If you do one thing for your skin, make it daily sunscreen — the most effective anti-aging and anti-pigment product there is, and the step people most often skip or misuse.
SPF, explained
SPF measures protection against UVB (burning) rays. "Broad spectrum" means it also covers UVA (aging) rays — you want both. For daily use, SPF 30+ is the usual recommendation.
Mineral vs chemical
- Mineral (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sits on top of skin and physically blocks UV. Gentle — good for sensitive skin and redness-prone skin.
- Chemical (avobenzone and friends) absorbs UV. Usually lighter and more elegant, but can sting sensitive eyes.
The best sunscreen is the one you’ll actually wear every day.
The mistakes that cancel it out
- Too little. Use about two finger-lengths for face and neck.
- No reapplication. Reapply every ~2 hours of sun exposure.
- Skipping cloudy days. UVA passes through clouds and windows.
Why it’s non-negotiable
Without daily SPF, dark spots keep returning and anti-aging actives fight a losing battle. It pairs perfectly with a morning vitamin C; see where it fits in your morning routine.