How to Select the Best Sunscreen: A Comprehensive Guide
Sunscreen is the most important step in protecting your skin from sunburn, premature ageing, dark spots and skin cancer. But with so many types, SPFs and ratings to choose from, finding the right one can feel overwhelming.
This guide explains the different types of sunscreen, what SPF and UVA ratings really mean, and how to apply enough for proper protection.
Types of sunscreen
Mineral (physical) sunscreens
Mineral sunscreens use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which sit on the skin's surface to block UV rays. They're gentle and rarely irritate, so they suit sensitive and blemish-prone skin, and many people prefer them during pregnancy. Some can leave a slight white cast, which tinted formulas help disguise.
Chemical sunscreens
Chemical sunscreens use UV filters that absorb UV rays and release them as heat. They tend to feel lighter, spread easily and leave no white cast, which makes them comfortable for everyday wear and under makeup. Modern filters, such as Uvinul® A Plus, offer strong, stable protection. If your skin is sensitive, patch test first.
Combination sunscreens
Some sunscreens combine mineral and chemical filters to get the best of both: strong protection with a lighter texture.
All three types can give excellent broad-spectrum protection. The best sunscreen is the one you'll happily wear every day.
Which SPF is right for you?
SPF (sun protection factor) measures how well a sunscreen protects against UVB, the rays that cause sunburn.
- SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays.
- SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays.
- SPF 50 blocks about 98% of UVB rays.
For everyday use, choose SPF 30 or higher. If you spend long periods outdoors, exercise outside or travel somewhere sunny, go for SPF 50. South Africa has very high UV levels for much of the year, so SPF 50 is a smart daily choice for many people here.
No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays, and a higher SPF doesn't mean you can stay in the sun longer without reapplying.
Broad-spectrum and UVA protection
SPF only measures UVB protection. For full protection, choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen that also protects against UVA. These rays reach deeper into the skin, cause premature ageing and dark spots, and contribute to skin cancer.
Here's how to check a sunscreen's UVA protection:
- Broad-spectrum label: before a sunscreen can be called broad-spectrum, it must pass a lab test showing how far its protection reaches into the UVA range. This is known as its critical wavelength.
- PA rating: many brands, including ours, use PA ratings. The more plus signs, the stronger the UVA protection: PA+ (some), PA++ (moderate), PA+++ (high) and PA++++ (extremely high).
- UVA circle logo: in Europe, the letters UVA in a circle mean the sunscreen's UVA protection is at least a third of its SPF.
How to apply and reapply sunscreen
- Make it your last skincare step. Apply sunscreen after your morning skincare and before makeup.
- Use enough. Most people use half or less of what they need. Use about a quarter teaspoon for your face, or two finger-lengths for your face and neck.
- Give it time. Apply about 15 minutes before you go outside so it can form an even layer.
- Don't miss a spot. Cover your ears, neck, hairline, the backs of your hands and the tops of your feet, and use a lip balm with SPF.
- Reapply. If you're outdoors, reapply every two hours, and straight after swimming, sweating or towelling off.
SPF in makeup is a bonus, not a replacement. You'd need far more makeup than you'd normally wear to get the SPF on the label, so always wear sunscreen underneath.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need sunscreen indoors?
If you sit near a window, yes. Glass blocks most UVB rays, but UVA rays pass through and can still age your skin and darken pigmentation.
Does a higher SPF mean I can reapply less often?
No. Whatever the SPF, reapply every two hours when you're outdoors, and after swimming or sweating.
Do darker skin tones need sunscreen?
Yes. Melanin gives some natural protection, but every skin tone can burn, develop dark spots and get skin cancer. Daily sunscreen also helps prevent pigmentation from getting darker.
Can I use last year's sunscreen?
Check the expiry date. If it has passed, or the sunscreen has changed colour, texture or smell, replace it, as it may no longer protect you properly.
HD sunscreens
HD Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Essence SPF50+ PA++++ is a lightweight, water-based sunscreen made with modern filters, including Uvinul® A Plus, for extremely high UVA protection. Edelweiss extract and hyaluronic acid hydrate the skin, while vitamin C, vitamin E and French organic algae help protect against premature ageing and dark spots. It's ideal for everyday wear and sits beautifully under makeup.
- Broad-spectrum SPF50+ PA++++ protection
- Lightweight, water-based and hydrating
- Helps prevent the appearance of dark spots
- Ocean-friendly and hypoallergenic
- Monde Silver Award Winner
- Free from parabens, MI/MCI, alcohol, colourants and fragrance
Shop HD Ultra-Light Hydrating Sunscreen Essence SPF50+
HD Mineral Daily Defence Cream SPF50 PA+++ is a lightly tinted cream with 100% mineral filters, ideal for sensitive skin. It blurs the look of imperfections and includes the Pollushield™ anti-pollution complex.
- 100% mineral, broad-spectrum SPF50 PA+++ protection
- Blurs the look of imperfections
- Ocean-friendly, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
- Free from parabens, MI/MCI, alcohol and fragrance
Shop HD Mineral Daily Defence Cream SPF50 PA+++
Extra protection under makeup: Ultra 4K HD Makeup Base SPF25 PA+++ and Ultra 4K HD Radiant Primer SPF30 PA+++ add a top-up of protection. Wear them over one of the sunscreens above, not instead of it.