trial and error. Texture, finish, skin type, sensitivity, makeup compatibility and skin tone can all influence whether a particular product works for you.
The best sunscreen is ultimately one that provides appropriate protection and that you are willing to use consistently.
Can Sunscreen Help With Dark Marks?
Sunscreen is not necessarily going to remove existing pigmentation by itself, but it can be an important part of managing it.
Conditions that cause dark marks or uneven pigmentation can be worsened by sun exposure. Protecting your skin from ultraviolet radiation can therefore support whatever treatment routine you are already following.
This becomes particularly important if you use active skincare ingredients intended to address pigmentation, acne marks or signs of ageing.
If you are dealing with persistent or worsening pigmentation, however, it is worth speaking to a dermatologist or another appropriately qualified healthcare professional rather than continuously adding stronger skincare products to your routine.
Sunscreen Does Not Give You Permission to Ignore the Sun
There is another misconception worth clearing up: wearing SPF 50 does not create an invisible shield around your body.
Sunscreen should be considered one part of sun protection.
If you are going to spend several hours outside during periods of intense sunlight, protective clothing, sunglasses, hats and shade can all play an important role too.
This is especially relevant for children, outdoor workers, runners, hikers, sports players and anyone spending long periods outside.
What Should You Look for When Buying Sunscreen?
The skincare aisle can make a simple purchase feel unnecessarily complicated, but you can narrow your options fairly quickly.
Look for a sunscreen that offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and an appropriate SPF, generally SPF 30 or above for regular use. If you are swimming or exercising, consider a water-resistant formulation and pay attention to the manufacturer’s reapplication instructions.
Then think about your skin.
If your skin is oily, you may prefer something lightweight or mattifying. If your skin tends to be dry, a creamier and more moisturising sunscreen may feel better. Sensitive skin may require a gentler formulation, while darker skin tones may benefit from formulas specifically designed to minimise visible white cast.
Price matters too.
An expensive sunscreen that you ration because you are afraid of finishing it is not necessarily more useful than an affordable sunscreen that you comfortably apply in the correct amount every day.
Children Need Sun Protection Too
Children’s skin also needs protection from excessive ultraviolet exposure.
Sunscreen recommendations can differ depending on a child’s age, and very young babies require particular care around sun exposure. Parents and caregivers should therefore follow age-appropriate medical guidance and the instructions provided with children’s sunscreen products.
For older children, sunscreen is only part of the picture. Hats, suitable clothing, shade and avoiding unnecessary exposure during periods of intense sunlight can all help.
Teaching children about sun protection early also helps turn it into a normal habit rather than something they associate only with beach holidays.
Your Sunscreen Does Not Need to Be Fancy
This may be the most important point.
You do not need the most expensive sunscreen on TikTok. You do not need ten different sunscreens. You do not need one bottle for Monday, another for Wednesday and a special imported formula for days when Mercury is in retrograde.
You need a sunscreen that suits your skin, provides adequate protection and fits comfortably into your life.
Because skincare routines only work when we actually follow them.
The Bottom Line
Sunscreen is not simply a summer product and it is definitely not reserved for beach days.
Regular sun protection can help reduce sunburn, limit cumulative ultraviolet damage, support the management of pigmentation and reduce the risk of skin cancer. It is relevant across different skin tones and across different seasons.
You also do not have to become frightened of sunlight. The goal is not to avoid living your life outdoors. It is to understand that repeated ultraviolet exposure has consequences and to protect yourself sensibly.
So tomorrow morning, after you have washed your face and finished the rest of your skincare routine, take a look at that bottle of sunscreen sitting quietly in the bathroom cabinet.
It probably deserves a more permanent place in your morning routine.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general information and does not replace medical advice. If you notice a new or changing mole, unusual skin lesion, persistent pigmentation or another concerning change to your skin, consult a qualified healthcare professional.
