Whether it's a scorching summer's day or a cloudy winter morning, UV rays don't take a day off, and neither should your sunscreen. Most people don't realize how much damage can be done to your skin when it's left defenceless. So let's get into what SPF is, how it works and why you need to be wearing it every day!

What is SPF?

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and the number indicates its level of protection against UVB rays. It is NOT indicative of the amount of time you can stay in the sun without burning, contrary to what many people believe.

SPF is the measure of UV radiation required to produce a sunburn on protected skin relative to the amount of UV radiation required to produce sunburn on unprotected skin. Essentially it is the indication of how much sun protection the sunscreen offers. Higher SPF means more protection!

Do I need to wear sunscreen everyday? Even in winter? Even on a cloudy day?

YES. Yes to both. While the sun rays don't feel as warm and strong, their UV radiation will continue to breakdown your skin cells at an alarming rate, regardless of the season. In fact, up to 80% of UV rays can penetrate through clouds, and let's not forget the damage caused by indoor light sources like screens and fluorescent lighting.

There are 3 types of UV rays: UVA (aging), UVB (burning) and UVC. UVC is naturally blocked by the ozone layer, so it never touches us. UVB is reaches our outer skin, causing burns and skin cancer. UVA reaches to the dermis and is the reason our skin ages. UVA damages DNA, it causes mutation. Mutations worsen over time, cells become more and more unhealthy and can become cancerous.

While daily you may not be lounging in direct sunlight and at risk of a painful sunburn by those UVB rays, you are walking to and from your car, driving, and even sitting by a big window. Those are all times when you are exposed to harmful UVA rays and in need of protection.

Physical vs. Chemical Sunscreen

Physical sunscreen properties reflect UV radiation away from the skin. These are usually made of Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Zinc oxide (ZnO). These products begin working as soon as you apply them and need to be reapplied often to maintain protection.

Chemical sunscreen properties absorb the UV rays and dispel them off the skin as heat. These are your "apply 20 minutes before exposure" culprits as they don't take affect immediately upon application.

If you find an SPF 50 bottle and it doesn't say broad-spectrum, then it's only blocking UVB. Our tip is to find an SPF that says BROAD-SPECTRUM. Both UVA and UVB will be blocked which is what we are looking for!

What if the tints don't work for my skin?

We have testers for all of our SPF available at our storefront. Come down to the shop and our staff would be happy to help you out.

Myüz Favourites

iS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50 - a lightweight formula that absorbs quickly for a non-greasy dewy finish. This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It effectively prevents sunburn, photoaging, and the development of fine lines and wrinkles caused by prolonged sun exposure. The iS Clinical Eclipse SPF 50 goes beyond sun protection. Enriched with powerful antioxidants, it helps neutralize free radicals, which are known to cause cellular damage and accelerate the aging process. We love this formula all year round but it's especially great in the winter with the pure vitamin e added in for extra hydration.

Available in untinted and beige. The beige tint blends seamlessly into light - medium skin tones preventing any white cast.

iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 40 - for my simple ladies, this is your one stop product that has skincare and SPF all in one. It's an antioxidant-rich broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen that helps support optimal skin health as it protects, hydrates, smooths and softens the skin. Available in translucent, beige and bronze.

EltaMD UV Clear Broadspectrum SPF 46 - extremely lightweight and contributes to maintaining smooth, clean, clear skin. It is formulated with 5% Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) to help reduce the appearance of blemishes and discoloration on your skin. This broad-spectrum sunscreen contains micronized zinc oxide to protect your skin from damaging UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. It works well alone or under makeup. Available in tinted and untinted. The best formula for acne prone skin.

EltaMD UV Daily Broad Spectrum SPF 46 - lightweight, moisturizing sunscreen infused with hyaluronic acid. Meant for dry or mature complexions to hydrate the complexion and reduce fine lines and wrinkles. Available in tinted and non-tinted.

