Do you often notice dull and uneven skin tone or fine lines appearing earlier than expected? These could be signs of sun damage, which many people underestimate in Malaysia’s year-round sunny climate. Beyond the sun, prolonged exposure to house lighting and the blue light from laptops or phones can also contribute to skin pigmentation, premature ageing and weakened skin barriers. The sun’s harmful rays, alongside these indoor light sources, not only cause tanning but also accelerate skin ageing, trigger dark spots and increase the risk of skin cancer.

Why Is Sunscreen Important?

Sunscreen acts as a protective shield against ultraviolet (UV) rays, the primary culprits behind sunburn, premature ageing and skin cancer. It’s not just for sunny days at the beach; daily application is essential, even indoors, as UV rays can penetrate windows and harm your skin.

Sunblock vs Sunscreen: Understanding the Differences

Both sunblock and sunscreen protect your skin from harmful UV rays but work in different ways. Sunblock creates a physical barrier on the skin’s surface that reflects UV rays, while sunscreen absorbs them and converts the energy into harmless heat. Sunblock is thicker and provides immediate protection, making it ideal for outdoor activities, while sunscreen is lightweight and blends seamlessly, making it more suitable for daily wear.

Types of Sunscreens: Physical, Chemical, or Mineral

Physical Sunscreen

• Also known as sunblock, physical sunscreens contain ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These create a protective barrier that reflects UV rays away from the skin. They are often recommended for sensitive skin or conditions like rosacea as they sit on the skin’s surface and are less likely to irritate.

Chemical Sunscreen

• Chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and convert them into harmless heat, which is then released from the skin. These sunscreens tend to be lightweight, invisible on the skin and quickly absorbed, making them perfect for daily wear under makeup.

Mineral Sunscreen

• Mineral sunscreens are a type of physical sunscreen that uses natural ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. These are especially suitable for sensitive skin or children and offer immediate protection upon application.

What Should You Look for in a Sunscreen?

When selecting the right sunscreen for your skin, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure optimal protection and compatibility with your skin type. Here are the key ingredients and elements to keep in mind:

SPF (Sun Protection Factor)

• A higher SPF offers greater protection from UVB rays.

Broad-spectrum protection

• Look for ingredients that protect against both UVA and UVB (Ultraviolet B Radiation) rays, ensuring comprehensive sun protection.

Water resistance

• Choose water-resistant formulas for swimming or vigorous outdoor activities.

Skin type compatibility

• Choose a formula with ingredients suited to your skin type (oily, dry, or sensitive).

Antioxidants

• Sunscreens with added antioxidants, like vitamin C or E, help combat oxidative stress caused by the sun.

What Does SPF Mean?

SPF measures how well a sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays, which cause sunburn. Here’s a guide to SPF levels:

SPF 30

• Blocks about 97% of UVB rays. Suitable for daily outdoor activities and most skin types.

SPF 50

• Blocks about 98% of UVB rays. Ideal for prolonged sun exposure or fair skin.

SPF 100

• Offers around 99% protection. Perfect for extended outdoor activities in intense sunlight.

For daily use in Malaysia, SPF 30-50 is generally sufficient. For extended outdoor activities or time at the beach, a higher SPF may be necessary.

How Much Sunscreen Should You Use?

Apply about 1 teaspoon for your face and 1 ounce (the size of a shot glass) for your body. Reapply every two hours or after swimming and sweating to maintain protection. **Pro tip: Don’t forget to reapply every two hours, or more often if you’re swimming, sweating, or engaging in physical activities. Reapplication is key to maintaining effective sun protection throughout the day.

How to Apply Sunscreen?

• Apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes before sun exposure to allow it to absorb.
• Use a generous amount to cover all exposed areas of your body.
• Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to often-missed areas like your ears, neck and the back of your hands.

Is Sunscreen Waterproof?

While no sunscreen is entirely waterproof, some are water-resistant, meaning they remain effective for up to 40-80 minutes of swimming or sweating. Be sure to reapply after swimming or vigorous physical activity, especially in humid weather.

Do Infants and Children Need Sunscreen?

Yes, children over six months should wear sunscreen. For babies under six months, keep them in the shade and protect them with clothing and hats. Choose mineral sunscreens for children as they are gentler on sensitive skin and provide effective protection.

How to Store Sunscreen?

Store sunscreen in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Avoid leaving it in places where it could overheat, like your car, as high temperatures can degrade the sunscreen’s effectiveness. Always ensure the cap is tightly closed to prevent contamination.

Does Sunscreen Expire?

Yes, sunscreen does expire. Most sunscreens last for about three years, but it’s important to check the expiration date. If your sunscreen is past its expiry date or has changed in texture or smell, it’s best to replace it to ensure optimal protection from UV rays.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen For You

When it comes to protecting your skin under the strong sun, choosing the right sunscreen is crucial. Here are some of the most popular and highly recommended sunscreens available in Malaysia:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF 50+

• Lightweight, non-greasy and ideal for daily wear and outdoor activities.

Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++

• Gel-based, fast-absorbing and perfect for everyday use.

Banana Boat Ultra Sport Sunscreen Lotion SPF 50

• Water-resistant, suitable for swimming and sports.

Dr. Jart+ Every Sun Day Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50+

• A mineral sunscreen ideal for sensitive skin.

Etude House Sunprise Mild Watery Light Sunscreen SPF 50+ PA++++

• Hydrating and suitable for all skin types.

Euphie Liteguard SPF 50+ PA+++ With Antioxidant

Euphie Liteguard SPF 50+ PA+++is the ideal sunscreen for daily use, providing powerful sun protection with added skincare benefits. This high-performance formula offers broad-spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays, effectively preventing sunburn and protecting against the long-term risks of sun damage, such as premature ageing.

Key benefits include:

Antioxidants:

• Infused with ingredients like vitamin C and E, it helps protect your skin from free radical damage, maintaining a youthful and radiant complexion.

Anti-ageing

• The antioxidant-rich formula works to reduce fine lines and wrinkles by combatting sun-induced ageing.

Lightweight and non-greasy

• It absorbs quickly and leaves no sticky residue, making it comfortable for everyday wear.

Active lifestyle-friendly

• Whether you’re inside or out, Euphie Liteguard suits Malaysia’s tropical climate, providing reliable protection throughout the day.

Euphie Liteguard SPF 50+ PA+++ is particularly suitable for normal, dry, dehydrated, oily, acne-prone and ageing skin, offering essential sun protection with added skincare benefits.