All About SPF- Your Skin’s Daily Essential

Sun protection is not just a summer habit or a beach day after thought. It is one of the most powerful daily tools you have for preserving the health, youthfulness and integrity of your skin. At Solace, we believe that understanding why SPF matters empowers you to care for your skin with intention and confidence.
This guide gently unpacks what SPF really is, how it works and how to choose the right protection for your skin.

What is UV?

UV stands for ultraviolet radiation, an invisible form of electromagnetic radiation emitted by the sun. Although we can’t see it, UV energy interacts deeply with our skin, triggering cellular changes that accumulate over time.
UV radiation is categorised into three main types: UVA, UVB and UVC.
Each affects the skin differently, and all play a role in skin aging and cancer risk.

The Three Types of UV Rays and Their Effects on the Skin

UVA Rays- The Silent Agers

UVA rays have the longest wavelength and penetrate deeply into the skin. They are present all year round and can pass through clouds and glass, making them a daily concern, even indoors and in winter.
These rays:
Break down collagen and elastin
Cause wrinkles, sagging and loss of firmness
Trigger pigmentation and uneven tone
Damage DNA
Increase long term skin cancer risk
Because their damage is gradual and invisible at first, UVA rays are often responsible for what we call premature aging.

UVB Rays- The Burners

UVB rays affect the outer layers of the skin and are the primary cause of:
Sunburn
DNA damage
Increased skin cancer risk
These are the rays responsible for tanning. When your skin darkens, it’s actually creating more melanin as a defence mechanism to protect itself from injury.
UVB rays are:
Most intense around midday
Stronger in summer
Amplified by reflection from water, sand and snow.

UVC Rays- The Most Dangerous

UVC rays are the most energetic and damaging of all the UV radiation. Fortunately, they are mostly blocked by the Earth’s ozone layer.
However, in New Zealand, ozone thinning allows increased UVC exposure during summer months.
These rays:
Cause severe sunburn
Directly alter skin cell DNA
Contribute to significant long term skin damage

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor. It is a rating the measures how effectively a sunscreen protects your skin from UV radiation.
A broad spectrum SPF protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
Key points to understand:
The higher the SPF number, the greater the protection
No SPF blocks 100% of UV rays
Most sunscreens are designed to be reapplied every 2 hours
SPF is not a one and done product, it is a protective layer that requires consistent maintenance.

Physical vs Chemical SPF

Understanding the difference between physical and chemical sunscreens helps you choose the best option for your skin type and lifestyle.

Physical (mineral) SPF

Physical sunscreens use ingredients such as Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. They work by reflecting UV rays off the surface of the skin.
Benefits include:
Provides immediate protection
Ideal for sensitive and reactive skins
Lower risk of irritation
Traditionally, physical SPF was known for leaving a white cast. However, modern formulations now offer elegant, lightweight options that blend beautifully into the skin without residue or heaviness.

Chemical SPF

Chemical sunscreens use ingredients such as Avobenzone and Oxybenzone. They work by absorbing UV radiation, converting it into heat and releasing it from the skin.
Considerations:
Requires at least 20 minutes before becoming effective
Higher risk of irritation for sensitive skins

The Realistic Truth About SPF

SPF is essential, but its not invincible.
No sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays
Sweat, water, friction and movement reduce the effectiveness
Sunscreen wears off and must be reapplied
Think of SPF as a tool, not a shield.
When UV levels are high, true protection also includes:
Seeking shade
Wearing hats and sunglasses
Using protective clothing
Avoiding peak midday sun where possible

SPF with HEV Protection- A Modern Necessity

Many advanced sunscreens now include protection against HEV (high energy visible) light, also known as blue light.
This is increasingly important in our screen focused world.
Blue light exposure has been shown to:
Accelerate photoaging
Trigger pigmentation
Increase dehydration
Cause inflammation
Create free radical damage
Break down collagen and elastin
HEV protective SPF helps to:
Reduce oxidative stress
Protect against digital aging
Preserve skin clarity and resilience

In Closing

Daily SPF is one of the most loving commitments you can make to your skin.
It preserves collagen, prevents pigmentation, slows visible aging, protects DNA and dramatically reduces skin cancer risk.
Whether you choose a physical or chemical SPF, the most important step is simple:
Wear it every day. Reapply it often. Protect your skin for life.
At Solace, were here to guide you toward the SPF that best supports your skin’s needs, so your skin can remain healthy, luminous and resilient for years to come.