-
-
-
-
Physical sunscreen reflects UV rays, while chemical sunscreen absorbs and transforms them into heat.
Yes — UV rays penetrate clouds and affect skin year-round.
Not unless applied in full amount and layered under makeup.
Every 2 hours, and after sweating or swimming.
Absolutely. All skin tones are at risk for pigmentation and skin cancer.
At Paramount, we think that skincare is about long-term protection, prevention, and empowering you with the knowledge you need to daily take care of your skin — not only about appearance.
Applying sunscreen is among the most important but misinterpreted actions in any skincare regimen. Although dermatologists generally advise sunscreen, many people still have questions regarding its mechanism, type to use, and meaning of those long ingredient names on the label.
This book is meant to walk you through all you need to know about sunscreen, including:
What sunscreen actually does
The difference between physical and chemical sunscreens
What SPF really means
Common sunscreen ingredients and what they do
How to match sunscreen to your skin type
People commonly make mistakes and have misconceptions
Great advice from Paramount on everyday sun protection
Let’s delve further — since the sun does not take days off and neither should your protection.
Between your skin and the damaging UV radiation the sun produces, sunscreen serves as a barrier of protection.
These rays may produce:
Fine lines, wrinkles, and pigment-based premature aging
DNA damage that over time could cause skin malignancies
Worsening of skin disorders including acne scars, rosacea, and melasma
Two basic kinds of UV radiation are those which sunscreen protects against:
UVA: causes long-term skin damage and aging; it also probes deeply into the skin
UVB: mostly causes most forms of skin cancer and sunburns by influencing the outer layers of the skin
Broad-spectrum protection — that is, protection against both UVA and UVB rays — should be the hallmark of every sunscreen.
Often while selecting a sunscreen, you may see words like mineral, physical, or chemical. These speak to the operation of the sunscreen.
Like a mirror, they physically form a barrier on the skin that reflects UV light away.
Principal components include titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
Their mechanism is sitting on top of the skin and reflecting sunlight.
Perfect for:
Sensitive skin
Rosacea
Children
Post-procedural skin (after laser or peeling)
Pros:
After application, immediate protection
Less prone to aggravate allergies or irritation
More stable in sunlight
Cons:
Thicker texture
May not mix well under makeup
Might leave a white cast on the skin
These let UV rays be absorbed and turned into heat, which the skin then releases.
Typical components include octinoxate, avobenzone, oxybenzone, octocrylene.
Their working mechanism is: Before UV radiation may harm deeper cells, they pierce the top layers of the skin and absorb it.
Perfect for:
Daily usage under makeup
Normal to oily skin types
Those who want light textures
Benefits:
Thinner, more refined recipes
Invisible on skin (no white cast)
May include moisturizers or antioxidants
Cons:
Must be used 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure
Certain components may aggravate sensitive reactive skin
Without stabilizers, may break down quicker under sun exposure
SPF = Sun Protection Factor
The SPF number expresses the duration of product protection against UVB radiation.
For instance, SPF 30 theoretically lets you remain in the sun for 30 times longer (i.e., 300 minutes), if your skin would ordinarily burn after 10 minutes in the sun.
Correct application, reapplication, perspiration, water contact, etc. all affect this.
Here is a brief guide:
| SPF Level | UVB Protection |
|---|---|
| SPF 15 | ~93% |
| SPF 30 | ~97% |
| SPF 50 | ~98% |
| SPF 100 | ~99% |
Important note: None of the sunscreens filters exactly 100% of UV radiation!
Broad Spectrum
Non-negotiable; protects against UVB as well as UVA.
Water Resistant (40 or 80 minutes)
Means the sunscreen stays useful for that period while swimming or sweating.
Not waterproof — reapplication is still required.
Non-comedogenic
Designed not to block pores; best for oily or acne-prone skin.
Hypoallergenic
Meant to reduce allergic responses; beneficial for sensitive skin.
Matte or Dewy Finish
Relates to how the product feels or appears on the skin.
Matte = shine-free; Dewy = gives glow.
Choose non-comedogenic, oil-free, or gel-based formulations
Matte-finish or lightweight chemical sunscreens perform best
Look for niacinamide to control oil
Look for moisturizing sunscreens with glycerin or hyaluronic acid
Cream-based or hybrid sunscreens can work well
Avoid formulations with drying alcohols
Choose mineral/physical sunscreens with titanium dioxide or zinc oxide
Avoid fragrances, alcohols, and harsh preservatives
Look for calming ingredients like green tea, panthenol, or allantoin
Consider using different formulas for different zones (e.g., gel for T-zone, cream for cheeks)
Hybrid sunscreens that combine chemical and mineral filters can work well
Look for sunscreens with peptides, antioxidants, or DNA-repair enzymes
Dewy finish can improve radiance
Avoid formulas that settle into fine lines
Using the correct sunscreen is only half the task — correct application matters too.
Use around ½ teaspoon for the face
Don’t forget ears, neck, eyelids
Apply 15 minutes before sun exposure (unless using physical sunscreen)
Reapply every 2 hours, or immediately after sweating/swimming
Makeup with SPF alone is not sufficient
“I don’t need sunscreen on cloudy days.”
False — up to 80% of UV rays pass through clouds.
“Dark skin doesn’t need sunscreen.”
Everyone is at risk of sun damage and pigmentation, regardless of skin tone.
“I’m indoors all day, so I don’t need sunscreen.”
UVA rays penetrate windows and still damage skin.
“Higher SPF means I can stay in the sun longer.”
SPF doesn’t last longer — you must reapply.
At Paramount, our specialists don’t just recommend sunscreen — we teach you how to use it wisely.
Every skin type, condition, and lifestyle requires a personalized protection strategy.
During consultations, we analyze:
Your skin type and concerns
Environmental exposure (e.g., swimmer, athlete, mostly indoors?)
Skin history (acne, pigmentation, aging, treatments like laser/peels)
We recommend textures, formulas, and habits that work for you — not marketing trends.
Sunscreen is not optional.
It’s the most powerful anti-aging product, the best protection against skin cancer, and essential for all skin types.
At Paramount, we combine science, education, and skin expertise to help you turn sunscreen into a daily act of care — year-round, for life.
Protect your skin. Empower your glow. Start today.
