【#Vivien Yeo’s Beauty & Lifestyle】Have you truly done enough sun protection, the first step towards skin whitening?

The scorching summer days are here, and we can all feel the heat of the sun. To protect our fair and smooth skin, beauty-conscious ladies are making every effort to take sun protection measures. Choosing the right sunscreen product that suits you is truly important! But have you ever thought about whether you are using sunscreen correctly?

Why is using sunscreen so crucial for protecting the skin?

Sunscreen is not just a summer thing but a necessary skincare step throughout the year. When it comes to whitening skincare, we often hear "sunscreen is the first step," but do you truly understand the reasons behind it?

(1) Preventing Skin Cancer: Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are one of the primary causes of skin cancer. Prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially without protection, increases the risk of developing skin cancer. The active ingredients in sunscreen can block the harmful effects of UV rays, reducing the risk of skin cancer and keeping your skin safer.

(2) Preventing Skin Aging: UVA rays from the sun are one of the primary factors contributing to skin aging. These rays can penetrate through clouds and windows, reaching deep into the skin layers and damaging collagen and elastic fibers, leading to the formation of wrinkles, sagging, and pigmentation. Using sunscreen can effectively block UVA rays, slowing down the skin's aging process and preserving its youthfulness and elasticity.

(3) Preventing Sunburn: It is widely known that prolonged exposure to sunlight, especially during hot summer days, can result in sunburn. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn, causing skin redness, pain, and peeling. Proper use of sunscreen can provide a barrier, reducing the risk of sunburn and allowing you to enjoy the sun without worrying about getting burned.

(4) Protecting against Hyperpigmentation: UV rays from sunlight are one of the main factors contributing to the formation of hyperpigmentation. Excessive exposure, especially without proper protection, can stimulate the activity of melanocytes, resulting in the formation of dark spots and uneven pigmentation. Using sunscreen can help reduce the risk of hyperpigmentation, maintaining a bright and even skin tone.

Understanding UVA and UVB:

Simply put, UVA and UVB are two forms of ultraviolet (UV) radiation emitted by the sun. UVA is long-wave UV radiation that can penetrate through clouds and glass, and it has some impact on skin aging and the formation of wrinkles. UVB, on the other hand, is short-wave UV radiation that primarily causes sunburn and redness on the skin. It is also one of the main factors contributing to skin cancer.

To protect the skin from the harmful effects of these ultraviolet rays, it is important to use sunscreen products that can block both UVA and UVB. These products are commonly referred to as broad-spectrum sunscreens, providing comprehensive protection. Therefore, when choosing sunscreen products, remember to ensure that they have broad-spectrum capabilities so that they can effectively safeguard your skin from the damage of ultraviolet radiation.

The difference between physical sunscreen and chemical sunscree

Physical sunscreen

Physical sunscreen contains active ingredients, typically zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, which form a protective barrier on the skin's surface. This barrier reflects the UV rays to prevent them from entering the skin. The advantage of this type of sunscreen is that it takes effect immediately, without any waiting time, so the skin is protected right away. Additionally, physical sunscreen is generally more suitable for sensitive skin as it is less likely to cause allergic reactions.

However, there are also some drawbacks. Firstly, physical sunscreens tend to be thicker and may leave a white residue on the skin, making it less easy to blend in. Additionally, since they form a protective barrier on the skin's surface, they can be easily washed off by sweat and water, requiring regular reapplication to maintain protection. Lastly, physical sunscreens cannot completely block both UVA and UVB rays, so prolonged exposure to sunlight can still cause damage to the skin.

Chemical sunscree

Chemical sunscreens differ from physical sunscreens as they contain chemical ingredients such as oxybenzone, octinoxate, and octocrylene. These ingredients can effectively block UVA rays and are easily absorbed by the skin. They also provide effective absorption of UVB rays, thus protecting the skin. The advantages of chemical sunscreens are that they are generally lightweight and easy to spread evenly on the skin, without leaving a white residue. Additionally, they have good durability and are less likely to be washed off by sweat and water.

What is SPF & PA?

SPF（Sun Protection Factor）：
SPF is an indicator that measures the sun protection capability of sunscreen products against ultraviolet B (UVB) rays. It represents the amount of time it takes for the skin to burn when using the product compared to not using any sunscreen. A higher SPF indicates a longer duration of protection.

PA（Sun protection level）：
PA is an indicator that measures the sun protection ability of a sunscreen product against ultraviolet A (UVA) rays. UVA is a long-wave ultraviolet ray that contributes to skin aging and the formation of wrinkles. The PA rating is represented by a "+" sign, with more "+" signs indicating higher UVA protection.

What is the sufficient SPF level to choose for sun protection?

The sufficient SPF level for sunscreen depends on your skin type, duration of sun exposure, and environment. If you spend most of your time indoors, such as working in an office, SPF 15 or 30 is usually adequate. However, if you frequently work outdoors, it is recommended to choose a sunscreen with an SPF of 50 or higher. It is important not to assume that a higher SPF is always better, as it indicates a higher concentration of sunscreen ingredients that may potentially cause allergies with long-term use. Therefore, it is advisable to understand your skin type and choose a product that suits you. Do not rely solely on high SPF products for daily skincare, but rather use sunscreen appropriately and complement it with other sun protection measures to safeguard your skin.

How often should sunscreen be reapplied?

The frequency of sunscreen reapplication depends on several factors, including your level of activity, duration of sun exposure, frequency of sweating, and contact with water. As a general guideline, it is recommended to reapply sunscreen every two hours to ensure continuous protection for your skin, especially in environments with intense sunlight. If you swim, engage in sports, or participate in vigorous activities that cause sweating or contact with water, it is advised to reapply sunscreen immediately. Even if a sunscreen product claims to be waterproof or sweat-resistant, its protective effectiveness may diminish after contact with water.

There are also specific situations where sunscreen should be reapplied immediately. After wiping the skin with a towel, it is recommended to reapply sunscreen. Additionally, when exposed to sunlight for an extended period, it is advisable to reapply sunscreen more frequently to ensure continuous protection.

Tips to enhance sun protection and prevent tanning:

In addition to external sun protection, enhancing internal sun protection is also crucial. GLOWHITE contain a high dose of Siliphos®️, which effectively reduces the damage caused by both UVA and UVB rays to skin cells, especially providing significant protection against UVA-1, which has the highest penetration power. Moreover, it can repair cellular DNA, preventing continuous damage from UV rays and reducing the formation of melanin. I take two capsules every day, ensuring both external and internal sun protection, to maintain a fair and smooth complexion throughout the year! 😊