It’s not too late to get SPF savvy

Experts share their insights on why we need a separate SPF for our face and the surprising benefits of chemical sunscreens.

12/08/2025

Let’s get one thing straight: sunscreen isn’t just for beach days and blistering sunshine. It’s your daily, year-round, no-negotiation skin saviour. Think of SPF as the ultimate anti-aging product. It helps prevent fine lines, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and loss of elasticity—not to mention it reduces the risk of skin cancer. UV damage is cumulative, meaning that even on cloudy days, your skin is soaking in rays that can slowly erode your glow. “Every moment of unprotected sun exposure adds up,” says dermatologist Dr. Nina Patel. “But even starting an SPF habit in your 30s, 40s, 50s or beyond can drastically slow down further damage.” So, where do we start?

Mineral vs chemical sunscreen: What’s the difference

Understanding the difference between mineral and chemical SPF can help you pick a product that works best for your skin type and lifestyle. “You can think of mineral sunscreen as a million tiny mirrors sitting on the surface of your skin, reflecting the sun’s harmful rays away,” says clean beauty expert Angie Parker. “Meanwhile, chemical sunscreen is more like a sponge, absorbing the sun’s rays and then deactivating them so they cannot cause damage. Both mineral and chemical sunscreens are effective at sun protection when used correctly. Mineral sunscreens are better for people with sensitive or acne prone skin. Chemical sunscreens are more water and sweat resistant. However, if you are going in the water and sea all day you will need a waterproof SPF which usually contains both mineral and chemical. For a cleaner sunscreen I like non-nano zinc. The particles are larger and are not absorbed by the skin providing the ultimate protective layer.”

The whole body needs love

One SPF doesn’t fit all. Each area of the body has unique characteristics that make targeted sun protection important. The skin on the face is generally more delicate and exposed than other areas, and it may also be more prone to breakouts or sensitivity. “For the face, the best SPF is one that offers broad spectrum protection and is lightweight enough for daily wear, ideally with a non-comedogenic formula that won’t clog pores. Gel or fluid textures often work well for most skin types.,” says Laura Porter founder of FAB Skincare. “For the under-eye area, opt for gentle, fragrance-free products that have been formulated specifically for sensitive skin. This area has the thinnest skin on the face and is particularly sensitive, so it requires a gentle sunscreen that won’t cause irritation or migrate into the eyes.”

An area often neglected is the scalp. Those with thinning or fine hair are highly vulnerable to sunburn but can find it’s difficult to protect using standard cream-based sunscreens. “The scalp requires at least SPF 30, and using sprays or powders can make application easier without affecting your hairstyle. While the hair itself doesn’t burn, it can suffer from sun-induced dryness and colour fading, so using UV-protective sprays is a good preventative step,” explains Porter.

The hands are exposed daily and often washed multiple times, so they need a more resilient SPF that provides hydration while withstanding frequent contact with water. Look for ingredients like hyaluronic acid or glycerin to combat dryness throughout the day says Porter. “Across all areas, the key is consistent reapplication, typically every two hours or more often if swimming or sweating.”

Late to the game? Here’s how to catch up

If your sunscreen journey is starting a little later in life, don’t be discouraged. Begin with a daily moisturiser or primer that contains SPF—it’s one of the easiest habits to form. For make-up lovers, setting sprays and powders with added SPF can top up your protection throughout the day. Nighttime is your time to treat. Invest in serums or creams with ingredients like niacinamide, vitamin C, or retinol to help repair previous sun-induced damage like sun spots. Pair this with consistent SPF use throughout the year, and you’ll be amazed at how your skin responds.

SPF 101: Demystifying the lingo

Broad-spectrum

Protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.

SPF 30 or higher

The sweet spot for daily use. SPF 50 is even better for extended outdoor time.

Mineral vs. Chemical

Mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sits on top of the skin and reflects UV rays—ideal for sensitive skin. Chemical (avobenzone or octinoxate) absorbs UV rays and tends to blend more seamlessly under make-up.