SUN PROTECTION

Skincancer.org explains: UV radiation is part of the natural energy produced by the sun. On the electromagnetic spectrum, UV light has shorter wavelengths than visible light, so your eyes can’t see UV, but your skin can feel it. Tanning beds also emit UV radiation.

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Two types of UV light are proven to contribute to the risk for skin cancer:

• Ultraviolet A (UVA) has a longer wavelength and is associated with skin ageing. UVA radiation is proven to contribute to the development of skin cancer.
• Ultraviolet B (UVB) has a shorter wavelength and is associated with skin burning. UVB penetrates and damages the outermost layers of your skin. Overexposure causes suntan, sunburn and, in severe cases, blistering.

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Unprotected exposure to UVA and UVB damages the DNA in skin cells, producing genetic defects, or mutations, that can lead to skin cancer (as well as premature ageing.) These rays can also cause eye damage, including cataracts and eyelid cancers. A majority of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSC) and a large percentage of melanomas are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun.

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This may sound pretty scary but imagine that we still have a great way to enjoy outdoor activities! We can protect our skin against UV exposure with broad-spectrum sunscreens and sun-safe clothing, hats and eyewear.

However, if a product with a specific SPF effectively blocks UVB rays, this does not guarantee UVA protection. For this reason, it is essential to look for a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum lotion. Broad-spectrum sunscreens block UVA rays in the same proportions that SPF blocks UVB. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen will protect skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn, damages skin, and can contribute to skin cancer.

Korean brands use a different system. You will probably not find the letters UVA and UVB on their products. Instead, look for SPF for UVB protection and PA+++ for UVA protection. PA is short for Protection Grade of UVA.

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Sun protection products are a crucial part of the Korean 10-step routine. It is slowly but surely making its way into the European consciousness and daily skincare routine. Korean sun protection products have been creating buzz for some time, and many brands are trying to copy their innovative texture and formula stability.

I remember those days, and it was not such a long time ago when putting a sun protection cream on your face was a nightmare. The usual creams made the skin shiny and sticky, and let's not forget the famous white cast effect. The white cast was a problem for most people, not to mention people with darker skin tones. It was a real struggle, and it took a long time for people to realize that protecting their skins should be a crucial part of their healthcare. Fortunately, the lightweight and soft Korean sun protection products popularized using sun creams. Using sun creams daily is making a positive change towards skin health.

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I use sun protection cream with an SPF50 every day, and I also try to reapply it during the day. I always keep my SPF50 in my handbag, and I cannot leave the house without it. I often use other products containing sun protective factors against UVA and UVB, such as glow bases, daily creams, foundations and even mists. Every person can find their product of choice in this wide range.

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HEIMISH ARTLESS GLOW BASE SPF50+/PA+++

Artless Glow Base is a multifunctional product that not only protects your skin from harmful UVA and UVB but also brightens your skin and evens your skin tone all at once. The base can be used alone for sun protection and a glowy look or as a primer before make-up application for a longer-lasting effect. The texture is very light, almost like a serum and it absorbs nicely into the skin leaving it glowy and smooth. It has a subtle pleasant scent.

The base is suitable for all skin types. I personally use the base as a primer during the wintertime as it makes my make-up last longer and my skin looks smoother. I use the glow base on its own during summer because it protects my skin from sun damage and it makes my skin look glowy and bright. I also love the light texture and pleasant scent.

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FAU SKIN SOLUTION BB SPF37/ PA++

FAU BB cream has excellent coverage and keeps the skin hydrated and flawless. The beauty balm protects your skin against exposure to UVA and UVB with an SPF37 and PA ++.

You can easily apply it with a sponge that is inside. You can remove the sponge and clean it as often as needed. The sponge is similar to a beauty blender, and it makes applying make-up so much easier. It is also mess-free and more hygienic.

The BB cream has a light texture. However, it covers any imperfections and blemishes with ease. It keeps the skin moist, hydrated and fresh-looking. It contains soothing ingredients like Centella Asiatica and Allantoin and moisturizing Mango Seed Butter. Also, it’s infused with an advanced anti-ageing serum to diminish the appearance of wrinkles and pores to create a more radiant, supple, and flawless-looking complexion. The BB cream is suitable for sensitive skin as well. You can choose from three shades: original, mocha and hazelnut.

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BANOBAGI MILK THISTLE REPAIR SUNSCREEN PLUS SPF 45/ PA+++

After selling 1M of Banobagi Milk Thistle sunscreens, the company launched an enhanced version with upgraded ingredients to celebrate its success. Banobagi added more skin-firming and brightening ingredients and created the plus version. It is a chemical type of sunscreen.

The company added soothing ingredients such as Centella Asiatica, Madecassoside, Milk Thistle Extract or Burweed fruit Extract, so their sunscreen passed the irritation test. People with sensitive skin tolerate this sunscreen well. The sunscreen contains five types of peptides, Adenosine, Allantoin, Glycerin and extracts from sunflower and blueweed seed. All these ingredients keep your skin moist, soothed and hydrated. For a brighter complexion, they added Niacinamide and Glutathione.

The texture is a light, watery lotion that absorbs well into the skin without leaving it white or sticky. It has a mild scent and a slim tube that fits into a handbag nicely, so it is easy to carry it around and reapply. I like to use this product because it keeps my skin sun-protected, moist, and hydrated.

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LAPOTHICELL AIRY FIT SUN PROTECTION STICK SPF 50+ PA++++

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This sun protection product is suitable for oily to normal skin types. It also provides the skin with moisture and keeps sebum production at bay.  

Its key ingredients include: allantoin, eucalyptus leaf oil, sunflower oil, and patented herb coo, which contains Herb Cool is a complex with apple mint, common thyme, and green tea. They cool down the skin and provide anti-inflammatory as well as anti-bacterial protection. The sun stick protects the skin against both UVA and UVB.

This sun stick is a must, it is very practical, hygienic and it leaves your skin soft and matte. The texture is amazing and the package makes it really easy to reapply the sunscreen anytime during the day.

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