How do I pick right sunsreen for my skin type & right occasion?

How do I pick right sunsreen for my skin type & right occasion?

Dr Joyce Lim, a dermatologist who has a clinic at Paragon Medical Suites, shows you how.

Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen which blocks off not only UVA rays, which penetrate deeper into the skin and cause it to age faster, but also UVB rays, which burn the surface of the skin and can cause skin cancer.

Pick sunscreens which contain SPF (Sun Protection Factor, which screens UVB rays) and PA (Protection Grade, which screens UVA rays).

A minimum of SPF 15 PA++ would be sufficient for a regular work day when you spend most of your time in the office. On a day when you plan to spend plenty of time outdoors, pick a sunscreen with higher protection, such as one with at least SPF 50 and PA++++ (the highest protection grade) sun cream.

Apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and re-apply after swimming or perspiring.

If you prefer a sunscreen which is transparent and smooth so your make-up sits seamlessly on top, pick chemical sunscreens which work by absorbing the rays and turning them into heat. However, the heat and tingling sensation generated from chemical sunscreens as they absorb the rays can cause sensitive skin to be irritated.

Chemical sun filters include oxybenzone, avobenzone and octocrylene.

For those with sensitive skin, pick physical sunscreens.

These formulas leave a white cast on the skin and work by reflecting and scattering the sun's damaging rays. Physical sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide.

If you have acne-prone skin, choose creams which are non-comedogenic and oil-free.

URBAN RECOMMENDS:

For a day in the sun

Daylong SPF 50+ Face & Body Gel (photo 1)
$32.90, from selected pharmacies

Made for sensitive, oily or sun-allergic skin, it contains vitamin E to protect and has a matte finish.

Sco Sunlover Bodyscreen SPF 50 PA+++ (photo 2)
$25, from Strip, Browhaus and Spa Esprit outlets

A lightweight sunscreen for the body, blended with sodium hyaluronate to moisturise and olive leaf extract to help heal sun-damaged skin. Suitable for sensitive skin.

Bioderma Dry Touch Photoderm Max SPF 50+ UVA 36 (photo 3)
$44.90, from selected Guardian stores

It claims to protect up to 99.8 per cent of the skin to prevent sun damage.

Hada Labo Air Aqua UV Day Emulsion in Fresh (photo 4)
$19.90, from selected personal care stores

A non-sticky sunscreen with brightening properties. Suitable for oily skin.

For daily use

Nivea Sun Whitening Light Texture Milk Serum in Nude Glow SPF 50 PA++ (photo 5)
$15.90, from selected Watsons and FairPrice outlets

A lightweight tinted sunscreen which can also be used as a make-up base.

Soap & Glory Make Yourself Youthful Sunshield Superfluid SPF 50+ (photo 6)
$45, from Sephora stores

Lightweight and mattifying, it evens out the skin tone too.

Benefit Specialist Dream Screen SPF 45 PA+++ (photo 7)
$50, from Benefit counters

A moisturising sunscreen which has a barely-there feel, it is oil- and fragrance-free.

For Beloved One Melasleep System Sunscreen Protection SPF 32++ (photo 8)
$52, from Sephora stores

A moisturising and brightening sunscreen.


This article was first published on Oct 17, 2014.
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