• ABOUT
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Travel
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
Menu

Lorna Ryan - A San Francisco Lifestyle Blog sharing top finds

Street Address
City, State, Zip
Phone Number
Travel guides, top beauty products & fashion trends from San Francisco

Your Custom Text Here

Lorna Ryan - A San Francisco Lifestyle Blog sharing top finds

  • ABOUT
  • Fashion
  • Beauty
  • Travel
  • Discount Codes
  • Contact
  • Subscribe

What you need to know about SPF/sunscreen and the best sunscreen

June 5, 2021 Lorna Ryan
What you need to know about SPF/sunscreen and the best sunscreen

Sunscreen, SPF or suncream is a lotion, spray, gel, foam, stick or other topical product that absorbs or reflects some of the sun's ultraviolet radiation and therefore helps us protect against sunburn and skin damage. You need to wear sunscreen every day to protect against the harmful rays from the sun. Adding sunscreen to your day takes minutes and saves your skin from unnecessary damage.

Before we get into all the details and common questions on SPF, I want to tell you about my favorite sunsceen brand in the world. I am really prone to burning so need to be so careful in the sun. I wear Unseen Sunscreen from Supergoop daily and also use this product to spray the top of my hair so my scalp doesn’t burn. The products glide on and are so easy to use. Unseen sunscreen is a best seller at Sephora and can be used as a primer under makeup. Any of the Supergoop products that I have tried have been absolutely amazing.

Some commonly asked questions on sunscreen/spf:

What you need to know about SPF/sunscreen and the best sunscreen

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and it shows how long it will take for UVB rays to redden the skin. UVB rays are what reddens the skin. For example, SPF 15 means it will take 15 times longer for skin to redden with the product on than without it.

What is the best SPF?

Hands down the best SPF that I have ever tried is Unseen Sunscreen by Supergoop as I mentioned above. I need to reapply a lot and be very careful so I need something that glides on, leaves no white marks and doesn’t cause spots. I cannot recommend it enough. Shop HERE.

How do I know what SPF to use?

Use sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) 30 or higher. The SPF number is the level of protection the sunscreen provides against UVB rays. Higher SPF numbers do mean more protection, but the higher you go, the smaller the difference becomes.

What's the difference between SPF 30 and 50?

SPF 30 is most commonly used. I personally use factor 40 on my face and SPF 50 on my body. No sunscreen can block all UV rays, but research has shown that SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays and SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays.

Is it enough if my foundation includes SPF 15?

I think it’s best to ensure that you have adequate sunscreen on your face and use minimum SPF 30. You need to ensure you are really using enough foundation to ensure full SPF coverage. I use Unseen Sunscreen every day as my primer and it has SPF 40.

Is it bad to wear sunscreen every day?

No, it is good to wear sunscreen everyday. You protect your skin from harmful rays each day that you wear sunscreen. I always exfoliate my face twice per week and don’t suffer from breakouts.

Should you apply sunscreen before or after moisturizer?

Apply sunscreen as the last step in your skincare routine after your moisturizer. You should not skip face moisturizer when using an SPF unless the SPF is built into your moisturizer.

Do I need to re-apply sunscreen?

Yes, every two hours and more often if you are swimming, in water or sweating a lot.

Does SPF prevent wrinkles?

Yes, SPF prevents wrinkles as you use SPF to protect your skin against harmful rays that cause skin damage and wrinkles.

Sunscreen is like moisturizer for me. I put it on every day without thinking.

Sunscreen is like moisturizer for me. I put it on every day without thinking.

Can I leave sunscreen on overnight?

Always wash sunscreen off before going to bed. This will ensure that you have clear skin.

What ways can I add sunscreen to protect my skin?

There are different ways to wear sunscreen especially to the face. These are my favorite and the best SPFs: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen which can be used as a primer also, the Supergoop setting powder, the Supergoop daily moisturizer. For body SPF, this is my favorite Supergoop product.

Which sunscreen is not sticky?

Sunscreen has come a long way since we were all children. You can find a lot of sunscreens which no longer stain clothes, leave white streaks and make you extra sweaty. My favorites and the best sunscreens for face and body are mentioned and linked above.

What is the highest SPF that I should wear?

The highest SPF that you need is SPF 50. After this, there is little evidence that any higher than SPF 50 is more effective.

Are there ingredients to avoid in sunscreen?

Yes, never buy a sunscreen with Oxybenzone or Octinoctate. These are harmful ingredients and are used as fillers in sunscreen.

