If you haven’t already incorporated it into your daily routine, you probably should start now! Established research indicates that constant exposure to Ultraviolet Rays can cause damage to skin cells, leading to instances of sun spots, premature ageing, decrease of skin laxity, and in severe cases, skin cancer. Now, if you’re looking to ensure that your skin looks its best under the sun without worry, this is definitely not a step you should skip in your skincare routine!
Source: Anna Tarazevich (Pexels)
If you’re a beginner when it comes to sunscreen, don’t worry as we’ve got 6 recommendations that fit every budget that you should keep on your skincare radar, arranged in no particular order.
When selecting a sunscreen, be sure that the formulation works well with your skin and always remember to check its Sun Protection Factor (SPF) rating, to determine how much protection it will offer against UVB rays. For example, an SPF rating of 15 means you can stay in the sun for up to 150 minutes with UVB protection.
As a rule, always make a point of reapplying your sunscreen around an average of every two to three hours for ideal protection,
1. Anessa sunscreen
One of the most popular brands of sunscreen loved by many Malaysians would be Anessa. Anessa provides 4 different sunscreens which includes, sunscreen gel, sunscreen milk, brightening UV gel and sunscreen spray. All 4 types of sunscreens have the same SPF of 50+ and the only difference is if you’d prefer the sunscreen to be gel or cream based.
The average price for the sunscreen ranges from RM114 – RM128 and you can purchase it from most major pharmacies across the country. Our pick of the range is their SPF50 Sunscreen Gel, which goes on smoothly and doesn’t leave too much of a greasy or sticky layer on the skin.
Source: Watsons Malaysia
Get yours from Shopee!
2. Supergoop sunscreen
This is specially listed for the travel junkies as the SUPERGOOP sunscreen comes in a stick form as well in liquid form! All you have to do is glide the stick across your skin and make sure it’s applied evenly across your skin. However, it’s important to note that SUPERGOOP can be a tad bit greasy for those with oily or combination skin. But fret not as it does not affect the sunscreen’s overall performance.
The general SPF range for SUPERGOOP’s products is around 40+ and the price ranges from RM180 to RM225. As of now, SUPERGOOP does not have their own physical store but online retailers such as Shopee do carry it.
Source: Renew Skin Solutions
Our pick of the range is the Glow Stick sunscreen with SPF50, primarily for its sheer convenience. Get it on Shopee here!
3. Shiseido SynchroShield
For those who are unfamiliar, Shiseido is arguably one of the most renowned names in Japanese beauty. They provide a wide range of sunscreens with SPF up to 50+. Similar to SUPERGOOP, they also offer a glide on stick that is easy to use and travel friendly. But note that the price point for their sunscreens are on the higher end ranging from RM180 – RM195.
We like the SynchroShield SPF 50+ sunscreen, as it’s water resistant formulation means that it won’t have any problems keeping you sun-safe even when you sweat.
Source: Shiseido Malaysia
Get it on Lazada!
4. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense
Founded in 1851 by Mr John Kiehl, Kiehl’s has been lauded as one of America’s most notable skincare exports, with an extensive range of high-performance products that suit every skin type. For sun protection, they’ve formulated a sunscreen that balances between cream and gel consistencies, making it great for those who want to avoid sunscreens that could be too rich.
The Kiehl’s sunscreen has a SPF of 50+ and gives a lightweight finish on the skin. The product retails for RM175 and you can purchase it from their website or at any physical stores.
Source: Khiel’s Malaysia
Get it off their official website here!
5. Biore UV Aqua Rich Essence
Onto to the more affordable selections! To start with, we definitely urge you to take a look at Biore’s UV Aqua Rich Essence. This gel type sunscreen offers SPF up to 50+ and best part of it is that it doesn’t leave any white cast on your face, while also containing Hyaluronic Acid and Royal Jelly extract to lock in hydration and prevent dryness throughout the day. So if you’re prone to suffering from itchy, flaky skin, this could be a great boon.
Source: Watsons Malaysia
Purchase yours from Watsons Malaysia here!
6. Senka Perfect UV Gel
Senka isn’t a stranger to many Malaysians as it’s one of the most affordable yet good quality sunscreens. Arguably the most popular item of the lot is their Senka Perfect UV Gel is a sunscreen, which absorbs quickly on the skin and leaves almost no residue behind. Similar to the Biore UV Aqua Rich Essence, this gel like sunscreen offers SPF up to 50+.
When using the Senka Perfect UV Gel sunscreen, remember that a little goes a long way, so you only need a dollop for your entire face.
Source: Watsons Malaysia
It currently retails for RM27.93 at Watsons Malaysia.
How to apply sunscreen, the right way
Now that you have an idea of which ones you should consider, here’s a simple guide on how to apply sunscreen correctly. After prepping your skin with your usual toner, serum and moisturiser, you can then get to applying your sunscreen.
When applying, remember to give the bottle a light shake before using the product to ensure that the product is properly mixed in the bottle. Once you’ve shaken it, you can proceed to apply the product onto your face. But how much of sunscreen do you actually need?
Source: Korean Beauty Dream
The usual amount needed to make sure that your skin is ‘well coated’ with sunscreen is about the length of two fingers: your second and third finger. Once you’ve dispensed product onto your fingers, you can then gently rub it into your face, making sure that every part of your face has absorbed the sunscreen.
After applying sunscreen, you can continue on with your makeup routine, if any. Remember to always wear sunscreen especially if you’re heading out as it could help protect your skin from the UV rays and here’s to healthier skin!
Disclaimer: Products listed above are recommendations and not professional advice. Product effectiveness may vary depending on individual’s skin type.
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