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Which SKIN1004 Suncream is Best for You?
Great news! SKIN1004 is expanding our suncream line up, just in time for summer vacation! Our beloved Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus is being joined by a lighter version - the Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light - and a brand new hydrating formula, the Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum. With so many options to choose from, let's introduce each suncream in detail and discover which one is the best match for you!
First, Let's Learn to Read a Suncream Label
There are so many abbreviations and scientific terms involved when it comes to suncream. If you don't know what they mean, it's going to be difficult to know which suncream is best for you.
Suncream protects against UV (UltraViolet) rays from the sun, of which there are a few different kinds.
UVA Rays - Penetrate deep into the skin and can cause skin aging and cancer.
UVB Rays - Produces sunburn and changes the skin colour.
UVC Rays - This type of radiation is absorbed by the earth's atmosphere and does not reach human skin.
When looking at a suncream label, you will often see the abbreviation SPF and PA. These are associated with different kinds of UV ray protection. PA (Protection Grade of UVA), as the name suggests, protects the skin from UVA rays. The more '+' that follow PA describes how effective it is. The highest grade possible is PA++++ and the minimum you should look for is no less than PA+++.
SPF (Sun Protection Factor) protects the skin from UVB rays only. The larger the number of SPF, the more protection it provides, though you should look for no less than 30 for adequate sun defence.
Physical vs Chemical Suncream
You may also see these terms used on suncream packaging, but what do they mean? Physical is used to describe suncream that forms a barrier on top of the skin to block UV rays. The barrier is created using minerals such as Zinc Oxide, therefore these are sometimes referred to as mineral suncreams. They provide immediate protection from the sun, however are usually thicker in formula in order to create a sufficient blockade, which means they often leave a white cast on the skin.
Chemical suncreams are much lighter in formula as they melt into the skin and react with the UV rays as they touch the skin to transform the radiation into harmless heat. Due to needing time to melt effectively into the skin, it is best to apply chemical suncreams at least 30 minutes before being exposed to direct sunlight.
Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Plus SPF50+ PA++++
The tried and true favorite from SKIN1004 is a physical suncream with high SPF and PA grades. Containing 20% Centella Asiatica extract, this suncream also has soothing and calming properties making it particularly suitable for irritated or acne prone skin. This suncream also contains Sodium Hyaluronate, which is a great hydrating ingredient, and Niacinimide which is a brightening agent to tone and revitalise dark spots.
In order to avoid the undesirable white cast, the Air-Fit Suncream retains the natural light brown tint caused by the Centella Asiatica to more closely blend in with various skin tones.
This suncream is best for: Irritated, pigmented skin. Oily and combination skin types.
Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light SPF30 PA++++
A lighter, gentler version of the Air-Fit suncream created to sooth sensitive skin. Because suncream needs constant reapplication throughout the day, constant re-exposure to harsher chemicals can irritate sensitive skin. Therefore, SKIN1004 created this gentler version to tackle this issue.
In addition to Centella Asiatica extract, Portulaca Oleracea extract and Houttuynia Cordata extract are combined to form a unique Skincare Complex aimed at remedying sensitive skin. The Light version of the Madagascar Centella Air-Fit Suncream only contains Zinc Oxide as its mineral barrier. This provides less irritation on the skin than a combination of minerals, however it does reduce the SPF grade to 30.
This suncream is best for: Sensitive skin.
Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++
SKIN1004's first chemical suncream and newest addition to the Hyalu-Cica line up is focused on hydration and moisture as well as maintaining high UV protection grades. With a serum-like texture, this suncream leaves behind a dewy appearance and hydrates even the driest skin.
The skin is protected and revitalised using a Baby Green Complex, containing rocket leaf, tea tree, wheat sprout, alfalfa, Japanese camellia leaf, broccoli sprout and gingko leaf extract.
This suncream is best for: Dry and dehydrated skin.