Which sunscreen is good for acne?

Mineral sunscreen is better for acne skin as it sits on the skin and reflect the rays rather than absorbing into the skin. I recommend this Supergoop sunscreen for any one with oil or acne prone skin.

Which sunscreen is the best for playing sports?

If you are playing sports or sweat a lot choose a chemical based sunscreen e.g. Zinc sunscreens. Chemical sunscreens are not necessarily bad once you trust the brand and know that they are carefully formulated. This is the best sunscreen for playing sports while ensuring your using top quality clean products.

Do I need to wait to go in the sun after applying sunscreen?

If you are using mineral sunscreen, simply apply the SPF and you are ready to go and protected against the sun. Chemical sunscreen needs 15 minutes to absorb into your skin before you go out into the sunshine.

Do I need SPF when driving in the car or sitting in the sunshine beside a window?

Yes, you need SPF inside too if you are sitting beside a window or driving while the sun beams down. You will never get tanned through these rays, however your skin will still get damaged through these rays. The light emitted from our phones, laptops and tablets is also damaging. Supergoop is formulated to protect your skin from this light.

What is the lowest SPF I should wear?

Products with SPF 15 and under cannot claim that they reduce the risk of skin cancer. Always wear above SPF 15. I recommend SPF 30 at a minimum especially on your face.

Can I mix sunscreen with my moisturizer?

Only mix sunscreen with moisturizer if there is SPF in the moisturizer. Otherwise, it dilutes the SPF and is not as effective in making sure that you are safe and protected against sun damage.

Hope you enjoyed reading about the best sunscreen and SPF products and that you know all you need to know about protecting your skin from sun damage.

*This post contains affiliate links meaning I can make a small % commission if sales are made as a result of this post. It does not affect the price of the item

Other recent blog posts:

Featured
My Honest Sarah Flint Reviews (+the Sarah Flint discount code you need!)
Fashion
My Honest Sarah Flint Reviews (+the Sarah Flint discount code you need!)
Fashion

In this honest Sarah Flint Review, you will find my Sarah Flint shoes review. I heard so much about Sarah Flint shoes before finally getting my own pair of Sarah Flint sandals. The best thing about this Sarah Flint review? There’s a Sarah Flint discount code below. Read all the details about Sarah Flint shoes and get $50 off your first pair using my Sarah Flint coupon code. I’ve lots of Sarah Flint reviews below, including reviews on the bestselling Sarah Flint shoes.

Fashion
The best travel bag for toiletries - a hanging travel toiletry bag that is worth it
Travel, gift guide, Beauty
The best travel bag for toiletries - a hanging travel toiletry bag that is worth it
Travel, gift guide, Beauty

I looked for the best travel bag for toiletries seems I travel a lot AND have a lot of toiletries. I found the best travel bag for toiletries and the best hanging toiletry travel bag. It is so pretty!


I was on the hunt for the best travel bag for makeup and toiletries. I found this hanging toiletry travel bag and love the convenience of the hanging travel toiletry bag, along with how pretty it is. Read on to find out all the details about the best travel bag for toiletries and the best hanging toiletry travel bag.

Travel, gift guide, Beauty
Best Sparkling Wine in Napa Valley - Top Wineries to Visit
Travel, San Francisco
Best Sparkling Wine in Napa Valley - Top Wineries to Visit
Travel, San Francisco

Napa Valley is mostly known for rich cabernet sauvignon and bold red wines instead of sparkling wine. If sparkling wine is what you love, there are many Napa sparkling wine tastings that will give you delicious award winning bubbles and beautiful views. In this blog post, I’ll show you where to find the best sparkling wine in Napa. 


The best sparkling wineries in Napa are Domaine Carneros, Domaine Chandon, Mumm Napa and Schramsberg Vineyards. I have also included some details on Castello di Amorosa as they offer some sweet sparkling wines as part of their tasting menu in a fabulous castle setting. 

Travel, San Francisco
 The BEST Things to do in Killarney, Ireland
Travel, Ireland
The BEST Things to do in Killarney, Ireland
Travel, Ireland

There are so many things to do in Killarney, Ireland. In this Killarney travel guide, I’ll show you the best things to do in Killarney and where to find the most spectacular scenery. There is a long list of things to do below that will suit every Killarney adventurer.

Killarney is a small town with beautiful lakes, historic sites, white horses that pull historic jaunting cars and so much more. Keep reading for all the top things to do in Killarney, Ireland.

