Most people choose sunscreen by the number on the front. It is the least useful thing on the bottle.

SPF measures UVB only, the wavelength that burns. It says nothing about UVA, which ages and pigments skin, or visible light, which drives melasma. Two bottles marked SPF 50 can behave completely differently.

A tint holds pigment back. A light fluid vanishes under makeup. A mineral filter calms reactive skin. Treated skin needs barrier repair too.

Four concerns. Four sunscreens.

Dr Ellie Sateei
Cosmetic Doctor