Your Ultimate Sunscreen Guide for a Worry-free Summer

When it comes to taking care of your skin, sunscreen is the ultimate wingman. If you had to keep one product only, let it be sunscreen, we dare say. Shielding you from the sun's harmful UV rays, which can cause skin damage, premature aging, and increase your risk of skin cancer, sunscreen is essential to your everyday ritual.

But before hitting that add to cart button, it’s important to understand why sunscreen is necessary. The sun emits UV radiation and infrared light, which causes our skin to produce free radicals that inhibit collagen production and decrease our elastin. Aside from causing sunburn and skin cancer, UV rays can also cause premature aging, including wrinkles, age spots, and sagging skin.

What Are the Different Types of Sunscreens?

By composition, mineral and chemical are the two main categories of sunscreens. Mineral sunscreens comprise zinc oxide or titanium dioxide that are broken down into smaller particles when applied onto the skin. They form a barrier on the skin to reflect light away. Chemical sunscreens use synthetic ingredients, such as oxybenzone or homosalate, which penetrate the skin, where they absorb and dissipate UV radiation. While both are effective, mineral sunscreens are well-suited for sensitive skin, but might leave a white cast. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, work for all skin tones, but can dissipate in water and harm the environment.

SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor, which measures how effectively a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB radiation, the type of radiation that causes sunburn, skin damage, and increases the risk of skin cancer. The SPF number on a sunscreen label indicates how long it will take for your skin to burn when using that sunscreen compared to how long it would take to burn without any sunscreen. It’s also important to note that the higher the SPF, the greater the protection from UV rays. An SPF 15 sunscreen blocks about 93% of UVB radiation, while an SPF 30 sunscreen blocks about 97%, and an SPF 50 sunscreen blocks about 98%.

How Do I Apply Sunscreen?

The proper application is essential to maximize the protective effects of sunscreen. Any other skincare products should be applied before the sunscreen to ensure maximum protection. Dermatologists recommend applying a generous amount to cover the entire face and other exposed areas. If you choose cream sunscreens, make sure to rub it thoroughly and evenly, before letting it dry completely. Finally, don’t forget to reapply sunscreen every two hours or immediately after swimming, sweating, or towel drying. If you're spending extended periods of time outdoors, it's important to apply sunscreen approximately every two hours.

How Do I Choose the Best Sunscreen According to My Skin Type?

This is where personal preference comes into play. Among the plethora of consistencies and textures, it’s mostly important to choose one that provides a broad spectrum protecting against both UVA and UVB and with high SPF. Don’t forget to consider your personal skincare needs:

• People with oily skin should choose an oil-free and non-comedogenic sunscreen to avoid pore clogging and shine.
• People with dry or mature skin might want to choose a chemical sunscreen, which is less likely to settle into fine lines and wrinkles. Some sunscreens are also boosted with beneficial ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to hydrate the skin or with antioxidants such as vitamin C.
• Finally, people with sensitive or acne-prone skin should stick to mineral sunscreens, which are less irritating.

Our Top 2023 Sunscreen Recommendations in Singapore

If, after all our advice, you’re still unsure, here are our top picks of 2023!

Beauty of Joseon | S$13

This TikTok sensation truly deserves the hype. Enriched with rice extract and a probiotic complex, this chemical sunscreen is best suited for dry and sensitive skin.

Isntree Hyaluronic Acid Natural Sun Cream | S$15.20

The Isntree chemical sunscreen has a watery consistency for easy absorption and leaves no white cast. It does a great job at protecting the skin from UV while brightening and moisturizing it.

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La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMune 400 SPF50+ | S$25.30

La Roche-Posay has been a skincare staple for years. The Anthelios UVMune 400 has a broad-spectrum protection to protect skin from both UVA and UVB and prevent any damage. Its ultra-fluid consistency is non-greasy, non-sticky and suits all skin types, and the sunscreen comes in either invisible or tinted.

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Supergoop (Re)setting Refreshing Mist SPF 40 | S$56

Although more expensive, the Supergoop! products are worth the splurge. This mist is the perfect accessory to reapply sunscreen on makeup during the day. Its matte finish will do wonders on oily skin.

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Banana Boat Aqua Sunscreen | S$20.90

Available in most drugstores, the Banana Boat sunscreen is the ideal sunscreen for hotter weather. More suited for normal to dry skin, this sunscreen has a creamy texture and a dewy finish.

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Shiseido Clear Suncare Stick SPF 50+ PA++++ | S$40

Suited for all skin types and concerns, the Shisheido Clear Suncare Stick is the perfect tool to take with you during the day and reapply. Its mate finish is particularly helpful to reapply on makeup. 

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