YOUR GUIDE TO KOREAN SUNSCREEN
WHY USE SUNSCREEN?
Sunscreen plays a crucial role in ensuring effective sun protection and optimal skin care. The sunscreen acts as a shield for the skin as it effectively prevents the UV rays from causing a harmful effect and increasing the aging process. UV rays are usually divided into two categories, both types the skin should be protected from in order to maintain a strong and healthy barrier.
We are exposed to UVA rays throughout the year, even on cloudy days, and the rays actually have the ability to penetrate glass. These rays penetrate deep into the skin and are known to cause early signs of aging, sun allergy, pigmentation and potentially trigger skin cancer. Therefore, it is crucial to choose a sunscreen with sufficient sun protection factor to effectively protect against UVA radiation.
UVB rays stimulate the production of vitamin D in the body, while promoting the production of melanin, a pigment that provides protection from the sun and gives a browner color. But UVB rays can also cause sun damage, allergic reactions and, in the worst case, skin cancer. These rays are largely influenced by clouds and the ozone layer, and the greatest intensity occurs when the sun is at its strongest between 12 noon and 3 pm during the day. To minimize the risk of injury, it is recommended to avoid exposure to direct sunlight during these hours.
So whether you want to prevent premature aging, protect yourself from sun allergies or maintain a healthy tan, using sunscreen with the appropriate sun protection factor is a crucial part of your daily skin care routine. It is important to be aware of the different types of UV rays and choose a sunscreen that provides a broad protection spectrum to achieve optimal sun protection, all year round.
WHAT ARE SPF AND PA?
SPF, or "Sun Protection Factor," indicates primary protection against UVB rays. To achieve comprehensive sun protection, it is important to choose broad-spectrum sunscreen, which also protects against UVA rays that can cause premature aging and increase the risk of skin cancer. Remember to apply sunscreen regularly, especially after swimming or sweating, to maintain effective protection against the sun's harmful rays on the skin.
The SPF factor indicates how effective protection you get from the sun with the sunscreen, compared to without the sunscreen. A sunscreen with SPF 30 provides 30 times better protection. It is recommended to use sunscreen with factor 30 or higher. The UVA protection should be at least one third of the sun factor of the sunscreen, so a higher factor also gives increased UVA protection.
Among the Korean beauty brands, you can see that in addition to "SPF" there is often also "PA" with a number of ''+'' characters after it.
PA is based on the PPD test, or persistent pigmentation darkening test. It measures the increase in the proportion of UVA that a person can theoretically be exposed to before the skin darkens. The PA system varies it from PA+ to PA++++. Here, ''PA++++'' is the maximum rating and means that it has a PPD value of 16. This means that a person can theoretically endure at least 16 times more UVA radiation when exposed to the sun with the sunscreen on, compared to without.
MINERAL FILTER OR CHEMICAL FILTER?
The sunscreens are equipped with sun filters that either block or reflect the sunlight away from the skin. In today's sunscreen we find two main types of sun filters: physical and chemical.
Physical filters in sunscreens work by physically blocking or reflecting the sun's rays, instead of interacting with the skin. Mineral sunscreens, which contain substances such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, provide a physical barrier against UV rays. The advantage of physical filters is that the skin can be exposed immediately after application, and it is easier to see if you have covered all the areas that should be protected from UV radiation.
The downside of physical filters, however, is that they can sometimes leave a white or light film on the skin, known as "whitecast."
Chemical filters in sunscreens are absorbed into the skin, where they protect by converting the UV rays from the sun into harmless wavelengths. Creams with chemical filters are usually well absorbed by the skin and are therefore easier to apply without visible residues on the skin.
There are also sunscreens available with combined filters, which take advantage of both physical and chemical filters to provide optimal sun protection.
In the end, it's the texture and additives that can determine which sunscreen suits your skin and your preferences, both in terms of how it feels on the skin and how it looks under different types of makeup.
We have selected some suggestions among our most popular sunscreens that may be of use to you:
Mary&May Cica Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA++++ is a vegan sun cream with high protection against UVA and UVB, enriched with Centella Asiatica, Hyaluronic Acid and Niacinamide. Suitable for all skin types, especially sensitive skin.
Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50+ PA++++ is an organic sunscreen with 30% rice extract and probiotics. With high UV protection together with nourishing and strengthening ingredients, this cream is completely free of fragrance, essential oils and silicone.
Etude Soon Jung X Director's Moisture Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ - A light and moisturizing sun cream with Panthenol to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier and Madecassoside to soothe irritated skin. The cream is hypoallergenic and easy to wash off.
Etude Soon Jung X Director's Mineral Filter Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ - is a light and moisturizing sun cream with Panthenol to hydrate and strengthen the skin barrier and Madecassoside for a soothing effect. The cream is formulated with mineral filters and is hypoallergenic.
Mixsoon Centella Sun Cream with SPF 50+ PA++++ - is perfect for those who want a light cream that absorbs quickly without feeling sticky. With Centella Asiatica, it has a soothing and cooling effect on irritated and sensitive skin.
COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50+ PA+++ - is a sun cream with a light texture that absorbs quickly. Protects the skin against UVA and UVB radiation, improves the skin's moisture barrier with Aloe Vera leaf extract. Suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin!