Skincare

Everything you need to know about sunscreen

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SkinTalks - April 02, 2026

Introduction

How does sunscreen work?

What’s the best sunscreen for the face?

Sunscreen application tips

The best Korean sunscreens for all skin types

Let’s find your favorite sunscreen

FAQs

Welcome Glowies! Sunscreen is one of the most important steps in any skincare routine, protecting against sun damage, premature ageing, and dark spots, even on cloudy or cooler days. But it can feel complicated sometimes, and picking the wrong one for your skin might mean dealing with irritation, white casts, or breakouts.

The good news? Once you understand a few basics, finding your perfect sunscreen gets a whole lot easier. In this Skintalks post, we’ll cover everything you need to know to help you find the right sunscreen for you. This includes how sunscreen works, whether to choose mineral, hybrid, or sunscreen based on your skin type, how to apply sunscreen, and why Korean sunscreen is so popular and which products are best. Let’s dive in!

How does sunscreen work?

Sunscreen works by blocking out the sun’s harmful rays so they can’t penetrate your skin. You can think of it as an invisible shield that protects against sunburn, dehydration, dark spots, and early signs of aging.

There are two main ways sunscreen blocks the sun. Mineral sunscreens create a physical barrier between the sun and your skin, sitting on top of it and reflecting the rays away. Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens absorb the rays before they reach your skin. Some formulas, known as hybrid sunscreens, combine both mineral and chemical ingredients.

How is sunscreen strength measured?

Sunscreen protection is measured in two ways: SPF and PA.

SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, shows how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays. These are the rays that cause sunburn and can damage the outer layer of your skin.

The higher the SPF number, the more protection you get. However, it’s not a linear scale, so SPF 50 isn’t “twice as strong” as SPF 25. Use this rough guide, but be mindful that no sunscreen blocks 100% of UVB rays:

Sunscreen SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays. It’s a good choice if you’re going to be mostly indoors for the day or just running a few errands.
Sunscreen SPF 30 blocks around 97%. This makes it suitable for everyday use.
Sunscreen SPF 50 blocks roughly 98%. This is ideal for long days out in the sun or any situation where you’ll be exposed to strong sunlight for extended periods.

The PA, or Protection Grade of UVA, rating indicates protection against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and are mainly responsible for premature aging, dark spots, and long-term damage. PA uses a “+” system to show strength: PA+ provides some protection, PA++ moderate, PA+++ high, and PA++++ extremely high. Choosing a higher PA rating helps guard your skin from the deeper, aging effects of the sun, while SPF protects against burning.

What’s the best sunscreen for the face?

Mineral, chemical, and hybrid sunscreens can all be high SPF and PA. So how do you know which you should choose? Mostly, it depends on your skin type.

Mineral sunscreen

Mineral options are some of the best sunscreens for sensitive skin because they sit on top of the skin rather than being absorbed. This means they’re less likely to irritate or trigger redness. Zinc oxide, the main ingredient in most mineral sunscreens, is gentle, soothing, and even has anti-inflammatory properties.

Mineral sunscreens are also great options for people who are very environmentally conscious. Also referred to as reef-free sunscreen and non-harmful sunscreen, mineral sunscreens are free from chemical filters that can harm coral reefs and aquatic life.

Truecica Mineral Calming Tone-Up Suncream

Chemical sunscreen

Chemical sunscreen is perfect for oily skin because it absorbs quickly and feels weightless on the face. It won’t leave a greasy finish or clog pores, making it easy to layer under makeup or alongside other skincare products. Chemical formulas also avoid the chalky, white finish that can come with some mineral sunscreens.

They typically include ingredients like avobenzone, octocrylene, or homosalate, which work together to provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Many chemical sunscreens also contain hydrating agents, antioxidants, or soothing botanicals, which support the skin barrier.

Hybrid sunscreen

For combination skin, hybrid sunscreens strike the perfect balance between mineral and chemical options. They're not greasy or clogging, but they also don’t contain ingredients that could irritate dry or sensitive skin.

If you’re trying to be a bit more mindful of the environment, hybrid sunscreens are a lovely choice because many are reef-safe and formulated without chemicals that can harm the environment.

Sunscreen application tips

Even the best sunscreen may not protect your skin if it’s not applied correctly. Here are a few easy tips to help you get the most out of your sun protection:

1. Apply the right amount

Most people use too little sunscreen, which significantly reduces effectiveness. For your face and neck, aim for about a coin-sized amount, and don’t forget areas like your ears, hairline, and the back of your neck. If you’re using it on your body, a shot-glass-sized amount per limb is recommended.

