Summer has officially ended in NYC, but here is your daily reminder that sunscreen is still important to wear daily despite the lack of sunshine! Let’s dive into how and why sunscreen is an important step that should be incorporated into your daily routine year-round.
The use of sunscreen dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who applied natural plant extracts to block the tanning effects of the sun. In 1801, a German physicist named Johann Wilhelm Ritter became the first to discover an invisible form of light known as ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In the years since, researchers have learned a great deal about how UV radiation affects our skin.
The first modern sunscreen available commercially was invented by Swiss chemist Franz Greiter in 1946, after he suffered a bad sunburn while climbing Mt. Piz Buin in 1938. That formula became the basis for his suncare brand, Piz Buin, which is still sold today. Greiter is also credited with developing the Sun Protection Factor (SPF) system in 1962, and many formulations have followed since.
In the U.S., sunscreen use rose sharply in the 1970s and 1980s as concerns grew regarding sun exposure and skin cancer.
The protective power behind sunscreen — helping to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer — comes from UV filters. These are the active ingredients that absorb, reflect, or scatter ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
The two main categories of UV filters you'll see in sunscreen are mineral and chemical.
Mineral sunscreens rely on two active ingredients used universally: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. They work by forming a physical barrier on the skin that reflects the sun's UV rays. Chemical sunscreens, by contrast, work by absorbing UV rays. Common chemical filters used in U.S. sunscreens include avobenzone, octocrylene, octisalate, homosalate, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. Chemical sunscreens are used more often because they offer better cosmetic appeal — they're lightweight and leave no white cast.
The U.S. has a notably short list of approved UV filters compared with the EU and Asia. No new filter had been approved since 1999 — until a groundbreaking update on June 9, 2026, when the FDA approved bemotrizinol, a highly photostable chemical filter that provides both UVA and UVB protection.
In 2019, research found that UV-blocking chemicals can be absorbed into the bloodstream, though what that means for our health is not yet fully understood. Regardless, using sunscreen is essential: both chemical and mineral formulas are effective at preventing premature aging, sunburn, and skin cancer caused by harmful UV rays.
Mineral sunscreens may be a better choice for those with sensitive skin, since they sit on top of the skin and physically reflect UV rays rather than being absorbed. Chemical sunscreens remain popular thanks to their cosmetically elegant feel — they absorb well into the skin with a lightweight formula, leave no stark white cast, and layer nicely with other skincare or makeup.
Contrary to popular belief, a higher SPF does not necessarily mean you're protected for longer. Patients often tell us they skip reapplication because they assume a higher SPF equals longer coverage. In reality, SPF measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays — and, therefore, from sunburn. (UVB rays are the ones most commonly associated with skin cancer.) The SPF number reflects the proportion of UVB rays the product blocks:
If you're actively outdoors, reapply every 90–120 minutes. If you're sweating or in water, reapply right after toweling off. For your face, neck, and ears, the recommended amount is about ½ teaspoon. To visualize it, squeeze sunscreen from the base to the tip of your index and middle finger.
Generally, SPF 30 or higher is recommended, and always look for "broad-spectrum" on the label. As noted above, SPF only measures protection from UVB rays, but broad-spectrum sunscreen covers both UVB and UVA rays. UVA rays are primarily associated with sun damage and aging.
Remember that UV radiation varies throughout the day — it's typically strongest from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., depending on your location. Every morning, I like to check the UV Index on my weather app: it's a scale that measures the strength of the sun's sunburn-causing radiation at a given place and time.
Finally, don’t put your guard down just because summer has ended in NYC. While you may not feel the warmth of the sun or see clear skies, UV radiation is present year-round. UVA rays, in particular, can penetrate through clouds and windows, making daily sun protection important even during the colder months. Winter activities can also increase UV exposure — snow and ice reflect UV radiation, so spending time outdoors skiing, snowboarding, or even walking around the city can still add to your cumulative sun exposure. The takeaway? Sunscreen shouldn’t be a seasonal product. Incorporating a broad-spectrum SPF 30 or higher into your daily routine is a simple habit that can help protect your skin from sunburn, premature aging, and the cumulative effects of UV exposure all year long.
At SoVous, we're committed to supporting your overall skin health. Schedule a consultation to learn how our personalized approach can help you look and feel your best.
Is mineral or chemical sunscreen better?
Both are effective at preventing sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer. Mineral sunscreens (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) sit on top of the skin and reflect UV rays, which makes them a good option for sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and tend to feel lighter with no white cast. The best sunscreen is ultimately the one you'll wear consistently.
Does a higher SPF protect you for longer?
No. SPF measures how well a sunscreen blocks UVB rays, not how long it lasts. SPF 30 blocks about 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 blocks about 98% — a small difference. Regardless of SPF, you should reapply every 90–120 minutes when you're outdoors.
How much sunscreen should I apply to my face?
About ½ teaspoon for your face, neck, and ears. An easy way to measure is to squeeze sunscreen along the length of two to three fingers — that's roughly the right amount for those areas.
How often should I reapply sunscreen?
Every 90–120 minutes when you're actively outdoors, and immediately after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
What does "broad-spectrum" mean?
Broad-spectrum sunscreen protects against both UVB rays (linked to sunburn and skin cancer) and UVA rays (linked to sun damage and aging). SPF alone only reflects UVB protection, so always look for "broad-spectrum" on the label along with SPF 30 or higher.
With care,
The SoVous Team
www.sovous.com
Request Appointment
SoVous is the premier New York City MedSpa for aesthetic and beauty treatments. Refine your look and find your best you with a consultation with our highly-trained aesthetic experts today.
9 E 68th Street, 1C, New York, NY 10065
on Instagram