Travel, Ireland
Cozy Earth Reviews 2023 - is Cozy Earth worth it? (Cozy Earth discount code for 40% off included!)
Fashion
Cozy Earth Reviews 2023 - is Cozy Earth worth it? (Cozy Earth discount code for 40% off included!)
Fashion

If you are looking for a Cozy Earth Review, then you have come to the right place! In this blog post, you will find my honest Cozy Earth reviews including Cozy Earth pajamas reviews, a Cozy Earth robe review and a Cozy Earth loungewear review.

Most importantly, you will find my Cozy Earth discount code or my Cozy Earth coupon (LORNA40) that will get you a whopping 40% discount on anything on the Cozy Earth website. I will share my Cozy Earth promo code below. When I got a Cozy Earth discount code, I was so excited as it allows you to experience such a luxurious brand at a big discount! Keeping reading for my amazing Cozy Earth discount code.

Fashion
How to use Olaplex 0, 3 and 8 (Olaplex discount code included)
Beauty
How to use Olaplex 0, 3 and 8 (Olaplex discount code included)
Beauty

Thanks to a viral Tiktok video, everyone is wondering how to use Olaplex 0, 3 and 8 together. Ready for your best hair days? It is easy to learn how to use Olaplex 8 with 0 and 3 for great results. In this blog post, I’ll show you all the simple steps on how to use Olaplex No 0, 3 and 8. I also have an Olaplex discount code to save you $ on your Olaplex products.

Beauty
Olaplex 4D Review - finally a dry shampoo with a difference
Beauty
Olaplex 4D Review - finally a dry shampoo with a difference
Beauty

Olaplex dry shampoo is here! I have been testing out the new Olaplex 4D dry shampoo and I am obsessed. In this Olaplex dry shampoo review, I’ll share how to use Olaplex dry shampoo, why Olaplex 4D dry shampoo is worth it and I’ll give you an Olaplex discount code!

Beauty
The K18 Review you need to read
Beauty
The K18 Review you need to read
Beauty

In this K18 hair review, I am going to focus specifically on telling you everything you need to know about the award winning K18 hair treatment. Keep reading to find out if K18 is worth it, how to use the K18 hair mask, and why there are so many glowing K18 reviews.

Beauty
Spring Summer 2023 Fashion Trend - 21 trending floral purses, floral bags and floral handbags
Fashion
Spring Summer 2023 Fashion Trend - 21 trending floral purses, floral bags and floral handbags
Fashion

Floral purses are one of the top trending purses for Spring Summer 2023. There are so many amazing floral purses, floral handbags, floral clutches, floral backpacks and floral wallet cards for 2023.

I absolutely love floral everything for Spring & Summer 2023. Floral purses are going to be big this Spring Summer 2023 so invest now so you get maximum use. I have rounded up 21 of my favorite floral purses, flowery bags, floral bags, floral backpacks that are online at the moment. I found your perfect summer floral handbags!

I’m so excited to share my first blog post on Spring Summer fashion trends for 2023.

Fashion
Fashion
Cozy Earth Joggers Reviews (40% off Cozy Earth discount code included)
Fashion

If you are looking for Cozy Earth Joggers Reviews or the best bamboo joggers, then you have come to the right place! In this blog post, you will find my honest Cozy Earth jogger reviews including the Cozy Earth bamboo joggers, the Cozy Earth Modal joggers and the Cozy Earth Ribbed Knit joggers. So many Cozy Earth jogger materials to choose from!

Most importantly, you will find my Cozy Earth discount code or my Cozy Earth coupon (LORNA40) that will get you a whopping 40% discount on anything on the Cozy Earth website. When I got a Cozy Earth discount code, I was so excited as it allows you to experience such luxurious joggers at a big discount!

Fashion
In Travel, Beauty Tags SPF, sunscreen
← How to use cleanser for your face - everything you need to know to cleanse your face properlyOlaplex Myths - 6 things you need to know about Olaplex products (Olaplex discount code included) →
1SP_8936.jpg

Welcome to my blog – here you will get an insight into my style, travels and beauty finds as I live and work in San Francisco.

Home | About | Subscribe

Website Terms of Use | Disclaimer | Privacy Policy

All views and opinions expressed on this website are my own. Although I often receive products to sample from brands and work at Sephora Headquarters, all opinions are my own and do not necessarily represent the views of Sephora or other brands. Throughout my blog, I use affiliate links. If you make a purchase using one of my links or discount codes, I may make a small commission at no extra cost to you.