SPF 101: What You Need To Know

Okay, real talk: sunscreen is one of those non-negotiables in skincare. Like brushing your teeth or drinking water—it’s gotta happen every single day. But if you’ve wandered down the sunscreen aisle lately, you know it can feel like a full-blown identity crisis. Mineral? Chemical? Tinted? Spray? And don’t even get me started on the recent ad drama where one brand called the others “poison.” Yikes.

So, let’s clear the air (and your skin). Mineral sunscreens are made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They literally sit on top of your skin and act like tiny mirrors, reflecting UV rays away. Bonus: they’re usually great for sensitive skin. Downside: sometimes they leave that ghostly white cast that makes you look like you’re auditioning for a vampire movie.

Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat. They’re lightweight, rub in easily, and won’t leave you looking chalky. But—because there’s always a “but”—some people with sensitive skin might find them irritating.

The best sunscreen isn’t the fanciest one on the shelf or the one with the trendiest packaging. It’s simply the one you’ll actually wear every day. Because the only bad sunscreen is…well, no sunscreen.

So, find one you like, toss it in your everyday bag, and reapply like your future self will thank you (because, spoiler: she will).