Sunscreen Smarts: Your Guide to Year-Round Protection

Healthy skin starts with everyday sunscreen.

Did you know up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate your skin even on cloudy days?

As a skincare consultant and mama who spends plenty of time outdoors year-round, I’ve learned that sunscreen isn’t optional – it’s vital self-care. Whether you’re chasing toddlers at the park, running errands, or relaxing poolside, your skin is exposed to UV rays that can cause lasting damage if left unprotected.

I’ve learned that sunscreen isn’t optional – it’s vital self-care.

Most people think sunscreen is just for summer, but UVA rays (A for Aging) are present year-round, even on cloudy days and through windows. UVB rays (B for Burning) are strongest in spring and summer and cause those painful sunburns we try so hard to avoid.

We have several layers of skin, and using a broad-spectrum SPF protects all of them from these two types of damaging rays:

• UVA rays penetrate deep into the dermis, the thickest layer of your skin, leading to premature aging, fine lines, wrinkles, and dark spots. They silently accelerate the visible signs of aging and contribute to skin cancer risk over time.

  
  

• UVB rays mainly affect the top layers of skin (epidermis). They’re the culprits behind sunburns and cause direct DNA damage, which can lead to skin cancers like melanoma.

They’re the culprits behind sunburns and cause direct DNA damage, which can lead to skin cancers like melanoma.

Here’s the kicker: Even when you can’t feel the sun or see its rays, UVA rays are still working – your skin doesn’t have a pain sensor for aging damage, only for burns.

So while tanning might feel good in the moment, it’s actually your skin screaming “Help! I’m being damaged.” That golden glow is a sign your skin cells are in crisis mode trying to protect your DNA.

.... tanning might feel good in the moment, it’s actually your skin screaming “Help! I’m being damaged.”

Mineral vs. Chemical Sunscreens: What’s the Difference?

Did you know there’s more than one type of sunscreen to choose from – beyond just different brands on the shelf?

When it comes to sun protection, you’ll see two main categories: mineral (physical) and chemical sunscreens. Both protect your skin from UV damage, but they work in different ways:

 Mineral Sunscreens (Physical)

• Active ingredients: Zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide.

  
  

• How they work: Sit on top of your skin and physically reflect UV rays away like a shield.

  
  

• Pros:

  • Effective immediately after application.

  • Less likely to irritate sensitive skin.

  • Often reef-safe, protecting marine life.

    
    

• Cons:

  • Can leave a white cast (though newer formulations are improving).

    
    

Chemical Sunscreens

• Active ingredients: Avobenzone, oxybenzone, octinoxate, homosalate, etc.

  
  

• How they work: Absorb into the top layers of your skin and convert UV rays into heat, then release Top 3 Recommended Sunscreens

Here are three well-loved, effective, and reef-safe options to consider this summer:

1. Mary Kay® SPF Options

   • Mary Kay® Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30

   • Mary Kay® TimeWise® Age Minimize 3D® Day Cream SPF 30 or 35

   • Gentle, broad spectrum, and dermatologist-tested.

     
     

2. Thinksport SPF 50+ Mineral Sunscreen

   • Zinc oxide-based, water-resistant, and reef-safe.

   • Great for active outdoor days and sensitive skin.

     
     

3. Blue Lizard Australian Sunscreen Sensitive SPF 30+

   • Mineral-based, fragrance-free, and formulated to protect coral reefs.

   • Recommended by dermatologists for reactive or eczema-prone skin.

Closing Thoughts

 Your skin is your body’s largest organ—and sunscreen is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to protect it, year-round. Whether you choose mineral or chemical, the key is consistency. Sun damage isn’t always visible today…but your future self will thank you for every intentional choice you make now.

If you’re ready to discover the sunscreen and skincare routine that works best for your unique skin, I’ve created something to make it even easier: my free Sunscreen Routine Cheat Sheet. It’s a simple, step-by-step guide to help you protect, repair, and glow with confidence every day.

Your skin is your body’s largest organ—and sunscreen is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to protect it, year-round.

Meet the expert:

Laura Kinnaman-Spears |  Skincare Consultant

Laura Kinnaman-Spears is a skincare consultant, mama, and self-care advocate who helps women ditch the drawer full of skincare mistakes and discover products they’ll love—and love using. With a focus on education and personalized solutions, she empowers clients to build simple, effective routines using Mary Kay’s dermatologist-backed products. When she’s not sharing skincare tips, Laura enjoys creating engaging content, hosting virtual pampering events, and helping women embrace self-care with confidence.  

Dive deeper into her wealth of knowledge:

Website

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