How to Read a Sunscreen Label Like a Skin Expert

THE SUNKISS GLOW REPORT

The Ingredients That Truly Protect Your Skin

By Alicia | Founder, Sunkiss Airbrush™ By Alicia

From The Glow Desk

Welcome to the very first edition of The Sunkiss Glow Report

Every week, I share expert skincare education, beauty insights, and professional advice designed to help you care for your skin with confidence. My philosophy has always been that luxury begins with education. The more you understand your skin, the better decisions you’ll make—not just today, but for years to come.

Whether we’re discussing sunscreen, skincare, Airbrush™ Tanning, or professional treatments, my goal is to help you understand the “why” behind every recommendation.

Thank you for being here. I’m honored to be part of your skincare journey.

— Alicia Founder, Sunkiss Airbrush™ By Alicia

“Start by reading the label—not the marketing.”

Why This Matters

We spend so much time talking about SPF numbers that we often forget to ask a more important question:

What’s actually inside the bottle?

The truth is, the number printed on the front of your sunscreen only tells part of the story.

The real protection comes from understanding the active ingredients, knowing whether the formula provides broad-spectrum protection, and choosing a sunscreen that’s designed for your skin type.

As a Master Esthetician, one of the questions I’m asked most often is:

“Which sunscreen should I buy?”

My answer is always the same:

Read the ingredients before you read the marketing.

Understanding just a few key ingredients can completely change the way you protect your skin—helping reduce premature aging, hyperpigmentation, and long-term sun damage.

How to Read a Sunscreen Label: Start with Broad-Spectrum Protection

Many people believe sunscreen exists only to prevent a sunburn.

It doesn’t.

The sun produces two different types of ultraviolet rays, and each affects your skin differently.

UVA Rays

UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and are one of the leading causes of:

• Premature aging

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Loss of collagen

• Uneven pigmentation

• Sun spots

• These rays are present every day—even when it’s cloudy.

UVB Rays

UVB rays affect the outer layers of the skin and are primarily responsible for:

• Sunburn

• Surface skin damage

• Increased risk of skin cancer

The SPF number on your sunscreen measures protection against UVB rays, but that number alone doesn’t tell the complete story.

Always look for the words:

Broad Spectrum

Without those two words, your sunscreen isn’t providing complete daily protection.

Skin Expert Tip

Broad-spectrum protection is more important than simply choosing the highest SPF number.

How to Read a Sunscreen Label: Understanding SPF Numbers

One of the biggest misconceptions in skincare is believing that SPF 100 offers dramatically more protection than SPF 30.

In reality:

• SPF 30 blocks approximately 97% of UVB rays.

• SPF 50 blocks approximately 98%.

• SPF 100 blocks about 99% under ideal laboratory conditions.

Rather than chasing higher numbers, focus on three essentials:

✓ Broad-spectrum protection

✓ High-quality ingredients

✓ Daily application and reapplication every two hours when outdoors

A beautifully formulated SPF 30 worn consistently will always outperform an SPF 100 that’s only applied once.

The New FDA-Approved Sunscreen Ingredient

Everyone Is Talking About

One of the most exciting developments in skincare is the FDA’s recent approval of Bemotrizinol (BEMT).

Although new to the United States, Bemotrizinol has been trusted by dermatologists and skincare professionals throughout Europe and other countries for many years.

Why professionals are excited:

• Excellent broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection

• Highly photostable, meaning it remains effective even after prolonged sun exposure

• Helps create lightweight, elegant sunscreen formulas

• Improves the performance of other UV filters

For skincare professionals, this approval marks an exciting step toward modernizing sunscreen technology available in the United States.

How to Read a Sunscreen Label for Your Skin Type

Every skin type has different needs.

Choosing the right sunscreen starts with understanding your own skin.

Normal Skin

If your skin is balanced—not too oily and not too dry—you have the most flexibility.

Look for:

• Zinc Oxide

• Bemotrizinol

• Vitamin E

• Antioxidants

Comfort and consistency matter more than chasing the highest SPF.

Dry Skin

Dry skin benefits from sunscreen formulas that both protect and nourish.

Look for:

• Zinc Oxide

• Bemotrizinol

• Hyaluronic Acid

• Ceramides

• Glycerin

• Squalane

These ingredients help support the skin barrier while maintaining hydration.

Combination Skin

Combination skin benefits from lightweight, balanced formulations.

Look for:

• Zinc Oxide

• Bemotrizinol

• Niacinamide

These ingredients help protect your skin without leaving it feeling heavy or greasy.

Don’t Forget the Supporting Ingredients

The active sunscreen filters protect your skin from ultraviolet rays.

Supporting ingredients help protect your skin itself.

Look for formulas that contain:

• Vitamin E

• Niacinamide

• Ceramides

• Green Tea Extract

• Hyaluronic Acid

• Antioxidants

These ingredients help strengthen the skin barrier while defending against environmental stress.

Five Things I Always Check Before Buying a Sunscreen

Before purchasing any sunscreen, ask yourself:

✓ Does it provide Broad-Spectrum protection?

✓ Which active ingredients are protecting my skin?

✓ Is it appropriate for my skin type?

✓ Will I actually enjoy wearing it every day?

✓ Does the formula support healthy skin—not just UV protection?

The front of the bottle catches your attention.

The ingredient list tells the real story.

Luxury Skincare Begins With Daily Protection

Beautiful skin isn’t created by one facial.

It isn’t created by one expensive product.

It isn’t created by one treatment.

Healthy skin is built through the small decisions we make every day.

Daily sunscreen is one of the most valuable investments you can make in your skin.

Whether your goal is preventing premature aging, maintaining healthy skin, protecting your Airbrush™ Tan, or preserving the results of your professional skincare treatments, choosing the right sunscreen matters.

Healthy skin is beautiful skin.

The Sunkiss Philosophy

At Sunkiss Airbrush™ By Alicia, I believe luxury begins with education.

The more you understand your skin, the more confidently you can care for it.

Skincare isn’t about chasing trends.

It’s about making informed decisions that protect your skin for years to come.

Every skin tone deserves a customized approach.

Every client deserves thoughtful care.

Every glow begins with healthy skin.

Continue Your Skin Journey

If you’re unsure which sunscreen is right for your skin—or would like professional guidance on building a skincare routine that complements your Airbrush™ Tan and professional skincare treatments—I would be honored to help.

At Sunkiss Airbrush™ By Alicia, every consultation begins with education because informed decisions create healthier skin and more beautiful results.

Your Skin, But Better.

Luxury Airbrush™ Tanning. Redefined.

— Alicia Founder Sunkiss Airbrush™ By Alicia