Why should one use sunscreen?
Most of us know the importance of using sunscreen during the summer months to avoid sunburn and damage, but it should really be a preventive health measure year-round. Always use sunscreen, regardless of skin color or tone. Sunscreen dates back to ancient Egypt, where risk extracts and jasmine were used to protect the skin from the sun. Chemists invented the first commercial sunscreen in 1936. Modern sunscreens are water-based and are included in many cosmetics and beauty products, such as primers, foundations, serums, and creams.
Why you should always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days
Up to 80 percent of the sun's rays can pass through clouds, so if you think it's "OK" to skip protection on a cloudy day, think again. Sunscreen is an important preventive health habit that should be maintained year-round, including in the winter months. Snow can reflect up to 80 percent of ultraviolet (UV) rays, increasing the risk of exposure to sun damage.
The benefits of sunscreen
Sunscreen is the best-kept beauty secret that isn't really a secret. Many of us already know that we need SPF sunscreen when we happily sunbathe on the beach. But if you want to keep your skin glowing and healthy in the long term, you also need to use sunscreen daily.
- Reduces the risk of skin cancer
Sunscreen protects your skin and reduces the risk of skin cancer. The fact is that Skin Cancer Foundation claims that using sunscreen with SPF-factor 15 reduces the risk of developing squamous cell carcinoma by 40% and the risk of melanoma (the deadliest skin cancer) by as much as 50%.
- Protects against sunburn
Did you know that sunlight actually consists of two types of harmful rays, UVA and UVB rays? UVA rays (also used in tanning beds) are primarily linked to long-term skin damage such as the formation of wrinkles and are also associated with certain types of skin cancer. However, it is UVB rays that are responsible for sunburn and are believed to cause most forms of skin cancer. Fortunately, sunscreen defends the skin against UV rays by absorbing and reflecting sunlight.
- Avoids inflammation and redness
Too much time in the sun will result in sunburn, severe skin redness, and inflammation of the skin. The ultraviolet rays from the sun damage the skin, which becomes red when the body directs more blood to the affected area to repair the damage.
- Prevents wrinkles and fine lines from forming
When it comes to developing wrinkles and fine lines, one of the most effective preventive measures is sunscreen. Long-term exposure to UVA rays ages your skin prematurely and results in loss of collagen and skin elasticity. The fact is that up to 90% of visible signs of aging are caused by sun damage. By incorporating SPF into your daily skincare routine, you ward off early signs of aging with minimal effort.
- Avoids spots and hyperpigmentation
Uneven skin pigmentation (or hyperpigmentation) refers to parts of the skin becoming discolored or darkening in an inconsistent manner. This can be hereditary, but it can also be caused by sun exposure. Pigment spots can appear on the face, hands, and other parts of the body that are regularly exposed to the sun. The good news? There is a simple way to avoid dark spots (as well as sunburn, wrinkles, and skin cancer) - and the solution is to wear sunscreen year-round and not just in the summer.
Which SPF is best for daily use?
When choosing a sunscreen, look for the phrase "broad spectrum." This description signals that the formula protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Then check the SPF number (SPF) which assesses the sunscreen's effectiveness in blocking UV rays. For the best defense, choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 15.
How to apply a SPF?
- Prepare the skin first by applying a serum
- Distribute a suitable amount of sunscreen on your hands
- Rub your hands together to warm up the sunscreen
- Apply first to the face – forehead, nose, and cheeks
- Then work the rest of the sunscreen into the face. Apply to larger areas last – neck and chest
Our 5 most popular sunscreens
Isntree - Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel 50ml
Sunscreen containing SPF 50+ PA++++ to protect the skin from the sun's ultraviolet rays. The sun gel is formulated with ceramides and eight types of hyaluronic acids to hydrate the skin. Suitable for year-round use.
COSRX - Aloe Soothing Sun Cream 50ml
This lovely sunscreen not only helps to protect the skin from UVA and UVB rays, thanks to its concentrated content of aloe vera, it also provides intense moisture to the skin and strengthens its natural moisture barrier. Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++ is light in texture and is quickly absorbed by the skin, leaving it with a soft, fresh, and intensely hydrated feel.
Beauty of Joseon - Relief Sun 50ml
Sunscreen with SPF SPF 50+ PA++++ which effectively protects the skin from UVA and UVB rays. Contains ingredients from rice extract and grain-based probiotics that help keep the skin smooth and hydrated. Formulated without oxybenzone, octinoxate, and animal ingredients, making Relief Sun suitable for sensitive skin.
PURITO - Daily Go-To Sunscreen 60ml
Sunscreen with a strong UV protection on SPF 50+ PA++++. This unscented sunscreen contains centella asiatica extract and madecassoside to soothe and protect sun-irritated skin. Suitable for all skin types.
FRUDIA - Ultra UV Shield Sun Essence 50g
This moisturizing sunscreen has a light and thin consistency that provides long-lasting protection while binding moisture in the skin. Completely vegan, the sunscreen is EVE VEGAN certified and contains nutrient-rich extracts from vitamin-rich fruits. Free from parabens and artificial colorants.