Sun protection is important in keeping healthy and radiant skin. If you think sun protection is not important, think again. Sun exposure caused premature aging, wrinkles, dryness and redness on the skin. You might even develop skin cancer from it.
Do You Need Sunscreen Every Day?
Yes, regardless you live in a tropical country or a country with four seasons, you need to apply sunscreen every day. That including cloudy day, rainy day, winter time or even you spend hours indoors. UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows. Plus believe it or not, 90% of aging signs on the skin are caused by sun exposures on your skin. In addition, applying sunscreen every day also keep your skin protected and prevent getting skin cancer.
UV Rays
There are 3 types of UV rays which are UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVC has the shortest wavelength and it’s harmless to your skin as it is absorbed by the atmospheric ozone. UVB will penetrate through the atmospheric ozone and reach the top layer of skin. Skin will show symptoms like redness and sunburn if the skin is exposed to UVB for a long period of time. Lastly, UVA has the longest wavelength that will reach deep into the dermis skin layer and cause aging and wrinkles.
Sunscreens and the Labels
When it comes to choosing a sunscreen for your skin, start from looking at the labels on the sunscreen. And you’ll spot all these terms on your sunscreen bottle.
- Broad Spectrum
- SPF
- PA
First of all, the term broad spectrum means this sunscreen protects your skin from both UVA and UVB that will damage your skin and cause premature aging and sunburn. You don’t usually see this term on sunscreen from Asian countries. It’s commonly used in western beauty brands though. You definitely want a sunscreen with the broad spectrum to protect your skin against UVA and UVB.
Next, pick the right SPF. It usually starts with SPF15 and the highest is SPF50. A sunscreen with SPF15 blocks around 93% UV rays. If you work in the office and stay indoor most of the time, a sunscreen with SPF15 should be sufficient for your needs. On the other hand, pick a sunscreen with a higher SPF for more protection if you go outdoors or water sports. A sunscreen with SPF50 will protect you from 98% of UV rays. None of the sunscreens can protect you 100% from the sun. So, keep in mind that any sunscreen that has an SPF beyond 50 pretty much offer the same protection with the sunscreen with SPF50.
Lastly, PA that usually follows with the sign of +. For instance, PA+, PA++, PA+++ and PA++++. This PA label is mostly found on Asian sunscreens. It indicates how much protection from the UVA the sunscreen offered. PA++++ offers the highest protection while PA+ offers the least protection against UVA.
Sunscreens are mainly categorized to physical sunblock and chemical sunscreen. Continue to read to find out the differences between the two.
Physical Sunblock
Just like the term, physical sunblocks do not penetrate into the skin and keep you protected by reflecting the UV rays from your skin. The main active ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Physical sunblock usually is more moisturizing and can sometimes appear to be a bit greasy on the skin. However, it is a better option for sensitive skin people because it doesn’t absorb directly into the skin. Thus, you don’t risk irritation on your skin.
On a side note, umbrellas, clothes, and hats are also considered physical sunblock as they also block and reflect the UV rays effectively.
Chemical Sunscreen
On the contrary, chemical sunscreens contain active ingredients such as avobenzone, homosalate, octinoxate, and oxybenzone. These sunscreens are commonly found in your local pharmacy and drug stores. They are best for outdoor activities as they penetrate into your skin and absorb the harmful UV rays to prevent damages on your skin. Besides, chemical sunscreens are usually lightweight and do not leave a white cast on your skin.
Why Japanese Sunscreens Are The Best
- Skin Care Technology
- Formula
- Unlimited Choices
- Affordable
- They Don’t Leave a White Cast
Sweatproof, Waterproof & Frictionproof
One of the thing that makes Japanese sunscreen standout from the crowd is the technology.
Japanese sunscreens are so advanced for a reason. The beauty industry in Japan is really competitive, so beauty companies must keep improving and introduce new technology to their skin care products to keep their customers.
Some Japanese sunscreens are designed to be sweat, water, and friction resistance. For instance, your sunscreen won’t be rubbed off as easily, and your skin stays protected throughout the day. Or the protection veil will not only stay put on your skin but also becomes stronger when it is exposed to water. Perfect for outdoor activities!
