[Monthly Project] #4 It's All About Sunscreen🌞

Monthly Project (March 2017)

#4 It's All About Sunscreen

"Monthly Project" is a new segment whereby I will be sharing about different topics related to skincare and/or makeup end of each month - to bring more content in a dynamic way, in which hopefully could be more applicable and relate-able to you.

Coming to 4th volume. Let's get serious about sunblock (or, sunscreen). After all, it is the golden rule for skincare to apply your sunscreen. Hopefully this monthly project is able to give you a more in-depth understanding of the sunscreen you are applying daily.

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Mum told me to apply sunblock as she started to spot freckles growing on my face. That was when I am still studying in primary school.

I remember I didn't like putting on sunblock because they are usually oily on the skin. Little did we (mum and I) know, actually there is a difference between sunblock and sunscreen, and there are many more brands/products out there in the market which eventually I will find one that suits my skin.

⊂((・▽・))⊃⊂((・▽・))⊃⊂((・▽・))⊃

FAQ - All You Need to Know About Sunscreen

Q : What is sunscreen? How does it work?

A : Sunscreen, a.k.a suncream or sunblock, is a lotion, spray, gel or other topical product that absorbs or reflects some of the sun's ultraviolet radiation and thus helps protect against sunburn. (answer quoted from wikipedia, btw)

Q : What does SPF stand for? What does it measure?

A : Sun Protection Factor (SPF) is the general term used to estimate the amount of UV radiation it normally takes to sunburn one’s skin with protective sunscreen. The “A” in UVA stands for ‘Aging’; the “B” in UVB stands for ‘Burning’. (cr. OncoSec Medical Incorporated)

Q : What are the effects if exposed to sunlight without SPF?

A : You may suffer from hyper-pigmentation, blemishes, difficulty in removing acne scars, premature aging (e.g. wrinkle and fine lines) and skin cancer.

Q : How do you measure SPF?

A : There is no fix measurement when it comes to SPF. Generally, 1 SPF = 10 minutes of sun protection. For instance, a product with SPF15 would give you 2hr 30mins of sun protection, and you are recommended to reapply your sunscreen every 2hr 30mins. For those whose skin are more sensitive to sun-rays, the measurement might have to be adjusted to 1 SPF = 5 minutes of sun protection, and they are highly recommended to reapply sunscreen as often as they could to stay sun-protected.

Q : How many types of sun protective lotions out there? How to differentiate?

A : There are two types – physical and chemical.

  (1) Sunblock, the physical type, sits on top of the skin acting as a shield/barrier between your skin and damaging UV rays by reflecting/scattering UVB light. It is measured by "SPF". The higher the SPF value, the longer sun protection you will get. Look for products with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Usually these ingredients will leave a white cast on top of your skin.

  (2) Sunscreen, the chemical type, penetrates the skin and absorbs the UVA rays before they are able to reach and damage your dermal layer. It is measured by "PA (Protection Grade of UVA)" followed by "+" sign. The more "+" behind, the stronger UVA protection you will get. PA+++ is the maximum which shows very good protective abilities against UVA rays. Look for products with octocrylene, avobenzone, octinoxate, ecamsule and etc.

(ノ*゜▽゜*)(ノ*゜▽゜*)(ノ*゜▽゜*)

Today I am going to briefly share with you 5 sunscreen/sunblock products which I have at home currently. Let's get started! :D

(1) Etude House's Sunprise Must Daily SPF50+ PA+++

Etude House's Sunprise Must Daily SPF50+ PA+++ | 50g / 1.76 fl. oz.

This sunscreen product from Etude House is light-weight lotion which makes it easier for the skin to absorb and non-sticky, at least that's the case for dry/combination skin. My dad and sister have oily skin, and they commented this product is a bit oily for them. One of the reasons why I enjoy this product is because it is rather affordable.

From the ingredient list, both octinoxate and homosalate land 2nd and 3rd place respectively on the list, while titanium dioxide not being included in the top 10 ingredient, which explains why it looks natural after applying this product. Meanwhile, some people might experience tingling sensation as alcohol (besides, water) is used as a solvent here.

I bought this product from Althea for RM25.


(2) Tonymoly's My Sunny All-In-One Sun SPF45 PA+++

Tonymoly's My Sunny All-In-One Sun SPF45+ PA+++ | 100ml / 3.52 fl. oz.

This is my second purchase of sunscreen product from Tonymoly, and I'm absolute in love with their sunscreen product line.

