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Understanding sunscreen protection

Published on May 22, 2026 at 11:04

Protecting your skin from the sun is essential to help prevent sunburn, premature skin aging and certain types of skin cancer. But with so many options available at the pharmacy, choosing the right product can feel confusing.

Understanding UVA and UVB rays

The sun emits different types of UV rays. The two main ones are UVA and UVB:

  • UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin. They are responsible for skin aging, including wrinkles and loss of elasticity, and also play a role in the development of skin cancers. They are present year-round, even on cloudy days.
  • UVB rays mainly affect the surface of the skin. These are the rays that cause sunburn. Their intensity varies depending on the season and the time of day.

A good sunscreen should provide broad-spectrum sunscreen protection, meaning it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. In practical terms, this protection is usually clearly indicated on the packaging with a circled UVA logo or the words “broad spectrum.”

Which should you choose? Mineral or organic sunscreens?

Sunscreens fall into two main categories: mineral (also called physical) and organic. The main difference is how they protect the skin from the sun’s rays.

Mineral sunscreens contain ingredients, such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They work by remaining on the skin's surface and reflecting UV rays. They are often well tolerated, making them a good choice for sensitive skin or for children. They also start working as soon as they are applied. However, they can sometimes leave a light white cast on the skin and may feel a little thicker to spread. Today, many formulas use ultra-fine mineral particles, making these sunscreens more transparent and more pleasant to apply.

Organic sunscreens contain filters that absorb UV rays. They usually have a light, invisible texture, making them easy to use every day, especially on the face. They also often provide more even protection against different types of UV rays. However, they need to be applied 15 to 30 minutes before sun exposure to be effective, and some people may be more sensitive to them.

In both cases, these sunscreens are effective when they are used and applied properly. The most important thing is to choose a sunscreen that suits your skin, apply enough of it and reapply it regularly, especially after swimming or physical activity.

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