A broad spectrum sunscreen protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays, and when used as directed, a daily-use facial sunscreen can help prevent the sun damage that contributes to premature signs of aging, as well as skin cancer. All sunscreens are not created equal, which is why it’s especially important to choose a broad spectrum sunscreen.

UVA rays are consistently strong throughout the year and are responsible for the appearance of skin wrinkling, discoloration, and loss of elasticity. These rays can penetrate clouds, glass, and the upper layers of skin causing damage to valuable proteins like collagen and elastin that give the skin its volume and structure. UVA damage is a threat to the skin year-round, even on overcast days, when you are driving, or when you’re indoors near a window.

UVB rays are stronger in summer, and in addition to being responsible for sunburns, they can contribute to skin cancer as well. They do not penetrate skin as deeply as UVA rays, but are also dangerous to the skin’s health.

As a general rule of thumb, it’s best to finish your morning skincare regimen with a nickel-sized amount of facial sunscreen. However, it’s important to know that even if you’re using a broad spectrum sunscreen, all sunscreens should be reapplied every two hours (especially during extended periods of sun exposure and after swimming, sweating, or towel-drying) to maintain their effectiveness.

Broad spectrum sunscreen is essential for all skin types, and SkinCeuticals offers a variety of options that are especially beneficial for those with dry skin, especially when paired with the right moisturizer. These SkinCeuticals sunscreens are specially formulated with hydrating ingredients to help enhance skin moisture levels and provide broad spectrum sunscreen protection along with additional benefits for the delicate eye area and those who are looking to improve uneven skin tone. If you have dry skin, we recommend the SkinCeuticals Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30. This sunblock is specifically designed to not only protect your skin but also hydrate it.

With so many available sunscreens to choose from, it helps to narrow your selection based on a few key factors. First and foremost, look for a broad spectrum sunscreen so you know your skin is shielded from UVA and UVB rays. From there, make sure the facial sunscreen options you’re considering are appropriate for your skin type. It’s also best to opt for the highest level of SPF protection, and SkinCeuticals offers several SPF 50 sunscreen options that are both highly effective and “cosmetically elegant.” This means they integrate seamlessly into your skincare routine without leaving your skin with a white cast or interfering with your makeup.

The two types of sunscreens are mineral (also known as physical) and chemical. Mineral-based (or physical) sunscreen filters include zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that provide broad spectrum sunscreen protection against damage caused by UVA and UVB rays (especially when used with other sun-protection measures). Sunscreens formulated with these physical filters work by creating a barrier on the skin’s surface that helps reflect the sun’s rays away from the skin.

Chemical sunscreens contain synthetic ingredients that penetrate the uppermost layers of the skin to absorb UVA and UVB rays before they can cause sunburn or other damage to the skin. Chemical-based UV filters found in facial sunscreen products include avobenzone, homosalate, octisalate, and octocrylene.

Although mineral-based sunscreens may be a better choice for sensitive or compromised skin, dermatologists often recommend using sunscreens that contain a combination of mineral and chemical UV filters. SkinCeuticals offers both mineral and chemical sunscreens. All of SkinCeuticals’ facial sunscreens provide broad spectrum sunscreen protection (and our chemical-based Daily Brightening UV Defense Sunscreen SPF 30 offers extra hydration and improvement in uneven skin tone over time).

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, a rating that measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays. More specifically, a higher SPF translates to more time before your skin will burn while exposed to the sun. To ensure your skin is protected from UVA (or “aging” rays) it’s essential to choose a facial sunscreen that offers broad spectrum sunscreen protection—and states this benefit clearly on the tube or bottle.

Facial sunscreen is an essential step in every daily morning skincare regimen, and broad spectrum sunscreen protection is key for preventing the UV damage that contributes to premature signs of aging as well as skin cancer. Yet sunscreens alone don’t shield the skin from all free radicals generated by other environmental aggressors such as infrared rays and pollution that harm the skin. Using a daily topical antioxidant serum in conjunction with a broad spectrum sunscreen provides an optimal level of skin protection that helps maintain skin health and prevent other unwanted skin changes.

It is generally recommended to stay between SPF 30 and SPF 50 for sunblock.