Sun protection is the foundation of every skincare routine – regardless of the season or weather. SPF protects not only against sunburn but also against premature aging, discoloration, and skin blemishes. Do you really know how a sunscreen works? Do you know the difference between UVA and UVB? Find out how to consciously protect your skin from the sun – every day!
Key facts about SPF:
SPF is an abbreviation for Sun Protection Factor, a measure of protection against UVB radiation, which is responsible for sunburn. The SPF number indicates how many times longer you can stay in the sun without risk of redness compared to when you don't use any protection. If your skin normally reacts after 10 minutes of exposure, a sunscreen with SPF 30 theoretically extends this time to 300 minutes.
In practice, however, the mechanism of action is more complex. Sunscreen creates a barrier on the skin's surface that absorbs or reflects UV rays before they can penetrate the deeper layers of the epidermis. This minimizes the risk of cellular DNA damage, which leads to photoaging and other dermatological problems. This is why SPF should be applied daily—even on cloudy days, as UV radiation penetrates clouds.
Solar radiation reaches us in two main forms – UVA and UVB – and each affects the skin differently. UVB has a shorter wavelength and is responsible for immediate effects: redness, burns, and in extreme cases, blisters. It is this type of radiation that the SPF rating on sunscreen packaging protects us against.
UVA, on the other hand, penetrates deeper, reaching all the way to the dermis, and has a more insidious effect. While it doesn't cause immediate symptoms, in the long run it leads to loss of elasticity, wrinkles, discoloration, and a weakening of the skin's protective barrier.
That's why it's so important to choose products labeled "broad spectrum" or with the UVA protection symbol. Only then can you be sure your skin is fully protected.
Choosing the right one the best sunscreen raises many doubts, especially since the differences in protection are not as obvious as they might seem. SPF 15 blocks approximately 93% of UVB radiation, SPF 30 blocks 97%, and SPF 50 blocks 98%. While this may seem like a small difference, it actually has a huge impact on skin health, especially with long-term exposure:
Sunscreens are divided into two main types: chemical and mineral – and each of them works on a different principle.
Chemical filters absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat, which is then released through the skin. They are lightweight, easily absorbed, and do not leave a white cast, making them popular in daily skincare.
Mineral filters, also known as physical filters, contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide particles that reflect and disperse sun rays before they reach the skin. They are gentler and less likely to cause irritation, making them recommended for those with sensitive, reactive, or rosacea-prone skin.
The choice between them depends on your skin type and preferences – if you have oily skin, a chemical filter may be more convenient, while for sensitive skin, a mineral one is better.
The effectiveness of an SPF cream depends largely on how much product you actually apply to your skin. Most people use far too little, which reduces the actual protection by up to half. Hence the two-finger rule, which helps you measure the right amount of product for your face and neck.
Squeeze the cream along your index and middle fingers. – from base to tip. This amount should be enough to thoroughly cover your entire face, neck, and décolleté. Apply the cream to clean skin as the last step of your skincare routine, about 15-20 minutes before going outside. Give it time to fully absorb and create a protective layer to photoprotection it worked.
Not every cream has SPF under makeup it will work for everyone – Skin type is crucial when choosing the right formula. Oily and combination skin needs a light texture, preferably in the form of a gel or mattifying fluid that won't clog pores or leave a greasy shine.
Dry skin will appreciate richer creams with added moisturizing ingredients like hyaluronic acid or ceramides. Sensitive skin requires formulas free of alcohol, artificial fragrances, and potentially irritating ingredients – mineral filters are best here.
It is worth remembering that SPF is the most important step in skincare. Our products are designed for a variety of skin types, combining effective protection with everyday comfort.
Even the best sunscreen won't work if you make basic mistakes in application. The first and most common problem is using too little product – most people apply around the recommended dose, which drastically reduces the level of protection.
Another mistake is neglecting certain areas of the face, especially around the ears, jawline, and eyelids. Another problem is applying SPF only in the summer – UV radiation is present year-round, even in winter and on cloudy days. Our cosmetics are designed to work perfectly with sunscreen and enhance its protective effects.
The filter should be renewed every 2 hours when exposed to the sun continuously and after any intensive contact with water or sweat.
The main difference is the degree of UVB blocking, SPF 50 provides higher protection (50% more blocked radiation than SPF 30), which is crucial for fair skin, in hot weather and with high sun exposure.
No – to get the claimed protection, you would have to use several times more product than you normally apply with your makeup, so always use a separate sunscreen as a base.
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which tells you how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned compared to unprotected.
It doesn't block completely - SPF 50 lets through about 2% of UVB radiation, so tanning still occurs, but much slower and safer than without protection.
No – SPF cream should be the last step of your skincare routine, applied over previously applied serum and moisturizer, just before makeup.
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