Sunscreens

I am currently doing a lot of study about sunscreen / sunblock. I can tell you, that the more I know, the more frustrated I am. I bet if I ask my girlfriends these question, none of them can answer all of it:

1. How much SPF is enough?
2. What is PA, PA+, PA++, PA+++?
3. Is your sunscreen a physical or chemical block?
4. Do you apply your sunscreen before or after moisturizer?
   

The trickiest question is question 4. I have asked ‘N’ number of friends and all of them told me it’s the last thing to apply. WRONG! Whether it’s the first or last thing to apply, it really depends on whether the sunscreen is a physical or chemical sunscreen. And you need to know the ingredients to get the answer.

Physical sunscreen is the one that blocks away the UV rays. It is those sunblock that often leaves a white cast on your face, and it generally does not offer much UVA protection. This is the greatest down side because UVA are the biggest culprit that causes wrinkles!!! Active ingredients are zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.

Chemical sunscreen works by absorbing the sun rays. Active ingredients include Mexoryl SX and XL. But if you happen to use the wrong type of chemical sunscreen containing Avobenzone, it can be dangerous as these substance are unstable and can even absorb more sun rays than protecting your skin from it!!! Chemical filters offer more coverage against UVA and UVB rays than physical sunscreens, but some may irritate skin.

If you are using physical sunscreen, it goes as the last step on your skincare regime. If you are using chemical sunscreen, it has to go first, because it works best when in contact with skin.

I am currently using Shiseido Extra Smooth Sun Protection. It’s a physical sunscreen. I also have a sample of Vichy UV Pro chemical sunscreen containing Mexoryl, but I have yet to try it. Don’t wanna slap my skin with all these chemical all at once. Later breakout then I die!!

So you see, the more I know, I more frustrated I get. Coz I want full protection from UVA and UVB, and physical sunscreen can’t give me that. Will try on chemical sunscreen once I get the chance. Weather is changing now, I don’t dare to be too adventurous with my skin.