On the day before a red-carpet event, most people would think first of foundation or highlighter. But during her preparations for the 2026 Met Gala, the most everyday habit Nicole Kidman mentioned was sunscreen. In an interview with Vogue, she explained that she considers regular sun protection important, along with preparing her skin before makeup. Even on a glamorous event day, she said, she does not skip SPF. [1]
The interesting point is not that ‘sunscreen makes the skin glow.’ Sunscreen is not a product that creates an instant sheen like highlighter. From a dermatological perspective, it is closer to basic care that helps prevent the accumulation of pigmentation and photoaging by reducing repeated UV exposure. [2]
Why talk about UV protection first when seeking radiant skin?
UV radiation contributes to skin pigmentation and photoaging. Using sunscreen every day is not a treatment that removes existing melasma or spots all at once, but a preventive strategy to reduce new UV-related damage. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum protection, an SPF of 30 or higher, and water-resistant products, and advises reapplication outdoors. [2]
Why can skin still look dull even when sunscreen is applied properly?
The word ‘dull’ can encompass several different problems. Pigmentation, such as brown spots or melasma, may be the cause, or dry flakes may prevent light from reflecting evenly. In other cases, the issue may be uneven surface texture, such as enlarged-looking pores or acne scars. Therefore, choosing the same procedure based only on the goal of radiance can lead treatment in the wrong direction.
What should you change at home first?
First, apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen in the morning and reapply if you will be outdoors for an extended period. Second, if your skin feels tight after cleansing or flaking recurs, prioritize moisturizing and gentle cleansing rather than aggressive exfoliation. Third, instead of adding vitamin C, retinoids, and exfoliants all at once, maintain a routine your skin can tolerate.
What does a dermatologist distinguish first?
If pigmentation is the main concern, the type and depth of the pigmentation and the skin tone are assessed first. Because irritating treatments can sometimes worsen melasma, diagnosis and adjustment of treatment intensity are important. Depending on the condition, pico lasers or low-fluence toning may be selected for spots and pigmented lesions, but the same approach is not suitable for every brown spot.
If dryness and fine skin texture are the main concerns, skin-barrier care may come before procedures. When home care is insufficient and injectable treatment is appropriate, PN-based skin boosters or HA-based glow injections may be considered selectively. Seolleim Clinic officially lists Shining and Royal Rejuran, as well as Super Miracle Glow Injections. This is information confirming their current offerings and is not independent clinical evidence establishing efficacy for any specific patient. [3][4]
Is a higher SPF always better?
A higher number alone does not guarantee perfect protection in actual use. Applying enough product, broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection, and reapplying outdoors are all important. In practical terms, it is better to find a product you can use consistently than a high-SPF product you apply so sparingly that it becomes ineffective.
Is starting with a skin booster the fastest way to achieve radiance?
It depends on the cause of the lack of radiance. If pigmentation is the main concern, evaluating the pigmentation comes before a skin booster; if severe dryness and uneven texture are central, moisturizing and barrier care take priority. Injectable treatment is a subsequent option.
Dr. Kang Jeong-ha’s recommendation
If you want radiant skin, start with daily sun protection, gentle cleansing, and sufficient moisturization. Maintain these three steps consistently for two to four weeks, then, on bare skin after removing makeup, identify which issue stands out most: pigmentation, dryness, or pores and skin texture.
Do not choose too many treatments at once. If brown spots and an uneven skin tone are the main concerns, consider a pico-based or low-fluence pigmentation laser first after diagnosis. If dryness and fine skin texture are central and injectable treatment is appropriate, choose one option suited to the skin’s condition: a PN-based Rejuran treatment or an HA-based glow injection. Injectable treatments can cause temporary swelling, bruising, or embossing, so allow for recovery time before important engagements.
The key is not to look for a ‘radiance treatment,’ but to identify the factors interfering with the skin’s glow first. Sunscreen does not replace treatment, but whatever treatment is chosen, it remains the most basic habit for reducing the buildup of further UV damage.
Sources
[1] Vogue · Nicole Kidman on How She Prepped for the 2026 Met Gala · 2026-05-06
[2] American Academy of Dermatology · Sunscreen FAQs · accessed 2026-09-28
[3] Seolleim Clinic · Shining · Royal Rejuran · accessed 2026-09-28
[4] Seolleim Clinic · Super Miracle Glow Injections · accessed 2026-09-28
Interesting Dermatology Stories for Healthy Skin
Drawing on 16 years of experience performing dermatological procedures at Seolleim Clinic in Gangnam, we present accessible, friendly stories about dermatology, everyday skincare practices, and celebrities, public figures, and television. Through professional knowledge and experience, we hope to help your skin look healthier and more beautiful. We hope this series broadens your understanding of skin and helps you discover ways to care for yourself.
Dr. Kang Jeong-ha, Medical Director (Seolleim Clinic Gangnam)