TIZO® Ultra Zinc Body & Face Sunscreen is a moisturizing mineral sunscreen suitable for all skin types and tones. Sheer and virtually invisible on even the darkest skin tones. This is more fluid in texture in comparison to iS Clinical Eclipse. Smoothes onto skin, leaving a soft, elegant finish. There is also TIZO 2 (untinted) and 3 (tinted) which are a silicone feeling and feels like a primer. Perfect for those with oily skin or prefer a matte finish. And then we have the Tizo Photoceutical. It is formulated with Zinc Oxide Ceramides, and Powerful Antioxidants (Vit C & E). Zinc Oxide protects against UV damage and Ceramides help restore the lipid layer. This UV protections helps prevent future UV damage and aids and repairs existing damage resulting in long lasting moisturization.

Colorescience Makeup SPF

One of our makeup artists loves using Colorescience No Show Mineral SPF 50 (also broad spectrum) for days when she doesn't want anything on her skin or as a primer under her regular makeup routine. Makeup applies smoothly overtop and lasts all day. If you are wearing it alone, it's completely transparent and leaves silky texture to the skin.

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50 - (also broad spectrum) skip the foundation and just use this as your makeup base for the flawless finish. This is an innovative formula with iron oxide pigments that bloom in your fingertips to deliver tone-adapting buildable colour coverage with a demi-matte finish. Available in fair, medium and tan. Great for acne prone skin.

Myuz Makeup Artistry and Esthetics EnviroScreen Total Protection Face Shield Flex SPF 50

If you're looking for a more natural coverage, try the Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Glow SPF 50 - this formula is much more sheer and provides a pearlescent, luminous glow to the skin. You can even mix it with Flex for the most flawless makeup base. For all skin types and acne safe.

For a natural bronzed glow, try the Sunforgettable Total Protection Face Shield Bronze SPF 50 - for all skin types and acne safe.

Finish off your makeup look with the Sunforgettable Total Protection Color Balm SPF 50 - available in 4 beautiful shades - blush, berry, golden hour and pink sky. Each shade is formulated with all-mineral protection and safe for use on cheeks, lips and eyes.

Powder SPF

iS Clinical PerfecTint Powder SPF - silky smooth broad spectrum coverage to help protect skin against the visible signs of photoaging while minimizing the appearance of pores and absorbing surface oil to create a flawless finish. Available in ivory, beige and deep.

iS Clinical Sunscreen PerfecTint Powder SPF

Colorescience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield - infused with hyaluronic acid to restore and reinforce moisture in the skin and a powerful blend of antioxidants that provides defence against pollution and free radical formation. Available in fair and medium. Safe for acne prone skin.

Myuz Makeup Artistry and Esthetics Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield

Chemical Sunscreen

Amarte Ultra Veil SPF 50 - incredibly lightweight formula with no white cast that works for all skin tones and types. This formula is rich in antioxidants and multi-functional botanical extracts. Safe for acne prone skin.

Don't forget to protect your lips

You want to look good and protect your lips at the same time? Colorescience Lip Shine SPF 35 provides protection and a gorgeous glossy shine. Available in 4 shades pink, rose, coral and champagne.

TIZO Lip Protection SPF 45 - a lightly tinted lip balm for the whole family. Using only Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, TIZO^® Tinted Lip Protection reflects the sun away from one of the most sensitive areas, the lips. Gentle kiwi, lime and ginger flavour. The lip balm is tan in colour but comes off sheer and does not leave a white residue on the lips.

iS Clinical LIProtect SPF 35 - protect, nourish and condition your lips with one product. Formulated for the delicate skin of the lips, LIProtect SPF 35 offers powerful broad spectrum protection while minimizing the visible effects of photodamage. This treatment is more than just a lip balm, combining all-physical sunscreen actives with Vitamin E and Coconut Oil to help condition lips while Elderberry Extract and Linoleic Acid help defend from environmental stressors.

All Natural SPF

At Myüz you'll find Living Libations and it's two options for an all natural SPF. These SPF's can be used on young children, starting at 6 months +.

Everybody Loves the Sunshine Zinc Lotion - is made with 20% non-nanoparticle uncoated zinc oxide and glorious sun-loving essences distilled from plants that evolved to grow best in full sun. Providing a pure, luxurious sun-shade for days and days of summertime play, if you long for a whole day spent in the sun then this botanical canopy is just the ticket! It is the same delectable sun-harmonizing formula as Everybody Loves the Sunshine, with the addition of non-nanoparticle uncoated zinc oxide. Uncoated zinc oxide helps shield the skin as the sun’s rays beat down upon your crown.