July 09, 2024Sun

Types of Sunscreen: Choosing The Best Sunscreen For Your Skin

Choosing the right sunscreen is essential for protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. With so many options available (Sunstick, Sun Cushion, Sun Cream, Sun Spray, etc.), it can be overwhelming to decide which one is best for you. Today, we'll explore some various types of sunscreen so you can have a better understanding of each type of sunscreen available in the market and choose the right one for your needs.

First of all, sunscreen can be categorized into chemical and mineral sunscreen. While both chemical and mineral (physical) ingredients can help protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, there are differences in how they work. A chemical SPF will have active ingredients that create a non-physical barrier between you and the sun. These ingredients, such as Octocrylene, Octisalate and Avobenzone, will absorb the sun’s rays and can, in some instances, offer better protection than mineral based sunscreens. These will take about 20-30 minutes to absorb into your skin, so you should not go out into the sun right after applying.

While a mineral sunscreen uses active natural ingredients such as Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide, which create an actual physical barrier between your skin and the harmful UV rays. They are rated “reef-safe,” meaning, next time you want to go snorkeling on holiday and you don’t want to harm the fish or coral reefs with chemicals that don’t occur naturally in their habitat? Mineral sunscreen would be a good choice.

Sunscreen can come in various forms, let’s explore some of them:

Sunscreen Stick. A sunscreen stick is in a solid stick type form, a convenient and portable way to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. They are usually formulated to adhere well to the skin and resist water and sweat, ensuring that protection remains even during active, sun-drenched hours. Sunscreen sticks often have a drier consistency, leaving no greasy residue on the skin. And ideal for targeted areas such as the eye area, ears, and neck. Sunscreen sticks are also recommended for reapplication thanks to their hands-free, compact, and travel-friendly packaging. Simply drop them into your daily bag and reapply SPF while on the go. If you have makeup on, sunscreen sticks usually will not ruin it. When choosing sunscreen sticks, be sure to test the texture to ensure it glides on smoothly and is not sticky or greasy.

M_CURIE Core Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++

M_CURIE Core Sun Stick contains three key ingredients: hyaluronic acid to deliver moisture into the skin, low-molecular peptides such as palmitoyl pentapeptide-4 to improve skin elasticity damaged by irritants like UV rays, and Houttuynia Cordata and Centella Asiatica to soothe tired and stressed skin. It provides a light, soft finish with blurring powder. No stickiness or a white cast. This product is also highly recommended for individuals who wear makeup, as it helps control sweat and sebum to prevent flaking.

Sunscreen Cushion. Sun cushions are basically sunblock in a cushion form and come with a puff for application. Sun cushions are popular in Korea for its convenience and ease of application especially for touch-ups throughout the day, and works well for both adults and kids. Sun cushions are typically small, so you can easily fit them into your pouch or bag. With the puff applicator provided, you do not need to use your hands, a plus point in terms of hygiene! If you wear makeup, reapplying sunscreen with the sun cushion is fuss-free and ensures your makeup stays intact!

Dr. Jecori Ampoule Cushion + Refill (SPF50+ PA++++)

Dr. Jecori Ampoule Cushion is a cushion foundation that contains an entire ampoule with French Hedera Helix extract and other premium anti-aging ingredients like Edelweiss Callus extract, Epidermal Growth Factor, and Peptides. It provides skincare benefits that help with anti-aging and skin elasticity, along with sun protection (SPF50+ PA++++). Offering medium to high coverage, it leaves your skin with a glowy and dewy finish.

Sunscreen Serum. Sunscreen serum is a serum-like sunscreen that is super lightweight, hydrating and fast-absorbing. Unlike traditional sunscreen, their primary function is to protect our skin from harmful UV rays, and provide skincare benefits. No white cast, and non-sticky. Sunscreen serum also offers a natural, dewy finish.

BEIGIC Revitalizing CE Sunscreen (SPF50+ PA++++)

BEIGIC Revitalizing CE Sunscreen (vegan) is an antioxidant sun essence that provides effective protection against harmful UV rays (SPF50+ PA++++) and blue light, while also delivering moisture and essential nutrients to the skin. It is lightweight and gives a dewy effect. This sunscreen contains vitamin C and E, offering skin benefits such as brightening and anti-aging. With a non-sticky essence formula, it absorbs quickly into the skin.

Sunscreen Cream. A sunscreen cream or sun cream is basically a cream type sunscreen that works to prevent sunburn, protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Compared to a sun serum, sun creams are usually thicker.

iLomys Renew Derm No.4 Sun Cream (SPF50+ PA+++)

iLomys Renew Derm No.4 Sun Cream offers high sun protection (SPF50+ PA+++), hydrates, and soothes the skin. It does not leave the skin feeling sticky and keeps it oil-free for longer periods. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.

iLomys Renew Derm UV Defence BB Cream (SPF46 PA++)

This BB Cream is a tinted sunscreen, a natural and perfect makeup base and sunblock. It brightens your skin tone, covers blemishes, and blocks UV rays (SPF46 PA++). We recommend applying a regular sunscreen first, then layering with this BB cream for a tone-up look.

Ceramine UV Protector Sunscreen (SPF50+ PA+++)

Ceramine UV Protector Sunscreen is a mild and hypoallergenic sunscreen with high sun protection (SPF50+ PA+++). It contains safe and mild ingredients that help to soothe and care for irritated skin. This 100% mineral sunscreen is moisturizing and can be used as a base before applying makeup.

Sunscreen Gel. Gel based sunscreens are lightweight, easily glides on the skin and absorbs quickly. They are non-sticky and do not leave a white cast on your skin due to its water-based formulation.

Sunscreen Spray. Sunscreen spray comes in an aerosol can, offering a quick and convenient way to get sun protection especially if you are going on a vacation, to a park, pool, or participating in any outdoor activities. Dispensed in a fine mist formula, it allows you to cover any area of your body and get sun coverage in seconds! Sunscreen sprays are usually ideal for body use.

Sunscreen Lotion. Sunscreen lotions have a fluid consistency, they are thinner and lighter than sun creams, making them easier to spread. They are often recommended for use on the body.

Sun Patches. They act as a physical UV barrier between the sun and your skin, and are usually applied onto your cheeks. It is also a trending beauty product in Korea and has gone viral on social media platforms such as TikTok. Sun Patches are widely used when participating in long outdoor activities and especially popular with golfers.