It is a lotion-type sunscreen. It might be a bit oily for oily skin type, but it is a perfect match for me. It has both chemical and physical sun protective ingredients on the top 5 in the list.

The reason why they named it "All-In-One" is because it not only provides sun protection, but also whitening, moisturizing, nourishing and revising skin tone (5-in-1). On top of that, it contains 54% of moisture base which explains why it would be oily to certain people, but it wasn't an issue for me. Instead, it makes a good base to maintain skin moisture level under my makeup for the whole day.

I bought this product from Gmarket for about RM50 during buy 1 free 1 promotion season. (*price may varies due to foreign exchange)


(3) Shingmulnara's Oxygen Water Waterproof Sun Spray SPF50+ PA+++

Shingmulnara's Oxygen Water Waterproof Sun Spray SPF50+ PA+++

This spray-type sunscreen product was recommended by HanByul, one of my favourite beauty Youtuber (check out her video here). She demonstrated how light-weight this product is on her video, and I promised to myself that I must get this item when I get to South Korea. And I bought it :)

Just like I expected, I'm in love with this product instantly! The spray is very light-weight and the particles are very fine. Not only it protects the skin from UV rays, but also it provides water-pumping complex ingredients, such as aloe vera, cactus and rose of jericho (a.k.a. resurrection plant), which also explains why it might feels a slightly sticky when the particles land on the skin, but the feeling soon fades off after the product being absorbed into the skin.

I think its sleek design is very handy for outdoor activities. It is very easy to use. All you need is to spray it on the skin surface which you think need sun protection. Very suitable for lazy person, like me :p

I bought this product from South Korea's local drugstore, Olive Young, for about RM55 for twin pack. (*price may varies due to foreign exchange)


(4) Banana Boat's Ultra Protect Sunscreen Lotion SPF50 PA+++ with Aloe Vera

Banana Boat's Ultra Protect Sunscreen Lotion SPF50 PA+++ with Aloe Vera | 90ml / 3 fl. oz.

This sunscreen product belongs to my mum. Since I need more sunscreen products to make up my project, so I borrowed it from her. (heh)

Banana Boat has gained quite a good name in producing high SPF products, at least I know people usually get them when they go for fishing. I think it is generally good when apply on body parts other than the face. Why? Cause it is a bit too oily for my case.

Meanwhile, I did a brief research on its ingredient list. Later than I found out that there are at least 3 ingredients that are rated as hazardous: Benzophenone-3 (ranking no.3 on the full ingredient list), Retinyl Palmitate and Propylparaben.

Due to the above stated reasons, I'm giving a low rating for this product and will not recommend it.


(5) Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Pure-Mild Sunblock Lotion SPF50+ PA+++

Neutrogena's Ultra Sheer Pure-Mild Sunblock Lotion SPF50+ PA+++ | 80ml

Again, this product doesn't belong to me. It was a present for dad since we (mum and I) thought he needs sun protection as his first step of anti-aging.

I wasn't into researching ingredient list when we purchased this product. Little did I know that, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (the 2 main ingredients for physical sun protective lotion) lands on top 3 on the product's full ingredient list, which makes it a physical sunblock officially. meh :(

Not only it is heavy on the skin makes it harder to blend it into the skin, it also leaves noticeable layer of white cast ,which looks unnatural in overall. TBH it was kinda awkward to ask my dad to wear this sunblock cause he will look super fair and oily after application.

I tried it myself as well. Knowing the above facts, I try to control the amount of product to apply on my face. In some senses, it worked. However, it feels a whole lot different when compared with other sunscreen products.

So officially, I will say "bye bye" to this product...

(￣▽￣)ノ(￣▽￣)ノ(￣▽￣)ノ

Do you know?

> You should always wear sunscreen when you're outside, ... even you're in a shade! <

> The risk of Melanoma (the most serious skin cancer) doubles if you had 5 or more sunburns! <

> Specialists recommend using SPF15 or higher, but don't go above SPF50 as it's merely marketing. <

> You should put on sunscreen at least 20 mins before going under the sun. <

> You should reapply sunscreen after swimming. <

> Product A (SPF20) + Product B (SPF30) ≠ SPF50 protection. The largest amount of SPF rules. <

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Sun protection is the golden rule of anti-aging skincare routine. You might not see the result instantly, but guarantee you will in 20 years of time.

The earlier you start to apply your sunscreen, the more your skin gonna thank you! (quote from Michelle Phan)

To those who finished reading this post, here's a song as a reward~

'Til the next time. Cheers! ^_^