5 Benefits of Sunscreen For Your Face

Updated Aug 28, 2026

There’s nothing better than soaking up the sun on a beautiful day. But before you head outside, it’s worth reaching for sunscreen. Without proper sun protection, your skin is exposed to harmful UV rays that can damage your skin, affect skin tone, and increase your risk of skin cancer. If sunscreen isn’t already a part of your daily skincare routine, it should be. Sunscreen is one of the simplest ways to protect your skin, support long-term skin health, and help keep your skin looking its best.

So, what are the benefits of sunscreen, and why is it so important? A broad-spectrum sunscreen can protect your skin from painful sunburns and reduce your risk of skin cancer and long-term sun damage. It can also help you look your best by preserving your skin’s youthful vibrance.

What Does Sunscreen Do?

Sunscreen serves as a protective barrier between your skin and the sun’s powerful UVA and UVB rays. These harmful rays have been shown to increase the risk of skin cancer and accelerate signs of premature aging.¹

UVA and UVB rays penetrate the skin in different ways, but both damage skin cells and can lead to long-term skin concerns. When you use sunscreen consistently, sunscreen helps absorb or deflect those rays away from the skin before they can do harm.

Simply put: sunscreen protects your skin.

Should You Wear Sunscreen on Your Face Every Day?

Yes, sunscreen every day matters more than most people realize.

Even when it’s cloudy, or when you’re indoors near windows, your skin is still exposed to the sun. Over time, this repeated sun exposure adds up. Wearing sunscreen every day helps protect your skin from cumulative damage that can lead to premature skin aging and increase your risk of skin cancer.

If you’re serious about your skincare regimen, sunscreen daily isn’t optional; it’s essential.

What Are the Benefits of Using Sunscreen For Your Face

Here are the top five benefits of sunscreen that make it one of the most important skincare products you can use.

#1 It Can Help Reduce Your Risk of Skin Cancer

Exposure to UV rays can increase your chances of developing skin cancer.² Some skin cancers can be life-threatening, like melanoma. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, regular use of sunscreen can significantly reduce your risk of skin cancer over time.²²

In fact, daily use of an SPF 15 sunscreen has been shown to reduce the risk of developing³:

• Squamous cell carcinoma by 40%
• Melanoma by 50%

#2 It Helps Prevent Premature Skin Aging

Sun exposure is one of the leading causes of premature skin aging. Fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, dryness, and sagging skin are all signs of sun damage.

Despite this, many people don’t realize that wearing sunscreen is one of the most effective ways to slow down the skin’s aging process. Some studies show that sun exposure contributes to over 80% of visible signs of premature skin aging,⁴ including⁵:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Sunspots
• Dryness
• Roughness
• Sagginess

Sunscreen helps prevent these classic signs of sun damaged skin and aging by helping your skin maintain its collagen and elastin levels.

What are Collagen and Elastin?

Collagen is a vital protein that’s often referred to as a building block for your skin. Collagen prevents skin from sagging and wrinkling. It’s what gives your face that youthful, plump and lifted look.

Elastin on the other hand, gives skin its ability to stretch and bounce back. You can test your skin’s elasticity by gently pulling on the skin of your cheek and letting go. If it bounces back, your healthy skin has plenty of elastin that needs protection.

When UV rays penetrate the skin barrier, they break down both collagen and elastin. Over time, this loss can leave skin looking thinner, looser, and more leathery.

How Daily Sunscreen Makes a Difference

Research shows that chronically sun-damaged skin contains 20% less collagen and 40% fewer skin peptides than sun-protected skin.⁶ This process, known as photoaging,⁷ is why daily sunscreen use is so important.

Alongside sunscreen, elastin-supporting skincare, like our Restorative Skin Complex with TriHex Technology®, can help reinforce skin structure and support healthier-looking skin over time.

#3 It Helps Maintain an Even Skin Tone

Sun exposure doesn’t just affect wrinkles; it can also disrupt skin tone, causing your skin to become discolored and hyperpigmented.⁸ If you have an uneven skin tone, you may feel less confident about your skin.

Without sunscreen, UV exposure can lead to uneven skin, hyperpigmentation, and dark spots. Using sunscreen daily helps protect your skin from discoloration, allowing your natural skin tone to stay more even over time, even on your minimal makeup days.

This is especially important for people managing skin conditions like melasma or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.¹¹

#4 It Helps Prevent Painful Sunburn and Skin Damage

Aesthetics aside, getting too much sun can be painful! After a long day in the sun, you may develop a burning sunburn or rash that takes days to heal. If you’re trying to enjoy a tropical vacation or a relaxing weekend getaway, a sunburn can put a damper on the experience.

Even after your sunburn fades away, your skin may retain lasting damage. Sunburns can increase your risk of⁹:

• Premature aging
• Basal cell carcinoma
• Squamish cell carcinoma
• Melanoma

Fortunately, a broad-spectrum sunscreen with adequate SPF can protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays, especially when you apply sunscreen properly and reapply as needed.

#5 It Sets a Good Example For Others

While the benefits of sunscreen are vast, many people still don’t know about the importance of sunscreen.

Some common myths about sunscreen are that:

• You only need it in the summer
• You only need to apply it once a day
• People with darker skin don’t need it at all

These misconceptions leave many people vulnerable to harmful UV rays. By exemplifying an avid sunscreen regime in your daily life, you may encourage loved ones to follow suit.

What is the Best Sunscreen for Your Face?

As you can see, there are many benefits of sunscreen and even more reasons why you should wear it every day. However, not all sunscreens are made the same. If you’re looking for a broad-spectrum sunscreen that offers outstanding protection, look no further than ALASTIN.

At ALASTIN, we offer two scientifically-formulated sunscreens that are ideal for sensitive skin, aging skin, and acne-prone skin. Both formulas are paraben-free, gluten-free, and cruelty-free. Depending on whether you prefer regular sunscreen or tinted sunscreen, you can choose between our:

• SilkSHIELD All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 – With powerful yet gentle protection, this transparent sunscreen has an exclusive peptide blend that provides anti-aging benefits long after sunset.

• HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad-Spectrum SPF 36 – Our tinted mineral sunscreen offers premium sun protection and a beautiful tint to even out your skin tone. It’s lightweight, oil-free, and fragrance-free. Better yet, it offers your skin a first-line of defense against environmental pollutants and infrared-generated free radicals.

Experts Agree on ALASTIN HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad-Spectrum SPF 36

Trusted Daily Protection, According to Dermatologists

Board-certified and fellowship-trained cosmetic dermatologist Dr. Kimberly Jerdan says, "I do highly recommend a sunscreen daily for everyone though, and sometimes that means going through a few until you find one you like. For instance, in the summer I like lighter dewy sunscreen like PCA SKIN Tint Broad Spectrum SPF 45, but in the winter I opt for fuller coverage with Alastin Hydratint."

Lightweight Feel, Skin-Like Finish

“This is one of my favorite tinted moisturizers with sunscreen. It’s light but mineral-based and gives my skin a youthful glow, which it desperately needs!” — Louisville, KY dermatologist Tami Buss Cassis, MD

Mineral Formula With Added Skin Benefits

"With its subtle tint that evens out my complexion, it allows me to start my day without any makeup on!" she added.

If you’re ready to give your skin the very best, learn more about our award-winning sunscreens and skincare products today.

Frequently Asked Questions About Sunscreen

What’s the difference between UVA and UVB light?

UVA and UVB rays are both forms of ultraviolet radiation that affect human skin in different ways. UVA rays penetrate more deeply and are linked to skin aging, while UVB rays are responsible for sunburn and can lead to skin damage.

Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays, which is why it’s important to wear sunscreen every day.

What’s the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreen uses particles like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to reflect UV radiation from the skin, providing a physical barrier to shield the sun’s harmful rays. Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, employs certain chemical filters like oxybenzone and octisalate that absorb the rays (instead of deflecting them), causing a chemical reaction that releases the energy as heat.

Many people with sensitive skin prefer mineral sunscreens as they are less likely to irritate the eyes and skin. Additionally, mineral sunscreens naturally offer broad-spectrum protection, thereby helping to ward off both skin cancer and premature skin aging. The reason why some people avoid mineral sunscreen is that many formulas leave a white, chalky look. ALASTIN’s formulas, however, provide all the benefits of mineral sunscreens with zero white cast.

HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 includes a glowy tint that works with most skin tones, while the untinted SilkSHIELD® All Mineral Sunscreen SPF 30 with TriHex Technology® glides smoothly over the skin with an invisible finish.

What is SPF exactly?

SPF measures how well sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, not how long it lasts. Contrary to popular belief, the level of SPF or “sun protection factor” in your sunscreen is not directly linked to the amount of time you are protected for — SPF 15 does not mean you need to reapply after 15 minutes. Instead, the FDA describes SPF as “a measure of how much solar energy (UV radiation is required to produce sunburn on protected skin (i.e., in the presence of sunscreen) relative to the amount of solar energy required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin."

For daily sun protection, dermatologists recommend a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, which blocks about 97% of UV rays. SPF 50 offers slightly more protection, but consistent use matters most.

Both HydraTint Sunscreen and SilkSHIELD® are facial sunscreen options with SPF levels designed for everyday use.

How much sunscreen should I apply?

For sunscreen to work properly, you need to use an adequate amount to cover your skin. For the face, that’s 0.4 fluid ounces. You can also visualize that as ⅓ teaspoon or a nickel-sized dollop. (If you are using HydraTint, you’ll want a full two pumps).

For the body, aim to slather yourself with 1.5 fluid ounces. That’s the amount it would take to fill up a standard-sized shot glass

How should I layer sunscreen with moisturizer?

According to John Hopkins Medicine, as long as you use the appropriate amount of sunscreen, it doesn’t matter if you apply sunscreen before or after your moisturizer. However, most people prefer to use sunscreen as the final layer of their skincare, the “icing on the cake,” right before you apply any makeup. Using sunscreen as the final step will ensure you don’t inadvertently wipe it off while applying other serums or moisturizers, and your other products can also help prep the skin to ensure your sunscreen doesn’t cake.

What’s the best way to apply sunscreen with makeup?

After you layer your skincare and use your sunscreen, you can go ahead and apply your makeup. A word of warning: Do not rely on the SPF in your foundation to provide ample coverage. Experts agree it’s nearly impossible to apply enough foundation to get the protection you need.

Depending on the level of makeup coverage you’re after, you may want to use a tinted sunscreen like HydraTint. The formula delivers a soft glow thanks to an iron oxide tint that works for most skin tones and can be used in place of makeup. If the tint is too light or dark for your skin tone, you may prefer to use a translucent formula like SilkSHIELD® instead.

Both HydraTint and SilkSHIELD® can also be used as a primer as they are formulated to play well with foundation and prevent pilling. Allure.com recommends thinking of HydraTint as a BB cream. "It has a dewy, light-coverage finish and a subtle tint that blurs discoloration and dark spots. Since this formula is fragrance-free, it's also a great pick for sensitive skin."

Maryland dermatologist Roberta F. Palestine, MD recommends Alastin HydraTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 36 if you don't want to wear heavy makeup in summer but still want enough cover because "it goes on easily, feels lightweight, looks great, and is easy to remove."

How often do I need to apply sunscreen?

Sunscreen should be reapplied throughout the day, especially if you’re out in the sun. Get into the habit of applying sunscreen every single morning, even if you’re planning to be inside. UV light can damage your skin through the window of an office or car. After your first application, reapply as needed. According to John Hopkins, you may not need to reapply if you’re indoors all day, but if you are outside you should reapply every two hours. You’ll also want to re-up after swimming or exercising.

