When skin meets UV rays, a story begins that can have long-term consequences. While sunlight is a source of life and vitamin D, it is also the most powerful factor in premature skin ageing and the leading cause of skin cancer.
This is why applying a sunscreen with the right SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is one of the most important steps in your daily skincare routine – regardless of the season or the weather.
Interestingly, while many people do use SPF, they often don’t really know how it works or how to choose the right product. Let’s clear that up.
What is SPF?
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is a measure of how long you can stay in the sun without burning compared to being unprotected. It mainly refers to protection from UVB rays – those that cause direct skin damage, redness and sunburn.
For example, if your skin would burn after 10 minutes without protection, an SPF 30 sunscreen allows you to stay in the sun around 30 times longer – up to 300 minutes – before burning, in ideal laboratory conditions.
A common misconception is that SPF 50 offers more than double the protection of SPF 25. In reality, the difference in the percentage of UVB rays blocked is much smaller:
- SPF 15 blocks around 93% of UVB rays
- SPF 30 blocks around 97%
- SPF 50 blocks around 98%
So while a higher number is slightly more effective, the difference is not linear.
In addition to UVB rays, which cause visible skin damage, there are UVA rays that penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to premature ageing, pigmentation and skin disease. Always choose a product labelled broad spectrum, as this ensures protection from both UVA and UVB rays.
How does SPF work?
Sunscreens work in two ways, depending on the type of filters they contain:
Chemical filters absorb UV rays and transform them into heat. Examples include avobenzone, oxybenzone and octocrylene. They are lightweight, easy to apply and don’t leave a white cast, but may irritate certain skin types.
Physical or mineral filters (such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide) reflect and scatter UV rays from the skin’s surface. They work immediately upon application, are highly stable and especially suitable for sensitive or reactive skin. This is exactly the protection offered by the Mineral Shield Face Sunscreen SPF 30, which combines high sun protection with skin-soothing care in one formula.
Mineral Shield Face Sunscreen SPF 30, 50 ml
A mineral-based face sunscreen SPF 30 ensures effective UVA/UVB protection. A lightweight sun shield with invisible finish protect.. Details
€28.00
Application is key to effectiveness. Dermatologists recommend two finger-lengths of product for the face (index + middle finger) and reapplication every two hours, or immediately after swimming, sweating or towel drying.
How to choose the right SPF product
Your skin type is the first factor to consider.
If your skin is sensitive, acne-prone or reactive, mineral filters are your best choice, as they are gentler and less likely to cause irritation. Mineral Shield Face Sunscreen SPF 30 is ideal for daily wear – lightweight, non-greasy and suitable for children and during pregnancy.
For everyday use, when you’re mostly indoors or in the shade, one application is usually enough. But for beach days, hiking or prolonged outdoor activities, reapply every two hours.
Choose formulas that don’t just protect but also care for your skin. Look for hydrating ingredients like hyaluronic acid, plant oils or aloe vera, and calming extracts such as calendula, chamomile or CBD, so your skin stays hydrated, radiant and protected in the sun.
Effective sun protection should also include post-sun repair. The After Sun Elixir is the perfect aftercare step following a day outdoors – with a blend of nourishing plant oils, CBD and antioxidants to calm, restore and replenish the skin’s natural glow. Ideal for daily summer skincare.
A luxurious body oil crafted from precious natural oils and extracts. It nourishes, soothes, and leaves the skin with a radiant gl.. Details
€19.00
€16.15
Tip: If your skin is sensitive or breakout-prone, avoid products with artificial fragrance, alcohol or high concentrations of essential oils. Opt for simple, natural formulations with clearly listed ingredients, dermatologically tested and free from unnecessary additives.
Common SPF mistakes
Very often, sunscreen fails to provide the expected protection not because it’s ineffective, but because it’s used incorrectly.
One of the most common mistakes is applying too little. To achieve the stated SPF on the label (e.g. SPF 30), you need about 2mg of product per cm² of skin – roughly two finger-lengths for the face.
Another mistake is applying it too late or on damp skin. Apply SPF about 15 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to distribute evenly and start working.
Not reapplying after swimming or sweating is another issue – even water-resistant formulas lose effectiveness over time.
And finally, SPF is just as important on cloudy days, as UVA and UVB rays pass through clouds. UV rays can also penetrate windows, so it’s worth applying sunscreen indoors if you sit near a window or drive.
SPF is not just a number on the label – it’s one of your skin’s most important allies in preventing ageing, hyperpigmentation and skin cancer. The key is choosing the right product, applying it correctly and reapplying regularly.
At Hemptouch, we created the Mineral Shield Face Sunscreen SPF 30, which combines natural sun protection with calming ingredients for everyday skincare. After a day in the sun, we recommend pampering your skin with the After Sun Elixir, enriched with selected plant oils, botanical extracts and lemongrass essential oil to restore balance, nourish and maintain that summer glow.
Sun protection isn’t just a seasonal habit – it’s a year-round ritual that nurtures your skin today while preserving its health and youthful appearance for the future.
Posted by Barbara Novak on date , updated on .
