'Do I really need sunscreen on cloudy days?' And all your other SPF questions, answered.

Thanks to our brand partner, Priceline Pharmacy

One of my favourite skincare topics is sunscreen.

No, seriously. I love talking about sun safety and how surprisingly simple it can be to make it a part of your daily routine.

Sunscreen is just one piece of the sun protection puzzle, but it often comes with a lot of questions. From how much to apply to when and how often, it can be hard to know where to start.

Lucky for you, I've rounded up some of the most common questions about sunscreen so you can feel more confident next time you reach for the bottle.

Can I ditch the SPF if it's cloudy?

The short answer? No, you can't skip it.

It's not about the sunshine or how hot it feels outside — it's all about UV rays. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is what affects your skin, and you don't have to be sunburnt to know it's having an impact.

That's why it's best practice to wear SPF every day. It helps support your skin's protection from UV exposure and builds a habit that's easy to stick to.

If the weather's messing with how your skin feels — like sticky humidity or dry winter air — it might be time to switch up your sunscreen.

The good news? Formulas have come a long way since the thick, greasy stuff we wore as kids.

These days, there are lightweight options for every skin type and season. One option is a serum-style formula, like the Avène Sunsitive Sunscreen Serum — it's super wearable and feels just like skincare.

So, what is a sunscreen serum?

A sunscreen serum combines everything you love about a serum — lightweight, fast-absorbing and hydrating — with the sun protection you need.

Avène's Sunsitive Sunscreen Serum is specially designed to offer very high SPF protection while being gentle enough for sensitive skin. It includes skincare ingredients like hyaluronic acid and vitamin E, which helps your skin look hydrated and radiant. Plus, it works beautifully under makeup or on its own for a natural, dewy finish.

The formula absorbs quickly with a non-greasy feel and provides SPF50+, the highest level of sun protection for sensitive skin available in Australia. It's fragrance-free and dermatologically tested, making it a great everyday option for sensitive skin.

My foundation has SPF, aren't I covered?

Sadly, tinted coverage products with SPF rarely give you the level of protection on the label — simply because you'd need to apply far more than feels comfortable.

To reach the SPF rating you see, you'd have to use about one teaspoon (5 mL) for your head (including roughly a quarter teaspoon just for your face). If you've ever tried applying that much foundation, you'll know it's a lot.

That's why it's best to keep sunscreen as its own step. That way you can be sure you're actually hitting that SPF50+ mark and you won't dilute or disrupt the tested formula by mixing it with other products.

Remember, SPF testing is done on the sunscreen alone — not on a cocktail of creams and coverage products — so separating your steps is the simplest way to get the protection you expect.

Why are there different SPF numbers and does it matter?

SPF stands for sun protection factor and the number tells you how much protection the product has been tested to offer.

SPF 50+ is currently the highest level of sun protection, so if you're wearing sunscreen, it makes sense to go for the best-tested option. Lower SPF values — like 30 or 15 — simply mean the product provided less protection in those tests than an SPF 50+ formula.

Keep in mind that no sunscreen blocks 100 per cent of UV rays, so it's wise to pair an SPF 50+ product with other sun-smart habits: seek shade, wear protective clothing and pop on a hat and sunnies. That way, you're giving your skin the strongest defence possible.

When should I apply my sunscreen?

Timing really does matter when it comes to sunscreen. The Cancer Council recommends applying it 20 minutes before going outside — this gives the formula time to absorb and form its protective barrier.

Make sure you apply it to all the little spots that will be exposed to the sun, like the back of the neck, hands, wrists and of course, your cute face!

Reapplying sunscreen is also very important and it's recommended that you do so every two hours to keep your coverage up, especially if you've been swimming or sweating.

What is the difference between UVA and UVB rays?

When we talk about UV rays, what we're actually talking about is ultraviolet radiation from the sun, and it has two main forms — UVA and UVB rays.

They're slightly different in wavelength, which means they affect the skin in different ways. Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength and is most commonly associated with signs of ageing. While Ultraviolet B (UVB) is shorter and associated more with an actual sunburn. 

Neither one is your friend, so you'll want a broad‑spectrum sunscreen that's been tested to guard against both.

Shop the Avène Sunsitive Sunscreen Serum online or in-store at your local Priceline Pharmacy.

Always read the label and follow the directions for use. Apply 20 minutes before sun exposure. Sunscreen is only one part of sun protection so wear protective clothing and seek shade. Avoid prolonged sun exposure. Re-apply every two hours after swimming, towelling and perspiring in accordance with directions.

Highest label claim allowed as per AS/NZS 2604:2021, Very High SPF 50+, Broad Spectrum.

Feature Image: Supplied.

The Avènè skincare range including the Sensitive Sunscreen range is available in store and online at Priceline Pharmacy.