Part 1: All About Sunscreen!
Sun protection is one of the most important parts of any skin care regimen. Using sunscreen on a daily basis is essential in preventing the development of wrinkles and hyper-pigmentation. Preventing skin damage is much easier and effective than having to use multiple products to try to reverse the damage that has already been done. However, there are so many different sunscreens with labels that are not always easy to decipher - here are some of the basics to help you to navigate the information on sunscreen labels.
After making sure your sunscreen is "broad spectrum," the next thing to look at is the SPF or "sun protection factor." The SPF is determined by the sunscreen's ability to protect against UV rays and also refers to the amount of time a sunscreen will allow you to spend in the sun without developing sunburn in comparison to applying no sunscreen at all. For example SPF 20 means that theoretically your skin could be exposed to the sun 20 times longer without developing sunburn with this sunscreen, in comparison to applying no sunscreen at all. The SPF number does not refer to a specific number of minutes or hours. My friends in dermatology usually recommend using an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis, however of note, with increases in the SPF number above 50, there is negligible additional protection.
As many sunscreens from Asian countries have recently entered the U.S. sunscreen market, you may also see a PA rating, which stands for Protection Grade of UV-A. This is a sunscreen rating primarily used in Korea and Japan. The rating ranges from PA + (lowest) to PA ++++ (highest) and is determined by a PPD or Persistent Pigment Darkening test, which is the comparison of time it takes for protected skin to darken or tan versus unprotected skin.
Finally, when I know I'm going to be doing more outside activity - going to the beach or when I'm traveling and sight-seeing in the sun, I love the Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector sunscreen - SPF 42, water resistant for 40 minutes. This has a very fluid/watery consistency and must be shaken well before applying. It applies very easily, which is not always the case for water-resistant sunscreens, and has a nearly-matte finish. It also helps to control oil, which is great if you're going to be on the go. This sunscreen is available on https://www.sephora.com for $34 for 30mL.
In Part 2, I will discuss some of my favorite products to reapply sunscreen (without destroying your makeup!), the active ingredients of sunscreens, and also some information about skin cancer. Thanks for reading and apply your sunscreen every day! :)
When purchasing a sunscreen, you want it to provide "broad spectrum" protection. "Broad spectrum" refers to protection against both UV-A and UV-B rays. UV-A and UV-B rays refer to two different wavelengths of ultraviolet light (sunlight) - UV-A rays are longer and can penetrate more deeply into the skin into the layer called the dermis, while UV-B rays are shorter and affect the surface layer of the skin called the epidermis. UV-A rays are responsible for the development of wrinkles, hyper-pigmentation, and poor skin elasticity. UV-B rays are the main cause of sunburns, however both UV-A and UV-B rays contribute to the development of skin cancers, which we will discuss in Part 2 of this two-part blog.
After making sure your sunscreen is "broad spectrum," the next thing to look at is the SPF or "sun protection factor." The SPF is determined by the sunscreen's ability to protect against UV rays and also refers to the amount of time a sunscreen will allow you to spend in the sun without developing sunburn in comparison to applying no sunscreen at all. For example SPF 20 means that theoretically your skin could be exposed to the sun 20 times longer without developing sunburn with this sunscreen, in comparison to applying no sunscreen at all. The SPF number does not refer to a specific number of minutes or hours. My friends in dermatology usually recommend using an SPF of 30 or higher on a daily basis, however of note, with increases in the SPF number above 50, there is negligible additional protection.
As many sunscreens from Asian countries have recently entered the U.S. sunscreen market, you may also see a PA rating, which stands for Protection Grade of UV-A. This is a sunscreen rating primarily used in Korea and Japan. The rating ranges from PA + (lowest) to PA ++++ (highest) and is determined by a PPD or Persistent Pigment Darkening test, which is the comparison of time it takes for protected skin to darken or tan versus unprotected skin.
Now for a few of my favorite sunscreens. The first is the Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence sunscreen - SPF 50+, PA ++++. This has a very light, gel-like formula that absorbs very quickly into the skin. It is moisturizing while leaving no sticky or oily residue. This sunscreen is amazing, however it is a Japanese product that is a little more difficult to find in the U.S. - it is available on Amazon for around $11 for 50mL. https://www.amazon.com
The second is the Missha All Around Safe Block Essence Sun sunscreen - SPF 45, PA +++. This is a light, lotion-type formula that also absorbs quickly and without any stickiness. This sunscreen is available on Missha's website for $14 for 50mL - https://www.misshaus.com/shop/skin-care/sun-care/all-around-safe-block-essence-sun-spf45-pa-r.html. I use either of these two sunscreens on a daily basis and both wear very well under my makeup.
Finally, when I know I'm going to be doing more outside activity - going to the beach or when I'm traveling and sight-seeing in the sun, I love the Shiseido Urban Environment Oil-Free UV Protector sunscreen - SPF 42, water resistant for 40 minutes. This has a very fluid/watery consistency and must be shaken well before applying. It applies very easily, which is not always the case for water-resistant sunscreens, and has a nearly-matte finish. It also helps to control oil, which is great if you're going to be on the go. This sunscreen is available on https://www.sephora.com for $34 for 30mL.
In Part 2, I will discuss some of my favorite products to reapply sunscreen (without destroying your makeup!), the active ingredients of sunscreens, and also some information about skin cancer. Thanks for reading and apply your sunscreen every day! :)
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