The Formula Is Excellent
If you are looking for a sunscreen that can apply smoothly on your skin without feeling sticky. You are in the right place. It’s impossible for me to try out all of the Japanese sunscreens but the one that I’ve tried, they really have the best textures. They are smooth, lightweight and can apply on your face evenly in the shortest amount of time.
In addition, many sunscreens not only offer protection but also include skin moisturizing ingredients. Therefore, your skin is not only protected against external aggressors but also replenishing at the same time.
The Choices You Have Are Overwhelming
If you ever been to Japan, you will be amazed by the choices they have on every product. I believe that’s one of the reasons that Japanese skin care products are one of the best in the world. It’s a very competitive industry and all the companies only want to come out with the best product for their customers.
There’s no way that you can’t find a sunscreen that is suitable for you. From waterproof sunscreen to light watery essence sunscreen, finding the sunscreen that works for you is just a matter of time. In addition, you can always check some reviews online and decide for yourself.
They Are Incredibly Affordable
You’ll be surprised that most Japanese sunscreens are incredibly affordable. The best part? Even the very affordable one like this one that you can get in the drug store works like a charm on your skin.
Say Goodbye to White Cast
One of the main reasons that women don’t wear sunscreen on a daily basis is because they got a bad sunscreen that will leave a white cast on their face. It feels awkward because it’s like you are wearing a wrong shade of foundation. Other than that, those sunscreens also feel a little bit tacky on your skin.
Good news is you can forget about this problem forever with Japanese Sunscreen. Even though most of the sunscreens have a white liquidy texture, but they become transparent on your skin once you spread them evenly. They feel like a lightweight lotion that is just there to protect your skin.
Best for Dry Skin – Allie Extra UV Gel
This sunscreen is the most moisturizing sunscreen ever! It comes in a white tube and the texture of the sunscreen feels like a lightweight moisturizer. It spread evenly on your skin smooth like butter and leave a dewy and healthy glow on your face. With that being said, if you have oily skin, this might not be the one, but if you have dry skin or want that Korean dewy skin, this sunscreen is 100% for you! Allie Sunscreen features antifriction technology that your sunscreen will not be rubbed off as easily.
Best for Oily Skin – Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen
Anessa is one of the best selling sunscreens of all time in Japan. It contains 50% skincare ingredients that keep your skin beautiful and protected. This sunscreen features an Aqua Booster Technology that will enhance the protective layer of sunscreen when it contacts with sweat or water. It has a milky texture but will not leave a white cast on your face.
Best for Sensitive Skin – Curel UV Protection Milk
This silky lightweight texture sunscreen gives you an SPF50 and PA+++ sun protection. Besides, one of the main ingredients of the sunscreen is ceramide. It replenishes your skin while protecting your delicate skin from the sun. It also contains eucalyptus extract that will soothe the redness and dryness on your skin. What’s more? It is so well formulated and gentle and can be used on babies that are two months and above.
Best for Aging Skin – Pola B.A Protector
This sunscreen gives you full protection from UV rays to infrared lights. It contains Golden LP that is extracted from Gold Cocoon that will give your skin moisturized. Pola protector also improves the water retention of your skin. As we age, our skin barrier becomes thinner and weaker and it can be difficult to retain moisture in your skin. Pola protector keeps your skin hydrated and moist without feeling greasy on the skin.
Best for Outdoor – Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion Wetforce SPF 50+
Shiseido as one of the oldest cosmetics company in the world offers a very powerful sunscreen for people love outdoors activities. Shiseido sunscreens come with wetforce and SuperVeil-360 technology which protects your skin from the sun when it contacts with water and sweat. In fact, the protection veil is evenly formed with the liquid molecule and create stronger protection against the sun.
Best Low Budget – Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence
If you have no idea what to get or tight on budget, give this Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence a try. This UV essence has won many awards in the past and remains one of the best-loved sunscreens in Japan. Despite its low price range, this sunscreen is super water-proof that can resist the water up to 80 minutes. It is also allergy tested and is safe to use on sensitive skin.
