We know the importance of sunscreen, but it’s even more important to choose the right one that provides broad-spectrum protection. A broad-spectrum sunscreen can protect your skin against both UVA and UVB rays, both of which are harmful to the skin. Before we jump into the products, here are some sunscreen facts you should know.
What does broad-spectrum sunscreen mean?
SPF and broad-spectrum are not interchangeable terms. SPF refers to the Sun Protection Factor, which is the degree of UVB protection a product provides. Meanwhile, sunscreen that is labelled as broad-spectrum means the provided UVA protection is relative to the UVB protection. This means the higher the product’s SPF is, the higher the UVA protection (PA+) is.
What is the difference between UVA and UVB?
When compared to UVB rays, UVA rays penetrate your skin deeper and are present throughout the year, rain or shine. They’re also the leading cause of premature ageing, wrinkles, tanning and skin cancer. Meanwhile, UVB rays are more prevalent in sunny climates and are the culprit behind sunburns, skin discolouration and skin cancer. Therefore, it’s important to shield your skin from these two types of rays. Check out this list of sunscreens you can use to protect your skin from those rays.
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Does your sunscreen turn your makeup greasy before they break apart? Fret not! Supergoop!’s 100% Mineral Matte Matte Screen is designed to sit perfectly under your makeup with its pore blurring, matte finish. Formulated with argan oil, vitamin E and butterfly bush extract, it keeps your skin healthy, happy and protected against sun damage.
Does your sunscreen end up stinging and burning your already dry skin upon application? What you need is the In-Transit Skin Defense with SPF30. The antioxidant-packed sunscreen is formulated to prevent premature ageing, fight against free radicals and environmental stressors. Slap some on before you step out of your home, and reapply in the afternoon if the weather is especially hot.
Just because you have oily skin doesn’t mean you should skip out on sunscreen. For a non-greasy and matte sunscreen, the Biore UV Perfect Milk is what you need to keep your skin fresh all day long. It’s also water- and sweat-resistant for maximum protection against harmful UV rays.
Redness? Sensitivity? Irritation? What you need is First Aid Beauty's Ultra Repair Tint Cream to soothe, hydrate and protect your skin. It's formulated with colloidal oatmeal, allantoin, hyaluronic acid and natural pigments. They all work as a nourishing cream to alleviate your skin concerns while providing you with natural coverage.
Spreading thick and goopy sun cream over dry skin can turn into a flakey nightmare. Luckily, the Sunplay Skin Aqua UV Moisturising Gel has a hydrating and smooth gel texture that will not bunch up on dry skin. Formulated with hyaluronic acid and arbutin, the broad-spectrum sunscreen keeps dry skin and sun damage at bay.
On a hot sunny day, keep your skin protected and fresh with Sunplay’s Watery Cool Mist. The cooling spray is formulated with a combination of UV filters, menthol, vitamin C and E to give your skin long-lasting protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Sunscreens are notorious for being dense, sticky and some can clog pores even. Luckily, Biore’s UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence with SPF 50 and PA+++ is formulated to be non-greasy, non-sticky and lightweight, and that’s suitable for all skin types. You can use it for both your face and body as well, so you don't have to buy two different ones.
Glide your worries away with Supergoop!’s 100% Mineral Sunscreen Stick. Easy to use, quick and convenient, this handy stick provides effective and water-resistant sun protection thanks to the infusion of zinc oxide. It also contains avocado oil and chia seed oil to nourish dry skin and fight free radicals.