When it comes to summer skincare, there’s one step that matters more than any other: sun protection.
Glowing skin, collagen protection, and long-term skin health all come down to how well you protect your skin from UV damage. And while SPF is often talked about, it’s rarely fully understood — especially when it comes to what those numbers mean, what type of sunscreen to use, and how your skincare routine should shift in the sun.
At VALO Wellness Spa, we believe sun protection should feel aligned with your lifestyle — simple, clean, and effective.
What SPF Actually Means (And Why It Matters)
SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, and it measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, the primary cause of sunburn and a major contributor to skin damage.
Here’s how to understand the numbers:
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SPF 15 blocks about 93% of UVB rays
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SPF 30 blocks about 97%
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SPF 40 blocks about 97.5%
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SPF 50 blocks about 98%
While the percentage difference may seem small, even a 1% increase can reduce cumulative sun damage over time.
However, it’s important to understand that after a certain point, higher SPF numbers offer diminishing returns. The difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50 is only about 1%, and even SPF 100 only blocks about 99% of UVB rays.
So why do higher numbers exist?
Higher SPF products are often marketed to give a sense of stronger protection, but in reality, they can create a false sense of security. People may stay in the sun longer or reapply less often, thinking they’re fully protected — when no sunscreen blocks 100% of UV rays.
In many cases, proper application and consistent reapplication matter far more than choosing an extremely high SPF number.
This is why at VALO, we focus on effective, balanced protection — like SPF 40 — that supports your skin without overcomplicating your routine.
Why We Choose and Recommend Mineral SPF
Not all sunscreens are created equal.
At VALO, we prioritize mineral (physical) sunscreens, like our SPF 40 formula by TiZO, because they align with our philosophy of clean, effective, and skin-supportive care.
What Makes Mineral Sunscreen Different?
Mineral sunscreens use ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to sit on top of the skin and physically block and reflect UV rays, rather than absorbing them like chemical sunscreens.
This means:
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Immediate protection upon application
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Lower risk of irritation (ideal for sensitive or post-treatment skin)
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Broad-spectrum defense against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays
Why VALO Sunscreen
At VALO, everything we offer is rooted in clean living, natural balance, and long-term skin health.
Our choice to carry TiZO reflects that with their results and their ingredients.
This mineral-based sunscreen supports:
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Skin barrier health
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Non-comedogenic protection (won’t clog pores)
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A clean, minimalist formulation approach
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Reef safe (won’t affect wildlife when in ocean)
Just like our treatments, this SPF is designed to work with your skin — not against it.
The Hidden Truth: Your Skincare Might Be Making Sun Damage Worse
One of the most overlooked parts of summer skincare is ingredient awareness.
Certain active ingredients can make your skin more photosensitive, meaning they increase your risk of sun damage, irritation, and pigmentation when exposed to UV rays.
Ingredients to Be Cautious With in the Sun
If you’re spending extended time outdoors, be mindful of:
Retinoids (Retinol, Tretinoin)
Increase cell turnover, making skin more sensitive to UV exposure and more prone to burning.
Exfoliating Acids (Glycolic Acid, AHAs, BHAs)
While great for smoothing skin, these weaken the outer layer temporarily, making skin more vulnerable to sun damage.
Acne Medications (like Spironolactone or Accutane)
These can increase dryness and sensitivity, requiring extra protection and hydration.
Enzyme Exfoliants and Peels
Post-treatment skin is more exposed and needs strict SPF protection.
How to Protect Your Skin the Right Way
Using SPF isn’t just about applying it once in the morning.
For true protection:
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Apply SPF as the last step in your morning routine
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Use enough — about a nickel-sized amount for the face
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Reapply every 2 hours when outdoors
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Pair with hats, sunglasses, and shade when possible
Consistency is what protects your skin long term.
Sun Protection = Long-Term Skin Health
Sun damage doesn’t just show up as a burn. It contributes to:
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Premature aging (fine lines, wrinkles)
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Hyperpigmentation and dark spots
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Loss of elasticity
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Increased risk of skin cancer
Daily SPF use is one of the most effective ways to maintain clear, even, healthy skin over time.
Your Summer Skin, Protected
At VALO, we believe skincare should feel intentional, supportive, and aligned with your natural lifestyle.
Choosing the right SPF, and understanding how to use it, is one of the simplest, most powerful ways to protect your skin and preserve your glow.
Our mineral SPF 40 by TiZO is designed to make that step easy, clean, and effective, so you can enjoy the sun without compromising your skin.
Book Your Summer Skin Consultation
Not sure how to adjust your skincare routine for summer?
Our team is here to help you build a routine that protects, supports, and enhances your skin all season long.
Book your appointment online today to get personalized recommendations and keep your skin glowing, healthy, and protected this summer. ☀️🌿
