Sun protection: why apply it all year round

If you were to adopt only one beauty habit, it would be this one. Daily sun protection is the best documented anti-aging care, and the first step against dark spots. In Morocco, where the sun shines more than 3,000 hours a year in many cities, it is not just for the beach.

UVA, UVB: what you need to know

• UVB rays cause sunburn. They are stronger in summer and in the middle of the day.
• UVA rays penetrate deeper. They are present all year round, pass through clouds and windows, and contribute to visible aging and dark spots.
• Visible light can also darken spots on olive skin, which explains the value of tinted sunscreens.

The World Health Organization notes that UV exposure is the leading avoidable cause of premature skin aging and a risk factor for skin cancers.

Why apply it all year round?

A randomised trial published in 2013 in Annals of Internal Medicine (Hughes et al.) followed adults for four and a half years: the group that applied sunscreen every day showed no detectable increase in skin aging, unlike the group that used it at their discretion. It is one of the rare solid pieces of evidence in anti-aging. Moroccan winters remain bright, and snow in the Atlas reflects a large share of UV.

Which SPF to choose?

• SPF 30: the minimum recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology for daily use.
• SPF 50: recommended in Morocco, in summer, at the beach, in the mountains, and for skin prone to dark spots.
• Broad spectrum: the UVA mention (UVA in a circle, or PA+++) is as important as the SPF number, which mainly measures protection against UVB.
• Water resistant: useful for the beach, the pool and sport.

How much to apply and how?

Most people apply two to four times less than the amount tested in the laboratory. For the face and neck, allow about two finger-lengths of cream (index and middle finger, along their full length). Apply it as the last skincare step, after moisturiser, then wait one to two minutes before make-up. Do not forget the ears, neck, nape and the backs of the hands.

When to reapply?

• Every two hours when directly exposed.
• After swimming, sweating or towelling.
• In the office, away from windows: one application in the morning is often enough; near a window or in the car, reapply at midday.

Mineral or chemical filters?

Mineral filters (zinc oxide, titanium dioxide) stay on the surface and are often better tolerated by sensitive skin and during pregnancy. Organic filters, known as chemical filters, give lighter and more invisible textures. Both protect well when enough is applied. The best sunscreen is the one you wear every day.

Olive skin, dark skin: SPF remains essential

Olive skin burns less quickly, but it marks more easily: dark spots, melasma, blemish marks that darken. A European expert panel recommends broad-spectrum protection for these skin types, and a tinted sunscreen containing iron oxides in case of melasma. See our guide dark spots: morning and evening routine.

SPF and actives: protection is a must

Some actives make the skin more sensitive to the sun or need strict protection to deliver results:

• The Sérum Rétinol Régénérant, applied in the evening, requires SPF 50 every morning.
• AHA and BHA exfoliants (see the AHA and BHA guide).
• Dark spot care such as the Crème Anti-Taches & Éclat: without SPF, spots come back.

The Sérum Éclaircissant à la Vitamine C, applied in the morning under SPF, complements protection with its antioxidant action, without replacing it.

Sunscreen and oily or blemish-prone skin

Many women with oily skin avoid sunscreen for fear of shine or breakouts. Textures have changed a lot: fluids, gels and dry-finish formulas labelled “non-comedogenic” go unnoticed. The sun, on the other hand, darkens the marks left by blemishes. Apply SPF over a light cream, or directly after the serum if the skin is very oily, and cleanse carefully in the evening.

Common mistakes

• Relying on the SPF in foundation: you never apply enough of it to be protected.
• Skipping it when it is grey or in winter.
• Forgetting to reapply at the beach.
• Keeping a tube opened since last summer: check the period after opening.
• Thinking that tanned skin is protected: a tan protects very little.

Beyond the cream

A wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, shade between 12 pm and 4 pm, covering clothes: these habits matter as much as the cream, especially in summer. Check the day’s UV index in a weather app: from 3 upwards, protection is recommended.

Sun protection in your routine

In the morning: cleanser, serum, cream, SPF, make-up. For the full order, see in what order to apply your face care. Routines that combine radiance actives and daily protection are on the our skincare routines page.

Sources and further reading

• Hughes et al. 2013: sunscreen and prevention of skin aging, randomised trial (PubMed)
• World Health Organization: ultraviolet radiation
• American Academy of Dermatology: choosing a sunscreen
• American Academy of Dermatology: how to apply sunscreen
• Expert panel 2021: photoprotection by skin phototype (PubMed)

Informational content that does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional. If in doubt, for reactive skin, during pregnancy or for a dark spot that changes, consult a dermatologist.

Frequently asked questions

Should sunscreen be worn in winter?

Yes. UVA rays are present all year round, pass through clouds and windows, and contribute to dark spots and visible aging.

Which SPF to choose in Morocco?

A broad-spectrum SPF 50, especially in summer, at the beach, in the mountains, with actives such as retinol or if you have dark spots.

How much sunscreen for the face?

About two finger-lengths of cream for the face and neck. With less, real protection drops sharply.

Does sunscreen go before or after moisturiser?

After. SPF is the last skincare step in the morning, before make-up.

Is the SPF in foundation enough?

No. You never apply enough of it to reach the stated protection. Wear a real sunscreen underneath.

Does olive skin need sun protection?

Yes. It burns less quickly, but marks more easily: dark spots, melasma, blemish marks.