Summer is here, we are finally in that season of the year many love. Longer days, shorter nights and a lot of BBQs, picnics or just get togethers at the park or even at the beach.
Spending more time outdoors also means that we have to look after our skin even more. This season of the year is amazing but summer also brings stronger UVB and UVA rays.
If you are wondering what these two are, let’s make it easy. UVB rays penetrate our outer skin layers and cause burning when we are overexposed resulting in sunburns and in extreme cases even blistering.
UVA rays are less intense than UVB rays, however they go deeper into the skin layers causing premature aging when the skin is overexposed. An interesting fact is that UVA rays are the ones that cause the tanning, however this happens when our skin tries to prevent further damage in the deeper layer by darkening which results in a tan (For more information about the effect of UV rays visit this link).
Now that we know more about UV rays, let’s talk about how to look after our skin while getting some vitamin D and having fun outdoors. Let’s talk about sunscreen.
Sunscreen creates that barrier on our outer skin layer, preventing the UV rays from penetrating into our skin. And there are two major formulas, the first one is chemical sunscreen they absorb the UV rays as they enter the skin and change them into heat and release it as infrared rays.
Generally, chemical sunscreen are lightweight, blendable and easy to re-apply throughout the day.
The second formula is physical sunscreen, these contain active mineral ingredients that sit on top of the outer layer of the skin and reflect the UVB and UVA rays stopping them from entering the inner layers.
Physical sunscreens tend to leave the white cast on top of the skin. They are better for sensitive skin but as they are mostly heavyweight and more visible they aren’t a great combination if you were to do your makeup.
Another factor of sunscreen is the SPF (Sun Protection Factor). This is just a range of different scales up to 100, but we see most commonly 30 or 50. An SPF 50 sunscreen blocks about 98% of UVB rays, but if you want to find out more about this make sure to visit this site.
Korean SPF are gaining great recognition around the globe for their formulation. Beside protecting your skin from UV rays, they also have active ingredients that help your skin complexion look healthier while protecting it. Here is our list of top rated Korean sunscreen:
Number 1: Purito – Centella Green Level Safe Sun SPF50+ PA++++ (Chemical SPF)
This is a highly rated product because of its great ingredient list, including Niacinamide and Centella Asiatica. Purito’s centella Green Level sunscreen is a chemical sunscreen with anti-aging and brightening ingredients that will have your skin protected and looking great.
Number 2: Natural Republic – Stick protector solar California Aloe Fresh Powdery Sun Stick SPF50+
This sunscreen was an amazing discovery for me, I have been using it this summer and I’m loving it. The only thing I’m not fond of is the scent. It’s not exactly unpleasant, I just prefer unscented products. It offers great protection without leaving a white cast or a greasy feeling on the skin.
Number 3: MISSHA – All-Around Safe Block Essence Sun SPF45 PA+++
I have personally used MISSHA SPF50++ cushion, so I’m a fan of their products. This SPF besides protecting your skin from UVB and UVA rays also has some great brightening and acne-fighting ingredients. It’s perfect for both dry and oily/acne-prone skin types.
Number 4: COSRX – Aloe Soothing Sun Cream + SPF50 PA+++
As many of you may know by now, I’m a fan of COSRX. This aloe soothing sun cream will soothe and soften your skin while protecting it. I haven’t personally used it, however many reviews describe it as a great product to use during the summer.
Number 5: Make P:Rem – UV Defense Me Blue Ray Sun Cream
Make P:Rem is one of those brands I have been wanting to test for a while. With its vegan formula this sunscreen has Centella Asiatica which promotes skin regeneration making it great for all skin types.
That is it for this week. Let us know if you have tested any of these products and which one has been your favourite so far.