Does sunscreen have any other benefits?

Sunscreen has one critical job: Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Beyond this, some science-backed formulations do have added perks. For example, HydraTint provides long-lasting hydration, powerful antioxidants that help protect the skin from pollution, IR rays, and blue light — all while delivering a soft glowing tint that evens and brightens most skin tones. SilkSHIELD® also provides protection from IR rays, pollution, and blue light, as well as anti-aging benefits that last long after sunset thanks to an exclusive blend of peptides. Health.com recommends SilkSHIELD® as their top pick for blue light-blocking skin care.

Remember: When it comes to sunscreen, the most important advice is to find a formula you love so you’ll feel motivated to use it every single day — and reap the benefits of younger-looking skin for decades to come.

Does sunscreen expire?

Yes, sunscreen does expire. If it’s past the expiration date (or more than three years old if no date is listed), its protection isn’t reliable anymore. Old sunscreen won’t block UV the way it should, which puts your skin at risk. Check the label, know when you bought it, and don’t gamble with expired protection.²³

Sources:

1. NCBI. Ultraviolet Radiation, Aging and the Skin: Prevention of Damage by Topical cAMP Manipulation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4344124/
2. CDC. Skin Cancer Risk Factors. https://www.cdc.gov/skin-cancer/risk-factors/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/basic_info/risk_factors.htm
3. Skin Cancer Foundation. Skin Cancer Facts & Statistics. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts/
4. NCBI. Effect of the sun on visible clinical signs of aging in Caucasian skin. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3790843/
5. PubMed. Daily Use of a Facial Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Over One-Year Significantly Improves Clinical Evaluation of Photoaging. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27749441/
6. PubMed. Collagen Alterations in Chronically Sun-Damaged Human Skin. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8310007
7. The Skin Cancer Foundation. Photoaging: What You Need to Know About the Other Kind of Aging.  www.skincancer.org/blog/photoaging-what-you-need-to-know
8. NCBI. Shining Light on Skin Pigmentation: The Darker and the Brighter Side of Effects of UV Radiation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3400707/
9. EPA. Health Effects of UV Radiation. https://www.epa.gov/sunsafety/health-effects-uv-radiation
10. PubMed. Effects of aging and chronic sun exposure on melanocytes in human skin. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/88488/
11. NCBI. The Role of Sunscreen in Melasma and Postinflammatory Hyperpigmentation. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6986132/
12. Harvard. The science of sunscreen. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/the-science-of-sunscreen
13. Real Self. RealSelf Report: 62% of Americans Use Anti-Aging Products Daily, But Only 11% Wear Sunscreen Daily.  https://www.realself.com/news/2020-realself-sun-safety-report
14. Skin Cancer Foundation. Melanoma Overview. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/
15. Skin Cancer Foundation. UV Radiation & Your Skin. https://www.skincancer.org/risk-factors/uv-radiation/
16. Healthline. What’s the Difference Between Physical and Chemical Sunscreen? https://www.healthline.com/health/physical-vs-chemical-sunscreen
    
17. FDA. Sun Protection Factor (SPF). https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/center-drug-evaluation-and-research-cder/sun-protection-factor-spf
18. Northwestern Medicine. What Do the SPF Numbers Mean? https://www.nm.org/healthbeat/healthy-tips/quick-dose-how-much-spf-do-you-really-need
19. Healthline. Exactly How Much Sunscreen Should You Use On Your Face? https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/how-much-sunscreen-to-use-on-face
20. John Hopkins Medicine. Sunscreen and Your Morning Routine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/sunscreen-and-your-morning-routine
21.  Consumer Reports. Will Moisturizers With SPF Protect Your Skin? https://www.consumerreports.org/sunscreens/will-moisturizers-with-spf-protect-your-skin-a8841117490/
    
22. Skin Cancer Foundation. Sunscreen. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/
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