Sunscreen and Its Essential Role in Modern Skincare
Without further introduction, we all understand the importance of having a sunscreen in our skincare routine nowadays. By protecting our skin from UV exposure, sunscreen technically saves us from visible signs of aging such as dryness, flakiness, wrinkles, pigmentation disorders, and photoaging—which also correlates with skin cancer risk.
However, the question remains: how much sunscreen is enough for it to stay effective? And how do we choose the ideal sunscreen for our particular skin type?
In this article, we will focus on these two topics and help you choose the ideal Korean sunscreen for your skin.
Source: Ultraviolet Radiation, Aging and the Skin: Prevention of Damage by Topical cAMP Manipulation
What Are UV Rays?
Sunlight contains three main types of ultraviolet rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC.
- UVA accounts for up to 95% of the UV radiation reaching the Earth’s surface. These rays penetrate deeply into the dermis, the skin’s thickest layer, and can cause serious damage such as collagen breakdown, wrinkles, age spots, and are the primary cause of premature aging.
- UVB rays make up about 5% but are more intense. They mainly affect the epidermis, leading to sunburn, skin irritation, and more critically, DNA damage in skin cells, increasing the risk of skin cancer with prolonged exposure.
- UVC rays are the strongest, but fortunately, they are almost completely absorbed by the ozone layer and do not reach the Earth’s surface.
Environmental Changes
In the past, a thick and stable ozone layer blocked much of the UV radiation, and the climate was generally milder. However, in recent decades, due to industrialization and climate change, the ozone layer has been significantly depleted, especially in areas with high population density and emissions. As a result, more UV rays now penetrate the atmosphere, reaching human skin even on cloudy days or during brief sun exposure.
According to a recent summary from the Finnish Cancer Registry (Syöpäjärjestöt), 1,028 men and 811 women were diagnosed with melanoma in 2023, raising concerns about increasing skin cancer risks. Read more
Global temperatures are also rising, making summers hotter, sunnier, and longer. UV indices in many countries, including temperate ones like Finland, now frequently exceed safe levels. This means that even in cool climates, protecting your skin from UV damage is crucial. Applying sunscreen daily—whether it’s sunny, cloudy, or snowy—should be a habit to maintain healthy skin and prevent early aging and skin diseases. Read more
Fun fact: Did you know that snow can reflect up to 80–90% of sunlight, even during winter?
While Finland experiences limited daylight and low sun visibility in winter, UV radiation reflecting off snow can still cause sunburn, accelerate aging, and lead to similar skin damage as in the summer. Read more
Moreover, upon the rapid development of new skincare actives, many skincare brands are now recommending the consistent use of sunscreen the following day—regardless of the weather—to help maximize the benefits of these active ingredients.
The Birth of Sunscreen – A Milestone in Modern Skincare
Before modern sunscreens, people used natural materials such as herbs, plant oils, clay, or mineral mud to protect themselves from the sun. However, these methods were often inconsistent and ineffective against the increasing intensity of UV radiation.
It wasn’t until the 20th century that researchers discovered compounds capable of absorbing or reflecting UV rays, laying the foundation for modern sunscreen. The first formulas appeared around 1930–1950. Since then, sunscreen has been continually improved to become lighter, easier to apply, water-resistant, and more effective against both UVA and UVB rays.
If your concern about wearing sunscreen is related to cakey makeup, pilling, or white cast, then Korean sunscreen is definitely the ideal choice for you. Understanding customer needs and evolving market trends, many Korean brands have developed broad-spectrum sunscreens that are extremely lightweight, leave little to no white cast, and layer beautifully under makeup.
Types of Sunscreens: The Most Common Classifications
Sunscreens today are generally divided into three main categories based on their active ingredients and protective mechanisms.
1. Physical Sunscreens
Key Ingredients: Zinc Oxide, Titanium Dioxide
Mechanism: Create a physical barrier on the skin’s surface that reflects and scatters UV rays.
Advantages:
- Gentle and less likely to irritate, making them ideal for sensitive skin and babies.
- Start working immediately after the application.
Limitations:
- May leave a white cast on the skin.
- Thicker texture; can wear off more easily with sweating.
2. Chemical Sunscreens
Common Ingredients: Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Tinosorb S, Uvinul A+
Mechanism: Absorb UV radiation and convert it into heat before it damages the skin.
Advantages:
- Lightweight texture, absorbs quickly, no white cast.
- Suitable for layering under makeup.
Did you know? You can use a sun stick to reapply chemical sunscreen over makeup without ruining your look.
Limitations:
- May cause eye stinging or skin irritation, depending on the formula and individual sensitivity.
- Needs about 15–20 minutes after application to become effective.
3. Hybrid Sunscreens
Combine both physical and chemical active ingredients.
Advantages:
- Balance between effective protection and comfortable, easy-to-blend texture.
- Often optimized for minimal irritation while maintaining a lightweight feel.
Recommended for those who needing strong protection with a pleasant daily use experience.
