Issue 73 | Understanding Protection: Beyond SPF

Your skin faces a full spectrum of light exposure every single day, not just direct sunlight. 

And protecting your skin goes far beyond avoiding a sunburn.

Why Broad Spectrum Really Matters

When you see “Broad Spectrum” on a sunscreen label, it means you’re protected from both UVA and UVB rays.

• UVB = Burning rays — cause visible sunburn and surface-level damage.

• UVA = Aging rays — penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to premature aging, wrinkles, pigment spots, and long-term DNA damage.

Both UVA and UVB exposure contribute to skin cancer risk over time, which is why every skin professional recommends daily SPF — even on cloudy days, even if you’re mostly indoors.

But here’s the part most people don’t realize: UV isn’t the only type of light that can affect your skin.

Meet the Full Spectrum of Light

Your skin faces light exposure from multiple sources — not just the sun.

So while SPF protects against UV, it doesn’t necessarily protect against everything else. That’s where ingredient choice and smart formulation come in.

Zinc Oxide: The Ultimate Broad-Spectrum Protector

Zinc oxide is a physical (mineral) sunscreen ingredient, meaning it sits on top of the skin and reflects light away — like tiny mirrors bouncing back UV rays.

Unlike chemical filters that absorb UV and convert it to heat, zinc oxide provides immediate protection the moment you apply it, with less risk of irritation. It’s also one of the few ingredients that effectively blocks both UVA and UVB rays.

Why we love it:

• Gentle enough for sensitive skin or post-facial

• Reef-safe and environmentally friendly

• Long-lasting and stable in sunlight

• Anti-inflammatory 

What About Blue Light Protection?

Blue light (also known as HEV light) comes from sunlight and digital devices — phones, computers, LED lamps. And while it’s not as destructive as UV radiation, it can still cause:

• Oxidative stress in the skin

• Fading and hyperpigmentation

• A breakdown in collagen over time

Zinc oxide helps a little with blue light, but for more complete protection, look for:

• Iron oxides (found in many tinted sunscreens — they help shield visible light, including blue light)

• Antioxidants (like Vitamin C, green tea, and niacinamide) that neutralize damage from light exposure at the cellular level

This is why tinted mineral sunscreens are so highly recommended — they combine zinc oxide for UV with iron oxides for visible light protection. Double coverage, one step.

SPF isn’t separate from your skincare routine; it is the most important step in your skincare routine.

That’s why we educate every guest on the right protection for their skin type, tone, and lifestyle. From pure mineral sunscreens to tinted options that enhance natural glow while shielding from blue light — we help you find protection that works and actually feels good to wear.