Choosing the right sunscreen for your skin care routine starts with understanding what’s on the label. Terms like SPF, broad spectrum, UVA, UVB, and water resistance all provide important information about how well a sunscreen protects your skin. Knowing what these labels mean can help you reduce your risk of sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer.
Sun Protection Factor, SPF
The SPF number is a measure of a sunscreen’s ability to block out the sun’s rays. The higher the number, the more protection it provides to a certain degree, but no sunscreen can block 100% of the sun. SPF is only a guide for protection from the sun’s rays, as many other variables go into actual sun protection (e.g., thickness and frequency of application, water/sweat, etc.).
What SPF Should You Use Every Day?
Most dermatologists and skin care experts recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day. Whether you’re running errands or spending the day indoors, daily sunscreen use is an important part of skin protection.
Ultraviolet A, UVA
UVA is a component of sunlight that contributes to wrinkles and skin cancer. UVA is not visible to the human eye. It penetrates deeply into the skin, but it’s not the major factor in sunburn. UVA accelerates wrinkles (i.e., photoaging) and skin cancer by damaging collagen and elastic tissue of the deeper dermis.
Ultraviolet B, UVB
UVB is another component of sunlight that is not visible to the human eye. This ray is more intense than UVA but only penetrates the top layers of the skin (the epidermis). UVB is more responsible for sunburns, in addition to causing skin cancers. Both types of UV radiation can cause genetic mutations in the skin’s DNA, leading to skin cancer.
Broad Spectrum
This term on sunscreen bottles means that it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s an important feature your sunscreen should have; otherwise, you won’t be sufficiently protected.
Physical or Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens
Sunscreens can provide physical, chemical, or combination protection against UV rays. The active ingredients listed on the bottle provide the type of sun protection.
Physical Sunscreens
Physical sunscreens, made of minerals such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, provide a literal barrier to light. Think of these minerals as a shield that doesn’t let light pass. These sunscreens reflect light, hence tend to be white in appearance.
Chemical
Chemical sunscreens protect differently than physical ones by absorbing light like a sponge, rather than blocking light. The light radiation is converted to heat and released to your skin. Over time, a percentage of this protection stops working as chemical absorption becomes less effective.
Chemical sunscreens are more likely to irritate the skin than physical sunscreens. Lastly, some chemical sunscreens can harm marine life and coral reefs.
| Mineral | Chemical |
|---|---|
| Zinc oxide/titanium dioxide | Organic UV filters |
| Reflects/scatters UV and also absorbs some UV | Absorbs UV energy |
| Often preferred for sensitive skin | Usually lighter feel |
| Works immediately | Some formulations recommend application 15 minutes before sun exposure |
The Environmental Working Group’s sunscreen guide provides additional information about mineral and chemical sunscreens, as well as information about other ingredients.
Water or Sweat Resistance
No sunscreen is waterproof. Rather, sunscreens can vary in their water resistance. FDA labeling notes how long a sunscreen can last in the water (or sweating) before reapplication.
Sport, Swim, Splash
Terms such as sport, swim, or splash are marketing terms, rather than a regulated or medical terms. As many users are active outdoors, companies label sunscreens with various terms to make them more appealing to enthusiasts.
How Much Sunscreen Should You Apply?
You really can’t put on too much sunscreen for protection. Most people don’t apply enough. Here are some simple application guidelines:
- Use about a nickel-sized amount for the face
- Use about 1 ounce (a shot glass) for the body
Apply in layers and rub in different directions to ensure adequate coverage. Your skin should be glistening after application! For more information on applying sunscreen, read the FDA guidance on protecting your skin.
How Often Should You Reapply Sunscreen?
You should reapply sunscreen routinely every 2 hours. Apply it immediately after swimming, sweating heavily, or drying yourself off with a towel.
Your sunscreen is a foundation for skin care every day, all throughout the year, not just on hot summer days at the beach. Sunscreen alone, however, is not sufficient for adequate protection. Learn how plastic surgeons and dermatologists protect their skin.
Beyond Sunscreen: Restoring Sun-Damaged Skin
Sunscreen helps prevent future damage, but professional aesthetic treatments can address signs of past sun exposure. Learn how chemical peels and other nonsurgical treatments can improve skin tone, texture, and other visible effects of sun damage.
Why Sunscreen Matters After Facial Plastic Surgery
Sun protection is especially important after facial plastic surgery because healing skin is more vulnerable to UV damage. Protecting your skin from the sun helps minimize discoloration, supports scar healing, and preserves the smoother, more youthful-looking results of your procedure. Always follow your surgeon’s recommendations about when it’s safe to resume sunscreen use after surgery.
Whether you’re recovering from a facelift, eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty), or neck lift, wearing a broad-spectrum sunscreen every day is one of the simplest ways to help maintain your results and protect your skin’s appearance.
Take the Next Step Toward Healthier Skin
If you’re concerned about sun damage or premature skin aging, request a consultation with Dr. Chobaki to learn about personalized treatment options. You can also call our office at (202) 800-2085 to schedule an appointment.
This post was originally published in July 2018 and was updated in July 2026.
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