Spring Forward: Why Sunscreen is Your Skincare MVP (And Why It Should Be Mineral)
As springtime rolls in and nature hits refresh, there’s something else you should be renewing: your skincare routine. The longer days and stronger sun rays might feel like a welcome shift from winter gloom, but your skin sees it differently. While you’re planning picnics, weekend getaways, and blooming garden strolls, your skin is quietly soaking up increased UV exposure—and it needs serious protection.
Sunscreen isn’t just a summer fling; it’s your year-round skincare soulmate, especially in spring. Here’s why SPF should be your non-negotiable daily step—and why mineral sunscreen is the real hero your skin deserves.
Why You Absolutely Need Sunscreen in Spring
1. UV Rays Are Stronger
As temperatures rise, so do UVB levels—those are the rays responsible for causing sunburns. Meanwhile, UVA rays (the ones that accelerate aging and contribute to skin cancer) remain steady all year. Come spring, you’re getting hit with a double dose of damage. And no, a “light tan” isn’t a healthy glow—it’s your skin crying for help.
2. Longer Days = More Exposure
The sun’s not just up earlier—it’s hanging around later, too. All that extra daylight means more opportunities for incidental sun exposure. Whether it’s a morning walk, sitting by a window at work, or driving with your arm out the window, your skin is soaking up rays even when you’re not actively sunbathing.
3. Prevention of Premature Aging & Hyperpigmentation
Been working hard with retinol, exfoliants, or vitamin C to fade dark spots and fine lines? SPF is what keeps all that effort from going to waste. Sun exposure is the #1 cause of premature aging and hyperpigmentation. No sunscreen = no progress. In fact, without it, you might even make things worse.
4. Protecting Your Investment
Your skincare products are only as effective as your protection strategy. Think of sunscreen as the final (and most important) step in your routine. It acts like a shield, preserving the potency of your actives and ensuring the time, energy, and money you invest in your skin actually pay off.
What Not To Do With Sunscreen
Knowing why sunscreen matters is just the beginning—how you use it is just as important. Let’s talk common SPF mistakes that sabotage your glow.
1. Don’t Skip on Cloudy or Indoor Days
If you think overcast skies or staying indoors means you’re safe from UV damage, think again. UVA rays easily penetrate clouds and glass. That means your skin is exposed whether you’re at your desk by the window or driving in your car. Daily SPF isn’t optional—it’s essential.
2. Don’t Forget to Reapply
Even the best sunscreen doesn’t last all day. If you’re outdoors, sweating, or touching your face (which we all do more than we realize), your SPF wears off. Make reapplication part of your routine—every two hours when in direct sun is a good rule of thumb.
3. Don’t Mix SPF With Other Products
Mixing sunscreen into your moisturizer or foundation might seem like a time-saver, but it can actually dilute your protection. For maximum effectiveness, layer it properly: skincare first, then a generous layer of sunscreen, and finally, makeup if you wear it.
4. Don’t Neglect Your Neck
Your face isn’t the only area that needs protection. The neck, chest, ears, and backs of your hands are often overlooked, yet they’re some of the first areas to show signs of aging and sun damage. Apply sunscreen to all exposed areas, and don’t be stingy—more is more when it comes to SPF.
Why Mineral Sunscreen is the Way to Go
Now that we’ve established sunscreen is a non-negotiable, let’s talk about what kind of sunscreen you’re using. Not all formulas are created equal—and if you want the safest, most skin-friendly option, mineral sunscreen is where it’s at.
What is Mineral Sunscreen, Anyway?
Mineral (or physical) sunscreens use natural ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to physically block and scatter UV rays. Unlike chemical sunscreens, which absorb UV and convert it to heat, mineral sunscreens act like a shield on your skin’s surface.
Why Choose Mineral?
1. Instant Protection
Mineral sunscreen starts working the moment you apply it—no waiting around for it to “activate.” Perfect for those mornings when you’re racing out the door.
2. Ideal for Sensitive Skin
If you have sensitive, acne-prone, or eczema-prone skin, mineral sunscreen is your BFF. It’s non-irritating, soothing, and far less likely to cause reactions than chemical SPF.
3. Reef-Safe and Eco-Friendly
Unlike many chemical formulas, mineral sunscreens are reef-safe and free of oxybenzone and octinoxate—ingredients linked to coral bleaching and hormone disruption. Choosing mineral is better for your skin and the environment.
4. Plays Well With Actives
Using retinoids or acids? Mineral sunscreen won’t interact with or destabilize your products. In fact, it complements them by adding a protective barrier that helps those active ingredients work better, longer.
5. Broad-Spectrum, Reliable Protection
Zinc oxide is one of the best UV filters out there, offering full-spectrum defense against both UVA and UVB rays. It’s photostable (doesn’t break down in sunlight), which means consistent, long-lasting protection.
Final Word
Spring may feel fresh and forgiving, but your skin still needs serious protection. Don’t wait for summer to get serious about SPF. Whether you’re running errands, lounging in your backyard, or sitting near a sunny window, sunscreen is the single most important thing you can do for your skin.
And if you want protection that’s clean, gentle, and effective—make it mineral.