The Journal

Beauty, Explained

Clear, sourced guides to help you choose with confidence.

An unlabelled sunscreen tube in soft light on a pale plaster wall, with a gentle arc of sunlight across the surface

Protect · 18 October 2026 · 4 min read

SPF 30 vs SPF 50 vs SPF 50+: What the Numbers Mean

SPF 50 filters out only slightly more UVB than SPF 30. Here is what the numbers and the “50+” label mean, and why how you apply sunscreen matters more.

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An unlabelled glass jar of cream beside a halved orange on an ivory stone surface in soft morning light

Brighten · 18 October 2026 · 7 min read

Vitamin C for Skin: An Honest Guide to What It Can and Can't Do

What vitamin C really does for skin, what the research does and doesn't show, how to read the label, and how to use it alongside sunscreen.

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