Broad spectrum sunscreens protect against two types of sun rays that penetrate our atmosphere and are damaging to skin health.

UVA = AGING RAYS
UVA rays are consistently strong throughout the year and are responsible for the appearance of skin wrinkling, discoloration, and loss of elasticity. They can penetrate clouds, glass, and the upper layers of skin causing damage all year long, even on overcast days, when you are driving, or when you're indoors near a window.

UVB = BURNING RAYS
UVB rays are stronger in summer, causing sunburns and skin cancer. They do not penetrate skin as deeply as UVA rays, but are just as dangerous to skin health.

MINERAL SUNSCREEN FILTERS Also known as physical filters, they sit on top of skin and block UV rays like a shield. Titanium dioxide is a natural mineral filter found in all our 100% mineral sunscreens. It provides a gentle, chemical-free option for all skin types.

ORGANIC SUNSCREEN FILTERS Also known as chemical filters, they penetrate skin to scatter and absorb UV rays like a sponge. Our organic filter sunscreens provide added benefits like water resistance and fast-absorbing coverage for all skin types, especially darker skin tones and active lifestyles.

BLENDED: MINERAL + ORGANIC Our most multi-tasking formulas feature the UV protection of both filter types with benefits like hydration, water resistance, and exceptional wearability perfect for daily use.

The sun is not your skin's only enemy. Sunscreens protect against UV-induced free radicals, but other factors generate these skin-damaging molecules including pollution, heat, stress, alcohol and smoke.

Topical antioxidants are clinically shown to neutralize free radicals, but they are difficult to stabilize in skincare formulas, and when added to sunscreen formulas they have been shown to provide very little free radical protection.1 After years of skin research, SkinCeuticals developed specific combinations of vitamin C and other potent antioxidants that work synergistically to provide enhanced environmental protection. We hold a ground-breaking patent that defines three important parameters for properly formulating stable and effective vitamin C antioxidant serums: pure vitamin c (l-ascorbic acid) at an acidic PH (below 3.5) in a high concentration (10-20%). Always pair an antioxidant with a sunscreen for double defense against daily damage.

¹Wang S, Osterwalder U, Jung K PhD. Ex vivo evaluation of radical sun protection factor in popular sunscreens with antioxidants. J Am Acad Dermatol 2011

When applied properly and diligently, broad spectrum sunscreens are proven to protect against premature skin aging and skin cancer. However, studies have shown that a mere 25-50% of users apply the dermatologist recommended amount of sunscreen¹ to properly protect skin from sun damage.

In order to stay adequately protected, it is important that all exposed areas of skin are covered by a generous layer of sunscreen. As a general rule of thumb, a nickel-sized amount should be applied to the face and a shot glass amount should be applied to the body. The amount may vary slightly depending on an individual’s weight or height.

It is also important to remember that no matter how much sunscreen you apply, it should be reapplied every 2 hours, especially when spending an extended amount of time outdoors. Reapply more frequently if swimming or sweating.

¹Neale, R, Williams, G, Green, A. Application patterns among participants randomized to daily sunscreen use in a skin cancer prevention trial. Arch Dermatol. 2002 Oct; 138, 1319-1325.