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 do we talk about UV protection first when we want glowing skin?
Ultraviolet radiation contributes to skin pigmentation and photoaging. Using sunscreen every day is not a treatment that removes existing melasma or dark spots all at once, but a preventive strategy to reduce new UV damage. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends broad-spectrum, water-resistant products with SPF 30 or higher, and advises reapplying outdoors. [2]
Why can skin look dull even when you apply sunscreen properly?
The word “dull” can encompass several different issues. Pigmentation, such as brown spots and melasma, may be the cause, or dry flakes may prevent light from reflecting evenly. In other cases, surface irregularities such as enlarged-looking pores or acne scars may be the issue. Therefore, choosing the same procedure based solely on the goal of achieving radiance can lead treatment in the wrong direction.
What should you change at home first?
First, apply enough 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 keeps recurring, prioritize moisturizing and gentle cleansing over aggressive exfoliation. Third, rather than 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 first considerations are the type and depth of the pigmentation and the skin tone. Because irritating treatments can actually aggravate melasma, diagnosis and adjustment of treatment intensity are important. Depending on the condition, picosecond lasers or low-fluence toning may be considered for dark 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 need to come before procedures. When home care is not enough and injectable treatment is appropriate, PN-based skin boosters or HA-based aqua injections may be selectively considered. Seolleim Clinic officially lists Shining, Royal Rejuran and Super Miracle Aqua Injection. This serves as information for confirming current availability and is not independent clinical evidence establishing efficacy for any particular patient. [3][4]
Is a higher SPF always better?
A higher number alone does not guarantee perfect protection in actual use. Applying a sufficient amount, broad-spectrum UVA·UVB protection and reapplication outdoors are all important. In practical terms, it is better to find a product you can use consistently than a high-SPF product that feels uncomfortable and is barely applied.
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, assessing the pigmentation comes before a skin booster; if severe dryness and skin texture are the main concerns, moisturizing and barrier care take priority. Injectable treatment is the next option.
Director Kang Jeong-ha’s recommendation
If you want glowing skin, start with daily sun protection, gentle cleansing and sufficient moisturizing. Maintain these three steps consistently for 2–4 weeks, then check whether the most noticeable issue on makeup-free skin is 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, first consider a picosecond or low-fluence pigmentation laser after diagnosis. If dryness and fine skin texture are the main concerns and injectable treatment is appropriate, choose one option suited to your skin condition: PN-based Rejuran or HA-based aqua injections. Injectable treatments may cause temporary swelling, bruising or embossing, so allow for a recovery period before important events.
The key is not to look for a “radiance treatment,” but to identify the cause that is interfering with light reflection first. Sunscreen does not replace that treatment, but whatever treatment you choose, it is the most basic habit for reducing the buildup of further UV damage.
Interesting skin stories for healthier skin
Drawing on 16 years of experience performing dermatological procedures at Seolleim Clinic in Gangnam, Director Kang Jeong-ha presents approachable, engaging stories about dermatology, using everyday skincare practices as well as celebrities, public figures and television as subjects. Through professional knowledge and experience, he aims 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.
Director Kang Jeong-ha (Seolleim Clinic Gangnam)
