My mum asked me the other day why I apply sunscreen even when we’re in the mall. Yup! I wear sunblock 4 to 5 times a day, and that includes before I hit the bed. Too much? Okay. Today’s post is going to be about sunblock, and why I apply it even before I hit the bed. LOL! First of all, sunblock is not about ‘skin whitening’ rather it’s more to protecting your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Now look at your skin. Does your skin has that so-called brown aging spots or uneven skin tones? Basically, your skin can tell more about your age than covering your lies.
I started to taking care of my skin after my dermatologist suggested me to always apply sunblock even when I’m indoor. She told me that a 2-hour shopping spree in a brightly lit mall is actually similar to spending an hour under the sun. Just imagine how much damages you have done to your skin if you’re working inside the office under fluorescent lights (that excludes when you’re at home). In other words, your computer, tab/pad or mobile phone screen can also damage your skin because of the light. In fact, you’re actually damaging your unprotected skin as you read my post right now. Apply your sunscreen now before reading the rest of my post. *Teehee*
How to choose a sunblock? According to the American Cancer Society, the most effective active ingredients in sunblocks that will protect us from both UVA and UVB rays are those with SPF of 15 or higher, and also contain ingredients such as avobenzone, mexoryl, zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Make sure to check before you buy a sunblock because you need to avoid active ingredient such as oxybenzone because it can form reactive chemicals that harm your cells.
Confused with the PA? Basically, there are 4 levels of protection, i.e. PA, PA+, PA++, and PA+++. If you want to get more protection, then you should choose the highest level of PA. Choosing the highest PA is suitable if you’re always under the sun exposure. The rule of the thumb is to always re-apply your sunblock every two hours or whenever possible especially when you’re under the sun. If your sunblock contains titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, then you can apply it after moisturizer. Whatever sunblock you choose, you should choose a water-resistant sunscreen and applied liberally one and a half hour before going outdoors.
What Sunblock/SPF Should I Be Wearing? It depends on your skin, but these are the sunblocks which I would recommend you to buy as they have the early-mentioned active ingredients.
- Etude House – Sunprise Must Daily SPF50+ PA+++
- Why I Love This? This is a smart sunblock that does it all from protecting your skin from UV rays to taking care of your skin condition. It has a very moist yet non-sticky texture which leaves your skin feel fresh. The sunblock is formulated with Vita D Max which enhance the skin protecting power as well as other mild ingredients such as Carex Humilis, Acai Berry, Acerola, Aloe Vera, Linden Flower complex to protect the skin from the environmental damages. It’s a lightweight sunblock, and has a very strong scent. It’s suitable for dry skin as it can be oily a bit. Those with large pores and oily skin might have to ditch using this as you don’t want to look like having a very ‘oily’ day.
- Where To Buy? Hermo Malaysia | Hermo Singapore | Amazon
- Alba Botanica Hawaiian Aloe Vera SPF30 Natural Sunblock
- Why I Love This? This paraben-free natural sunblock is non-sticky, fast absorbing, and water resistant. I love this sunblock as it provides broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection as well as soothing and moisturizing which is great for daily wear. The best thing about this sunblock is the Aloe Vera and sunflower seed oil extract which effectively nourish and moisturize sun-exposed skin. Great for dry to oily skin types.
- Where To Buy? Nattacosme | Amazon
- It’s Skin – 2PM Sunblock SPF50 PA+++
- Why I Love This? I decided to buy this because this sunblock comes with anti-wrinkle, moisturizing, and whitening functions. Frankly speaking, I love the non-sticky, lightweight and nice scent. It leaves my skin fresh after application. I usually mix this with my BB cream because it provides better moisturizing with longer lasting effect. Great for thosee who wanted to have a dewy looking skin.
- Where To Buy? Hermo Malaysia | Hermo Singapore | Amazon | Korea Depart
- YOKO Hokkaido Milk UV SPF25 PA++ Body Serum
- Why I Love This? I wrote a long review about this body serum last month, and it has been my favourite body serum cum sunblock at the moment. This lightweight fast absorbing body serum really helps protecting skin from harmful effect of the sun’s rays. The nourishing benefits of Hokkaido milk and glutathione bring out the new radiance and healthy look with soft and smooth touch. It leaves the skin smooth with a lovely scent. I don’t recommend this if you’re a ‘fragrance-free’ fan because this body serum has a quite strong scent. You can actually read my review about this product here.
- Where To Buy? Hermo Malaysia | Hermo Singapore | Nattacosme | Amazon
- L’Oreal Dermo Expertise UV Perfect Advanced Porcelain
- Why I Love This? I wasn’t a fan of L’Oreal back then until my friend Elviana Elle introduced me of this brand. In fact, this brand has never failed my skin. This Dermo Expertise UV Perfect Advanced Porcelain has anti-darkening, and anti-aging properties with 12-hour long lasting UV Protection. I love layering this on my skin as it does not leave my skin too oily, and makes my skin more even tones, and radiant. Moreover, it does not give me breakouts.
- Where To Buy? Hermo Malaysia | Hermo Singapore
- Skin Food – Tomato Wrinkle Sun Cream SPF36 PA++
- Why I Love This? I decided to buy this after I read an article about Tomato that has the benefit of Lycopene. Lycopene functions as anti-wrinkle and anti-aging. The cream is quite easy to apply and it doesn’t leave my skin too oily after every application. Plus, it doesn’t clog the pores, and long lasting, too. I love this sun cream because it helps me to reduce the appearance of wrinkles as well as hydrates my skin. It doesn’t give me breakouts even when I apply it before I hit the bed. Beware not to get the cream into the eyes as it can be irritating.
- Where To Buy? Hermo Malaysia | Hermo Singapore | Amazon | Korea Depart
Do let me know what’s your favourite sunblock. ^_^V