--by Kylie Tang--
In winter, the
sunlight is so mild and comforting, and you’ve stored your sunscreen in the farthest
corner of your makeup drawer. If this sounds all too similar, you’d better get
rid of this practice.
There’s something
that exists in our environment every second and in each season – whether it be
summer or winter. And that’s ultraviolet rays (UV) - our all-time enemies. You
may have seen this photo before: a 66-year old truck driver spent his days
delivering goods and his left face looked old and wrinkled because of the ultraviolet
rays transmitted through the window glass, but his face still looked young and
fine…
In winter, the ozone
layer is at its thinnest, and UV rays penetrate it easily. At the same time, because
of the cold weather, our skin metabolism slows down, and our skin becomes more
difficult to repair itself after exposure to the sun. So, always wear sunscreen
in winter! How much do you know about sunscreen? Read about the tips for
choosing sunscreen below and pick a sun protection product that is suitable for
you.
How To Distinguish UVA And UVB?
It’s not that hard
actually. Ultraviolet rays consist of UVA, UVB and UVC. UVC are completely
absorbed by the ozone layer. UVA can lead to aging problems and pigmentation on
your skin. UVB thickens keratin, resulting in red, painful and dry skin. You will
be smart enough to purchase a sunscreen that protects skin against UVA and UVB.
What Is SPF?
SPF (Sun
Protection Factor) is the measuring unit of a sunscreen’s ability to prevent
UVB.
SPF15 filters out 93.3% UVB,
prevents reddening 15 time longer
SPF30 filters out 96.6% UVB,
prevents reddening 30 time longer
SPF50 filters out 98% UVB,
prevents reddening 50 time longer
See! Although
SPF30 is double of SPF15, they only differ by 3.3% in terms of UVB blocking
result. Therefore, you do not necessarily have to use sunscreens with a higher
SPF.
UVB can cause sunburn.
And How About “PA+”?
“PA” is also easy
to understand. The PA 4-levelled Protection system is introduced by the Japan
Cosmetic Industry Association to measure UVA protection. All ladies dislike
color spots. It’s better to have a sunscreen with more “+” signs for higher
protection, ideally one with SPF50 / PA++++ for outdoor activities.
For more information, please see here: https://www.badgerbalm.com/s-31-broad-spectrum-uva-sunscreen-protection.aspx
UVA leads to what
we hate – stains and spots!
Look For “Broad Spectrum” Sunscreen
Inspired by the
US, Broad Spectrum sun blocks filter UVA rays that age us and other actinic
damages.
So now you are clearer
with these labels. You need higher protection for outdoor activities, and SPF15
to SPF30 is good enough for your indoor work (protects against lighting and
sunlight transmitted through window glass.) Look for your ideal sun block:
Low SPF But Highly Protective Sunscreen
If you have tried SK-II
products before, you must have known about their Cellumination Essence Day
Surge UV SPF30 / PA+++. It’s good enough to tackle your daily UVA and UVB
enemies. “Aura Bright Cocktail D” complex helps restrain melanin and repair
skin after sun exposure. It’s perfect for your whitening need.
SkinCeuticals deserves
to be the leading medical brand with its outstanding sunscreen products. SkinCeuticals
Brightening UV Defense SPF 30 High Protection offers high broad-spectrum
protection against UVA and UVB rays of various wavelengths. HyperBright Complex
helps correct skin conditions and pigmentation.
Use every day and during winter!
Mineral Sunscreen Is My Favourite
Have you ever
heard of mineral sunscreens? Most of the sun blocks are formulated with chemical
UV absorbers yet mineral sunscreens add a layer of UV-filtering powder on face
with Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide. The higher the content they are in the
cream, the higher protection you enjoy. Mineral sunscreens are offered by many skincare
brands recommended by dermatologists. One of my favourites is:
Don’t
look down on the inexpensive Lavera. It is an organic brand and this 100%
minieral-based sun protection works on skin affected by rashes, eczema, inflammations and acne. Free
of perfume, dyes and synthetic preservatives, and it offers UVA protection.
It’s even safe for kids’ skin!
How
To Defend Sunlight While Wearing Makeup?
Many products have
combined the functions of makeup and UV protection.
Bobbi Brown BB Cream
SPF35 / PA+++ has excellent UV defense function. I am sure you want a beautiful
and UV-protected foundation finish.
Guerlain Blanc De
Perle White P.E.A.R.L. UV Base Lightening UV Base has good sun block property (SPF
30 / PA+++). This elegant base cream helps create a fresh and radiant
complexion with simple application before foundation, and demonstrates high-level
UV protection and 8-hour rosy effect.
Well...did you
just take out your sunscreens and study how do they work? I recommend all
ladies here to be cautious to sunlight in winter and apply protection measures
according to your skin type and needs. Don’t
forget to remove it before sleep: you need makeup removers for high SPF sunscreens,
cleansers for light sunscreens and water for some of the mineral sunscreens!
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