Why are K-beauty sunscreens so good?

Korean skincare focuses on the health of the skin first and foremost, and its products contain nourishing ingredients to improve the skin’s resilience. One way K-beauty lovers protect their skin is through sunscreen!

We all know sunscreen is important to stop skin from burning, but K-beauty sunscreens do so much more. Korean skincare routines always have sunscreen as their 10th and final step as it is an integral part of maintaining strong skin. K-beauty users emphasise the importance of sunscreen, even on overcast days, as it prevents premature aging, hyperpigmentation, as well as sun damage. 

What are UV rays and how does Korean skincare combat them?

UV stands for Ultraviolet, referring to the wavelength of the light rays in terms of the colour spectrum. UV rays (or Ultraviolet Radiation) are invisible rays that come from the sun or an artificial source like sunbeds. 

There are different types of UV rays that Korean sunscreens protect against

UVA: 

These are rays that have a long wavelength that stretches from 315 to 400 nanometres (nm). Typically associated with ageing, wrinkles, and sunspots, UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin. The protection sunscreen provides against UVA is known as PA+, or Protection Grade. It’s a rating of how well the sunscreen protects against UVA, and because K-beauty sunscreens are so protective, most of them are PA++++ – the highest rating! 

UVB:

UVB rays have a shorter wavelength than UVA rays, stretching from 280 to 315 nm, and they damage the epidermis (top layer) of the skin. These rays are often associated with burning and even skin cancer, so finding a sunscreen that defends against UVB rays is important. Like with UVA rays, the protection a sunscreen offers against UVB rays has its own strength rating – SPF, or Sun Protection Factor. This is a measure of how long you may burn after applying it. SPF can range from 5 to 50, with SPF 50 - which most K-beauty sunscreens contain - blocking 98% of UVB rays and protecting you 50 times better compared with no sunscreen at all! 

K-beauty recognises the difference between chemical and physical sunscreen

Chemical sunscreens are sunscreens that use a chemical filter to shield the skin by converting UV rays into heat, which is then released from  the skin. They typically contain ingredients like Avobenzone that support this chemical process occurring, so your skin remains protected throughout the day. They are perfect for those who get frustrated with their sunscreen leaving a white cast, and want their sunscreen to be lightweight. 

NACIFIC’s Sun Essence SPF 50 PA++++ is not only white-cast-free and light in texture, it’s also infused with Calendula Flower and Damascus Rose, which brightens the skin and refines pores. It also soothes irritation and redness from the skin, leaving your complexion balanced and protected from the UV.

ROUND LAB’s Birch Juice Moisturising Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ is an award-winning K-beauty must-have! Designed to be a 2-in-1 moisturiser and sunscreen, it’s formulated to hydrate, nourish, and promote a younger-looking complexion. 

 

Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, contain ingredients like Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide to shield the skin by reflecting UV off the surface. This is a safer option for sensitive and acne-prone skin, as chemical sunscreens risk irritating the skin. However, they also have thicker textures compared to chemical sunscreens, so they may leave a white cast on the skin. 

HARUHARU WONDER’s Black Rice Pure Mineral Relief Daily Sunscreen is formulated with SPF 50+ and PA++++ protection, as well as defending the skin from the aging effects of blue light. Harnessing the benefits of Rice Bran Oil and Heartleaf Extract, this sunscreen calms irritated skin, ensuring your complexion remains healthy during the daytime. 

AXIS-Y’s Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ uses a patented peptide sequence called SYN-Coll, which promotes Collagen production in the skin, resulting in a wrinkle-free, bouncy complexion. It’s also packed with Hyaluronic Acid, which quenches your skin while protecting it against the sun.

Apply sunscreen the K-beauty way!

So, we know it’s the last step of your morning Korean skincare routine, but what’s the proper way to apply sunscreen?

Tip 1: When putting sunscreen on your face, and don’t know how much to wear, apply two lines of sunscreen on two of your fingers and massage thoroughly into your skin. This should be enough protection to cover your whole face!

Tip 2: Remember your neck and chest! It’s usually a neglected part of your skin, but if your neck and chest are also exposed to the sun, then the damage caused could lead to premature aging and sun damage.

Tip 3: Apply sunscreen 20-30 minutes before heading outside. This is so the sunscreen has enough time to absorb into the skin and to provide you with full sun protection.

Tip 4: Reapply sunscreen every 2 hours, and even more frequently if you’re outside all day, perspirating, or in water.