SPF 101: Your Ultimate Guide to Asian Sunscreens

No  matter the weather or season, sunscreen is a vital step in any great skincare routine to protect the skin from sun damage. However, with so many different types and brands of sunscreen, finding the right one for you can take time and effort. That's where we come in. In this ultimate guide to sun protection, we'll break down everything you need to know about finding the perfect sunscreen for your skin type. So grab your shades and a hat, and let's start on the sun safety path!

1. What is SPF & +++?

SPF stands for "Sun Protection Factor," which measures how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from the sun's harmful UVB (Ultraviolet B) rays, that damage the outermost layers of the skin and can cause skin cancer. The higher the SPF number, the more protection you'll get. For example, if you usually start to burn after 10 minutes in the sun without sunscreen, an SPF 30 product will protect you for 30 times longer, or 300 minutes. 

On the other hand, the "+++" rating, also known as the PA rating, measures a sunscreen's protection against UVA (Ultraviolet A) rays, which can cause skin ageing and even skin cancer. The more "+" symbols a sunscreen has, the greater its protection against UVA rays. So a product with a rating of "PA+++" will provide more robust protection against UVA rays than one with just a "PA+" rating.

2. The difference between physical and chemical sunscreen

Physical sunscreens use natural ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to block the sun's rays by reflecting them away from the skin, while chemical sunscreens absorb and convert the UV rays into heat, which is released by the skin. Physical sunscreens tend to be on the thicker side due to the tangible barrier they create, but are perfect if  you have sensitive skin or are pregnant/breastfeeding. Meanwhile, chemical sunscreens are the most common type of sunscreens, and they tend to be be lighter and water-proof. The sunscreen with both filters in the formula is called a “hybrid, " offering maximum protection against pesky UV rays.

3. How to use sunscreen properly

• Apply sunscreen before going outside

Sunscreen needs time to absorb into the skin to be effective, so make sure to apply it at least 15 minutes before going outside.

• Reapply sunscreen frequently

Sunscreen wears off over time, so it's important to reapply it every two hours or more often if you're sweating or swimming.

• Use sunscreen even on cloudy days

UV rays can penetrate through clouds, so even if it's overcast, you still need to use sunscreen.

• Use a higher SPF for prolonged sun exposure

If you'll spend a lot of time in the sun, choose a sunscreen with a higher SPF for added protection.

4. Sunscreens for your skin type

• Oily skin

Try: ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ (22g) - £25.00

If you have oily skin, try the easy-to-apply ISNTREE Hyaluronic Acid Airy Sun Stick! The sun stick is easy to carry around and reapply during the day, even over the makeup without ruining the look - it doesn’t leave a white cast or give you greasy, tacky feelings! Formulated with 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid in different molecular sizes, it penetrates and hydrates the different layers of the skin. Together with other nourishing ingredients, the sun stick effectively protects the skin from oxidative damage!

• Dry skin

Try: DR CEURACLE Hyal Reyouth Moist Sun SPF 50 PA++++ (50ml) - £24.00

For dry skin, it is essential to use hydrating sunscreen to prevent moisture loss during the day! The DR CEURACLE Hyal Reyouth Moist Sun protects the skin from harmful sun rays, delivers nourishing and anti-ageing benefits with the contained hyaluronic acid and niacinamide, and replenishes the skin's moisture barrier. The lightweight texture is quickly absorbed into the skin, leaving a dewy, hydrated finish.

• Combination skin

Try: NEW 2023 BIORE UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel SPF 50+ PA++++ (70ml) - £16.50

The new BIORE’s UV Aqua Rich Watery Gel is a good match for combination skin, as it’s less greasy but leaves moisture on the skin and protects from sun damage! This gel texture makes it easy to apply and quickly absorbs into the skin without leaving a sticky or greasy residue. Infused with hyaluronic acid, royal jelly extract, and citrus extracts, it delivers nourishing and hydrating benefits to the skin.

• Sensitive skin

Try: DR G Green Mild Up Sun SPF50+ PA++++ (50ml) - £26.00

This most-awarded DR G Green Mild Up Sun with the gentle, fast-absorbing texture for sensitive skin, including early teenagers, is the best fit! Clinical tests have shown that it provides up to 24 hours of hydration and is non-irritating to the skin. Formulated with natural ingredients such as green tea extract and centella asiatica extract, it delivers nourishing and soothing benefits to the skin. The product is also friendly to the ocean with a formula that doesn't contain harmful ingredients to coral.

• Normal skin

Try: HEIMISH Artless Glow Base SPF50+ PA+++ (40ml) - £18.99

If your skin is not too dry or oily, HEIMISH Artless Glow Base will help you enhance your skin's radiance and create a glass skin look! This glossy 2 in 1 anti-ageing primer protects the skin from harmful sun rays and perfectly tones and preps your skin for your makeup. This product gives you a flawless & luminous finish, which glows inside out!