Sun Protection Advice | 18 June, 2025

What are the benefits of sunscreen?

There's a reason why sunscreen is one of the most highly recommended skincare products by dermatologists. Find out the benefits of sunscreen, with details on how it protects against sunburn and skin cancer while providing valuable anti-aging benefits for the skin on your face. Gather tips to choose products that suit your daily skincare regimen.

What is sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a product that's applied topically to the skin to help protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation. Forming a protective layer, it's essential for preventing your skin from becoming burnt or damaged.

It can be applied to both the face and body, but a specially formulated facial sunscreen makes application more practical. You can get lightweight formulas that allow you to wear it comfortably every day underneath other facial products like makeup.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that you wear sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays with SPF 30 or higher. Around 90% of cases of skin cancer are linked to the sun's UV rays, which is why it's so important to choose broad-spectrum sunscreen that covers both UVA and UVB rays.

Some of the different types of sunscreen available include:

Physical (mineral) sunscreen: Recommended for people with sensitive skin, this type of sunscreen contains active ingredients like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide, or both. They work by absorbing and reflecting UV rays away from the skin.
Chemical sunscreen: Any sunscreen that doesn't contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide is a chemical sunscreen. Chemical sunscreen works by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat that doesn't harm the skin.
Hybrid sunscreen: These formulas contain active ingredients found in both chemical and physical sunscreens. They use a combination of protective measures found in both types.

You can typically get sunscreen in cream, gel, and spray form, with ultra-fluid options for the face to create lightweight formulas. Some prefer tinted sunscreens for the face, removing the need to apply as much makeup over the top.

Why is sunscreen important?

UVA and UVB rays can burn the skin and cause significant disruption to skin cells by damaging their DNA. Over time, this can cause cells to become more erratic, possibly leading to skin cancer.

Not wearing sunscreen means you increase your risk of developing skin cancer, regardless of your skin tone. According to the AAD, one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime, which emphasizes just how important it is to incorporate sunscreen into your daily skincare regimen.

UV rays can also contribute to premature skin aging, ranging from age spots to wrinkles and fine lines.

Why is it important to wear sunscreen every day?

Wearing sunscreen on your face every day helps protect your skin from the sun's UV rays. Even when the sun isn't out, UV rays can still penetrate through clouds, so making this a staple in your routine is key. Take the time to work out the best sunscreen for your skin so you can embrace wearing it without the worry of it interfering with your skincare regimen or lifestyle.

Make sure you apply enough sunscreen for it to be effective. Experts recommend a dessert spoon amount, or the length of two fingers, of SPF to the face to sufficiently protect it from UV rays. You can always apply more if you need it. Consider the SPF level too as, depending on your skin tone, you may be advised to wear higher levels of SPF than others.

It's also important to take breaks from direct sunlight whenever you can by sitting in the shade. Wearing a hat and UV protection sunglasses can also help protect your face.

What are the benefits of sunscreen for anti-aging?

Aside from reducing health risks, there are numerous skincare benefits associated with sunscreen. Many actively include it in their anti-aging efforts, regardless of whether they're going outside that day.

Sunscreen protects against UVA and UVB rays, the main causes of skin aging and sunburn. However, some digital devices also emit harmful rays that can affect our skin. They're known as high-energy visible (HEV) blue light, which can compromise our skin's natural barrier function, contribute to hyperpigmentation, and generate free radicals that can lead to the breakdown of collagen and elastin. This can impact its youthful, plump appearance over time. HEV light is emitted from the screens on our smartphones, laptops, and tablets, as well as the sun.

Infrared-A (IR-A) radiation is a type of heat radiation that may also contribute to skin aging. It comes from the sun and from man-made, electronic devices that create heat. Choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen ensures more comprehensive protection for your skincare routine and anti-aging goals.

By shielding your face from various types of radiation, sunscreen can help prevent:

Fine lines and wrinkles
Loss of elasticity caused by degrading elastin and collagen
Hyperpigmentation (e.g. age spots)
Free radical damage and resulting oxidative stress

What are the benefits of wearing sunscreen on your face every day?

Applying sunscreen to your face every day means your skin is always protected from harmful rays. Depending on the product you choose, you can protect your skin against HEV and IR-A rays, which can be found inside.

Consistency is a huge part of any skincare regimen and wearing SPF every day is indeed vital when it comes to anti-aging. To enhance the role that your sunscreen plays in your anti-aging efforts, look at formulas that go above and beyond. For example, antioxidants in sunscreen can help reduce a greater number of free radicals compared to the use of sunscreen alone.

How to incorporate sunscreen into your skincare routine

Fortunately, there are many ways to enjoy the benefits of sunscreen. Innovation in the skincare sector means you can choose from an array of products, with many offering more comprehensive protection.

At ZO®, our sunscreen range includes Triple Spectrum Protection® against UVA + UVB, HEV, and IR-A rays, offering peace of mind. Several products have also been awarded the Seal of Recommendation by the Skin Cancer Foundation.

Examples of the types of sunscreen available include:

Creams, fluids, and gels: Lightweight, non-greasy formulas are ideal for layering under makeup and help reduce the risk of clogged pores. There are tinted formulas available in case you want extra coverage, such as the Smart Tone Broad-Spectrum SPF 50, which comes with a self-adjusting tint that complements most skin tones. For ultra-lightweight wear, consider a fluid formulation. The Sheer Fluid Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50 is a fragrance-free, mineral fluid sunscreen with an antioxidant-rich formula.
Primer: Go for a dual-action primer and sunscreen to cover two tasks with one product. The Sunscreen + Primer Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 is designed to offer protection while hydrating the skin and create a smooth, matte base that helps diminish the appearance of skin imperfections.
Powder form: SPF is also available in powder form and can be a useful product for touch-ups to help keep your skin protected. Our Sunscreen + Powder Broad-Spectrum SPF 45 can be applied over makeup and reapplied, ensuring you stay protected throughout the day. It contains color-enhancing pigments so you can build coverage while shielding the skin. There are refills available for ongoing protection.

Protect your skin with ZO®

For an everyday essential like sunscreen, finding the right product is key. Incorporate a suitable ZO® product into your routine for effective UV protection and anti-aging benefits. If you'd like personalized advice for your skin, locate your nearest ZO® Partner or contact our team of experts today.