It’s not just about avoiding a burn on holiday. Daily SPF is one of the simplest ways to protect against early ageing, uneven pigmentation, and, more importantly, skin cancer.

But for something so essential, sunscreen still causes a lot of confusion. People are unsure which SPF to choose, whether tinted formulas or makeup with SPF are enough, or if mineral is better than chemical. Then add in kids’ skin or sensitive skin, and it gets even more unclear.

Once you understand how it actually works, it becomes much easier to get right.

If you have spent any time online, you have seen the debate. Mineral or chemical. Which is better. Which is safer. Which one you should be using.

The truth is a lot less dramatic. Both types protect your skin from UV damage. And the best one is the one you will actually wear every day.

For years, we were told mineral sunscreens sit on the skin and reflect UV, while chemical sunscreens absorb it. That is only part of the story. Newer research shows that both types mainly work by absorbing UV radiation. They just use different ingredients to do it.

So the idea that one is a “shield” and the other is a “sponge” is a bit oversimplified.

What matters more is finding a formula that suits your skin. Mineral sunscreens are often better tolerated by sensitive skin. Chemical sunscreens tend to feel lighter and more invisible on the skin.

If you want to be thorough, you can layer or use hybrid formulas that combine both. This can help give broader, more consistent coverage across UVA and UVB.

In real terms, consistency always wins. The sunscreen you enjoy using is the one that will protect your skin best.