What if I told you there was one skincare product that could genuinely age-proof your skin?
If I could recommend just one skincare product to almost everyone, regardless of age or skin type, it would be a good quality zinc-based sunblock.
It may not be the most exciting product in your skincare routine, but it is undoubtedly the one that will make the biggest difference over time.
Sun exposure is one of the strongest external contributors to premature skin ageing. It also causes DNA damage that increases the risk of skin cancer. Unlike dehydration or a compromised skin barrier, sun damage cannot simply be repaired with a serum or facial. Once it has occurred, much of it is permanent.
That is why I believe prevention is the most powerful form of skincare.
Understanding UVA and UVB
Let's make sunscreen terminology simple.
The two types of ultraviolet light that reach the Earth's surface are UVA and UVB.
An easy way to remember the difference is:
UVA = Ageing. These rays penetrate deeper into the skin, where they accelerate collagen breakdown, pigmentation and premature skin ageing.
UVB = Burning. These rays are responsible for sunburn and also contribute to skin cancer.
Living in New Zealand means we experience some of the highest UV levels in the world, even on cooler or cloudy days. Protecting your skin isn't just a summer habit—it's an everyday investment in your skin's future.
Why I choose zinc-based sun protection
People often ask me what sunscreen I use myself.
As a skin therapist and registered nurse, I always reach for a broad-spectrum SPF 50+ zinc oxide-based formula.
Modern mineral sunblocks are very different from the thick white pastes many of us remember. Today's professional formulations use micronised zinc oxide, making them comfortable to wear, easy to spread and cosmetically elegant. Many also come in tinted formulations that help even skin tone while reducing the white appearance that zinc can sometimes leave behind.
One of the reasons I love zinc oxide is that it provides broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays while being exceptionally well suited to sensitive skin.
It also has naturally soothing and antimicrobial properties, making it an excellent choice for skin affected by inflammation, rosacea or acne.
While many modern chemical sunscreens also provide excellent broad-spectrum protection, I personally prefer zinc-based formulas because they are generally well tolerated by sensitive skin, support a minimalist skincare philosophy and avoid ingredients that some people choose to minimise while research into their long-term effects continues.
What I look for in a sunblock
When I'm choosing a sunblock in New Zealand, I look for one that is:
SPF 50+ and broad spectrum
Zinc oxide-based
Fragrance free
Suitable for sensitive skin
Free from unnecessary harsh ingredients
Comfortable enough that I'll happily wear it every single day
Because the best sunscreen is always the one you'll actually use.
Ingredients I personally try to avoid
Everyone's preferences are different, but I generally avoid products containing:
Oxybenzone and other chemical UV absorbers when possible
Parabens
Phthalates
Synthetic fragrances
Synthetic dyes
Sulfates
PABA
I also prefer non-nano or well-formulated micronised zinc oxide products from reputable professional skincare brands.
Common sunblock mistakes I see
Even the best sunscreen won't protect you if it isn't used correctly.
Here are some of the biggest mistakes I see:
Applying far too little product.
Forgetting the neck, ears and décolletage.
Missing the sides of the neck.
Forgetting the backs of the hands—especially if you drive regularly.
Applying sunscreen only on sunny days.
Assuming makeup with SPF provides enough protection.
Believing one morning application will last all day.
How I apply my sunblock
For the face, I use approximately one full pump of product (or enough to give even coverage), then apply another full pump to my neck and décolletage.
If the zinc leaves a slight white cast, I simply apply a light non-SPF foundation or tinted complexion product over the top. It blends beautifully without compromising the protection.
If you're using a tinted zinc product and it stains your white clothing, try using:
your tinted sunblock on your face, and
a sheer untinted zinc formula on your neck and chest.
Yes—you may end up owning two sunblocks.
And honestly?
I think it's worth it.
A good sunblock is one of the best long-term investments you can make for your skin. Having two formulas means you're much more likely to apply enough product and protect every area properly.
Remember: sunscreen isn't your only protection
Even the best zinc sunblock won't protect your skin indefinitely.
In New Zealand's high UV environment, I always recommend combining sunscreen with smart sun habits:
Wear a beautiful wide-brimmed hat.
Cover up with lightweight clothing where possible.
Seek shade during peak UV hours, especially between 10 am and 4 pm.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours when outdoors, and after swimming or excessive sweating.
Skin longevity isn't about chasing youth.
It's about protecting the skin you have today so it remains healthy, resilient and functioning well for decades to come.
That's why, if I could choose only one skincare product, it would always be a beautiful zinc-based sunblock.
If you're unsure which sun protection is right for your skin, I'd love to help. Feel free to book a skin consultation, and together we will create a personalised, minimalist skincare plan built around skin health, longevity and barrier function.
