Sunscreen

What is sunscreen?

Sunscreen protects your skin from ultraviolet radiation. UVB rays cause sunburn. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, encourage dark spots and are responsible for most light-induced skin ageing. That’s why sun protection is considered the most important step in any anti-ageing routine – in winter and on cloudy days too.

SPF and PA – what do they mean?

• SPF (sun protection factor) shows how well a sunscreen protects against UVB. SPF 30 filters around 97% of UVB rays, SPF 50 about 98%.
• PA is an Asian rating for UVA protection, from PA+ to PA++++. The more plus signs, the higher the protection.
• In Europe, the UVA logo in a circle shows that UVA protection is adequate.

For your face, SPF 30 to 50 with PA+++ or PA++++ is recommended for everyday use.

Chemical or mineral filters?

• Chemical (organic) filters absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat. They are lightweight, invisible and ideal under make-up.
• Mineral filters such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are fine particles that stay on the skin’s surface. They are considered especially well tolerated by sensitive skin but can leave a slight white cast.

Many Korean sunscreens combine modern filters in very light textures – from gels and essences to sticks.

How much sunscreen do I need?

To get the protection stated on the label, you need around 2 mg of sunscreen per cm² of skin. For your face, that’s roughly a quarter of a teaspoon or the two-finger rule: two finger-lengths of sunscreen for face and neck. If you apply less, you’re much less protected than the label says.

How to use sunscreen

1. Apply it in the morning as the last skincare step, after your moisturiser.
2. Don’t forget your ears, neck and décolleté.
3. If you’re outdoors for longer, reapply every two hours and after swimming or sweating – a sun stick makes this easy on the go.
4. Remove it thoroughly in the evening, ideally with double cleansing.

Korean sunscreens

Korean sunscreens are known for their light, caring textures without a greasy film. Favourites from our range: the Relief Sun Rice + Niacinamide and the Relief Sun Aqua Fresh from Beauty of Joseon, the Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum from SKIN1004, the Birch Juice Moisturizing Sunscreen from ROUND LAB, the Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel from Isntree and the Matte Sun Stick from Beauty of Joseon for on the go. You’ll find all products in our Korean sunscreen collection.

What does the research say?

In a randomised trial in Australia with 903 adults, the group that used sunscreen daily for four and a half years showed no detectable increase in skin ageing. The comparison group, who used sunscreen at their own discretion, aged visibly more (Hughes et al., Annals of Internal Medicine, 2013).