Make sure to be thorough! Sunscreen often gets missed on the ears, lips, hairline, and tops of feet.

2. Reapply regularly

Sunscreen doesn’t last all day. Regardless of which SPF you choose, you’ll need to reapply every 2–3 hours, or more often if you’re swimming, sweating, or towel-drying.

Sun sticks, or sun protection sticks, are a convenient way to reapply sunscreen while you’re on the go. Their solid formula makes them mess-free, portable, and precise, perfect for targeting areas like the face, lips, ears, and hairline.

3. Layer products carefully

If you wear makeup, apply sunscreen first, then let it absorb for a few minutes before layering foundation or tinted moisturizer. This ensures the sunscreen forms an even protective layer and isn’t diluted or rubbed off by your makeup.

The best Korean sunscreens for all skin types

Korean sunscreens are among the best in the world because they balance effective sun protection with additional skincare benefits.

Unlike heavier sunscreens that can feel sticky or leave a white cast, Korean formulas are lightweight, fast-absorbing, and sheer, making them ideal for daily use on all skin types, including oily or combination skin.

Meanwhile, even Korean chemical sunscreen creams are often gentle enough for sensitive skin. Formulated to minimize irritation while still providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, many include soothing ingredients like centella asiatica or hyaluronic acid. This helps to reduce redness and support the skin barrier, so you can stay protected without compromising your skin’s comfort.

Here are five of our top picks. They’re all factor 50 and high PA for extra protection.

1. Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics is a chemical sunscreen that’s designed for daily use. Its moist, lotion‑like texture absorbs quickly without heaviness or white residue, while rice extract and probiotics help soothe and brighten the skin. Lightweight and easy to layer, this is the perfect product for oily or combination skin.

Relief Sun : Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++

€13.98

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Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen

€20.12

2. COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen

COSRX Vitamin E Vitalizing Sunscreen is a great chemical sunscreen for oily or combination skin, delivering a matte, non-greasy finish. It also includes vitamin E to nourish the skin, along with green tea extract, sunflower seed oil, and niacinamide to provide antioxidant protection, hydration, and support for the skin barrier.

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3. I’m From Rice Sunscreen

I’m From Rice Sunscreen is a mineral sunscreen that’s ideal for sensitive or reactive skin. It uses zinc oxide as its UV filter, so it’s less likely to irritate than chemical sunscreens. The formula also contains 41% goami rice extract, amino acids, and gamma‑oryzanol, which help smooth texture while keeping skin hydrated.

Rice Sunscreen

€24.45

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Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

€14.00

4. iUNIK Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

iUNIK Centella Calming Daily Sunscreen is a great chemical sunscreen for sensitive or easily irritated skin. It includes centella asiatica extract to calm redness and chamomile, green tea, and aloe vera to further soothe and hydrate.

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5. ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream

ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream is a hybrid option that combines zinc oxide (mineral) with chemical filters in a hydrating, skin‑care-first formula. Enriched with eight types of hyaluronic acid, niacinamide, and panthenol, this cult favorite protects and deeply moisturizes.

Hyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream

€19.95

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Let’s find your favorite sunscreen

To truly protect your skin year-round, you need to find a sunscreen you’ll stick with. For some, that might mean opting for a lightweight, everyday SPF, while for others it’ll mean going for a rich formula that doubles as skincare.

Whatever you’re looking for, discover even more Korean sunscreen formulas that are designed to deliver high protection, comfort, and nourishment in our collection.

FAQs

Does sunscreen expire?

Yes, sunscreen can expire. Most products have a shelf life of about three years, but this can vary depending on how you store them. Sunscreens should always be kept in a cool, dry place. Avoid using expired sunscreen as this can reduce effectiveness, leaving your skin more vulnerable to UV damage. Check the expiration date on the packaging, and never use products that have changed color, texture, or smell.

How long does sunscreen last?

Sunscreen doesn’t provide all-day protection. Even high-SPF formulas need to be reapplied every 2–3 hours, especially if you’re swimming, sweating, or wiping your skin.

Does sunscreen prevent tanning?

Sunscreen reduces the risk of sunburn and protects against UV damage, but it doesn’t completely stop tanning. UV rays can still stimulate melanin production, which causes skin to darken, even with SPF applied.

What does SPF stand for?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, which cause sunburn. For example, SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays, while SPF 50 blocks roughly 98%. SPF does not measure UVA protection, so it’s important to also look at PA rating or to look out for a “broad spectrum sunscreen.”

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Skincare | Apr 02, 2026