Tip for identifying broad-spectrum sunscreens: Look for products labeled SPF 50+ / PA++++. SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays, while PA++++ offers the highest UVA protection, ideal for extended outdoor exposure.
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen for This Summer
1. Sensitive Skin
Characteristics: Easily irritated, prone to redness when exposed to fragrances, alcohol, or strong ingredients.
Recommended:
- Fragrance-free, alcohol-free, minimalist formulas.
- Mineral or hybrid sunscreens with Zinc Oxide or Titanium Dioxide.
- Lightweight moisturizing sunscreens to soothe and prevent dryness.
Avoid: Spray formats, heavily fragranced essence-type sunscreens, or heavy textures.
Mineral Sun Stick
A gentle, non-greasy mineral sun stick for sensitive skin. This 100% mineral SPF stick glides on smoothly with low white cast, is waterproof, and perfect for reapplying on-the-go—safe for the whole family.
Complete No-Stress Physical Sunscreen
A gentle, non-irritating physical sunscreen for sensitive skin. Complete No-Stress Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ is fragrance-free, reef-safe, and enriched with Mugwort and Niacinamide to soothe, moisturize, and even out skin tone—leaving no white cast.
2. Oily Skin
Characteristics: Shiny T-zone, enlarged pores, acne-prone when using heavy products.
Recommended:
- Gel, lotion, or fluid-type sunscreens with lightweight, quick-absorbing textures.
- Oil-free and non-comedogenic formulas.
- Matte finish sunscreens for a shine-free look all day.
Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum
A lightweight, non-greasy sunscreen for oily and sensitive skin. Centella Hyalu-Cica Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ hydrates with Hyaluronic Acid, soothes with Centella, and brightens with Niacinamide—leaving skin calm, radiant, and never sticky.
No.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence
A lightweight, non-comedogenic sunscreen for oily skin. Numbuzin No.1 Clear Filter Sun Essence SPF50+ PA++++ soothes with Heartleaf and Centella, controls excess oil, and absorbs quickly without clogging pores or leaving residue.
3. Dry Skin
Characteristics: Tightness after cleansing, flakiness in cold weather, low moisture retention.
Recommended:
- Moisturizing sunscreens containing hyaluronic acid, glycerin, ceramides, or squalane.
- Cream or milk textures to lock in moisture.
- Sunscreens with antioxidant properties to prevent early aging.
Hyaluronic Acid Watery Sun Gel
A hydrating sun gel for dry skin, enriched with 8 types of Hyaluronic Acid and Ceramide. This SPF 50+ PA++++ sunscreen locks in moisture, reduces white cast, and provides long-lasting protection with a lotion-like texture.
Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++
A nourishing sun serum for dry skin, enriched with Panax Ginseng, Niacinamide, and Adenosine. Ginseng Moist Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ hydrates deeply, boosts skin barrier, and delivers a radiant, fresh finish—without stickiness or residue.
4. Tone-Up Sunscreens: Another handy Option help you find the right fit
These sunscreens not only protect but also brighten and even out the skin tone upon application, creating a healthy look without makeup. They usually come in cream or gel-lotion forms that are easy to blend, absorb quickly, and feel comfortable. Ideal for those who prefer a minimalist morning routine.
Bulgarian Rose Tone-up Sunscreen
Rosy tone-up sunscreen that brightens dull skin and blurs redness while protecting with SPF50+ PA+++. Acts as a makeup base and pore primer, perfect for oily and combination skin. Leaves a natural glow without stickiness or dryness.
Artless Glow Base SPF 50+
A glowing primer and tone-up sunscreen in one—Artless Glow Base SPF 50+ brightens skin, smooths texture, and adds a pearl-like radiance. This lightweight, moisturizing formula enhances skin tone and wears perfectly under makeup.
Key tips for using sunscreen effectively
- Apply Enough: About one fingertip amount for the face, and 2–3 fingertips for the neck and nape. For the body, use about 30–40g per application.
- Timing: Apply 15–20 minutes before sun exposure to allow the sunscreen to activate.
- Reapplication: Every 2–3 hours, especially after outdoor activities, swimming, or heavy sweating.
- End of Day: Thoroughly remove sunscreen with a proper cleanser, even if no makeup is worn, to prevent clogged pores.
- Complementary Protection: Sunscreen does not replace sun-protective clothing, hats, or sunglasses. In strong sunlight or high temperatures, wear wide-brimmed hats, long-sleeved clothing, masks, and UV-protective sunglasses to safeguard delicate areas like the scalp, neck, and eyes.
Did you know? In many Asian countries with hot, sunny, and polluted climates, people often combine sunscreen application with wearing sun-protective clothing. These garments, made from specialized fabrics, not only block UV rays but also reduce heat absorption and protect against insect bites. Additionally, carrying umbrellas and wearing wide-brimmed hats are common practices to maximize sun protection. Therefore, the demand for body sunscreens is generally lower in these regions.