Step 10: Face Sunscreen
Here we are at the last step of the Korean Skincare Routine, the application of face sunscreen! First thing to say: step no. 10 is the last, yes, but definitely not the least important. This step is considered the most important of all, to be followed carefully every day, even in winter and when the sky is cloudy (UV rays can penetrate through clouds). In South Korea, applying face sunscreen daily is a well-established habit (which we should all adopt) and Koreans would never skip this step! Let's be honest: how many of us think of face sunscreens as cosmetics to use only when we go to the beach in the summer? In reality, these types of cosmetics have many other functions and - especially in the Korean market - there are various types: let's discover all the secrets of face moisturizers through a journey into the world of K Beauty!
Functions of Face Sunscreens: How They Act on the Skin
Let's start with the basics, this way it will be easier to understand why step no. 10 is so fundamental in South Korea. Here are the most important functions of face sunscreens:
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Protection from UVA and UVB Rays. Face sunscreen protects the skin from harmful solar radiation, UVA and UVB rays, minimizing the risk not only of sunburns but also of erythema, keratosis, and the potential onset of melanomas. It's clear, the dangers of incorrect sun exposure are numerous and serious; for this reason, Koreans, who view skincare as an act of self-care and care for others, take this step very seriously: applying sunscreen correctly for them means ensuring a healthy skin first and foremost, thus showing every day that they love themselves and care about their health.
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Anti-Aging Action. Face sunscreens also have another fundamental function: they prevent the so-called "photoaging" (photoaging), that is, premature skin aging caused by incorrect exposure to UVA and UVB rays, which manifests with early wrinkles, numerous sunspots, discoloration, skin dehydration, etc., even at a young age. In short, face sunscreen is the best "anti-age" you can use because it acts before the signs of aging appear and become indelible on your face, preventing their appearance from the start! This function of face sunscreens fully reflects the concept that prevention is better than cure, an idea that underpins the Korean way of thinking about beauty; for Koreans, how you take care of your skin today will determine the health and quality of your skin tomorrow, the day after, or ten years from now: the problem is certainly not aging (also because, alas, it is inevitable), but taking care to age well, in health and with love for oneself... more than "anti-age", perhaps in this case the correct term to use would be "pro-age"!
Types of Korean Sunscreen for Face
Since skin protection from the sun is very important in the typical Korean lifestyle, many types of face sunscreens have been developed in South Korea over the years, to meet the numerous and attentive needs of Koreans. Below, you can find the most widespread and appreciated ones:
- Korean Mineral Sunscreen. Sunscreens with physical filters (also known as mineral filters) use ingredients like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide to create a physical barrier that reflects UV rays. In South Korea, physical filters are often included in sunscreens known as Tone On, which function to leave a light film on the skin, particularly useful for those with discoloration and – through the masking function of Tone On – want to even out the complexion. In these cases, to ensure a uniform color effect, it is recommended to apply a BB Cream after carefully applying a Tone On sunscreen. Additionally, this type of sunscreen is easier to dispose of ecologically.
- Korean Sunscreens with Chemical Filters. These are cosmetics that contain chemical ingredients like avobenzone or oxybenzone, capable of absorbing UV rays and rendering them harmless by converting them into heat. They usually have a lighter and more transparent finish.
- Korean Sunscreens enriched with other ingredients. Korean sunscreens boast innovative and advanced formulas that effectively protect against a broad spectrum of UV rays. Additionally, these cosmetics are often enriched with sought-after ingredients that provide additional benefits to the skin. For example, it is easy to find Korean face sunscreens containing – in addition to sun filters – a good amount of Centella Asiatica, a very useful ingredient for sensitive skin due to its highly soothing properties.
- Korean Sunscreens with light textures. One of the distinctive features of Korean sunscreens is their fluid and light texture, which ensures comfortable application and quick absorption without leaving residues. For these reasons, Korean Face Sunscreens are considered by many to be perfect for daily use, as they do not weigh down the skin and do not leave a “greasy” feeling.
How to Perform Step 10 of the Korean Skincare Routine
Correctly performing this last step is essential to maximize its benefits! Here is an intuitive guide that will help you avoid the most common mistakes:
- Daily frequency. We have already said it, but it never hurts to repeat: you need to apply sunscreen every day, even when the weather is bad or you spend many hours indoors (UV rays can penetrate also through window glass!).
- Apply the right amount of sunscreen. It is also important to remember to apply the right amount of product to ensure correct protection. Apply a strip of product along the index finger and one along the middle finger: this is the right amount to adequately cover the face and part of the neck, not less!
- Do not forget ears, neck, and décolleté. When applying face sunscreen, do not forget areas often overlooked such as the ears, neck, and décolleté. These areas are equally exposed to UV rays and also need protection!
- Reapplication. It is important to reapply sunscreen several times during the day because sun protection decreases over time, especially if you spend a lot of time outdoors or sweat a lot. Remember to always carry your high protection cosmetic with you, perhaps a korean sunscreen stick, practical and quick to apply even outside the house!
Best Korean Sunscreens for Face on 50 ml
As we have already mentioned, Made in Korea face sunscreens are many and varied: here are 5 that stand out for the quality of the formula and effectiveness!
- Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50 +. This sun cream is enriched with rice extracts and probiotics, while offering excellent protection against UV rays and moisturizing and soothing benefits for the skin. Perfect also as a makeup base!
- Mixsoon Centella Sun Cream SPF 50+. This cream is the best facial sunscreen for sensitive skin ever! Thanks to the presence of Centella Asiatica, this cosmetic is perfect for all those people with sensitive skin who want to effectively protect their face from the sun and at the same time give a calming effect to the most irritated parts of the skin.
- Thank You Farmer Safe Sun Fluid Age 0880 SPF 50+. Here we are with a very high protection face fluid, with a light texture like air! This cosmetic provides excellent protection from UV rays and - in addition - also helps to even out the skin tone, making it brighter.
- Thank You Farmer Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+. Soft and velvety, Sun Project Water Sun Cream SPF 50+ is quickly absorbed and leaves no residue, perfect for everyday use thanks to its refreshing water-based formula.
- Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence SPF 50+. Do you hate the feeling of heaviness on the face and so you look for a sunscreen that - once smeared - almost seems not to have it on? The Sun Project Light Sun Essence with SPF 50+ is the right cosmetic for you! It is a solar essence that offers a high protection with a texture really light as air: try it!
Korean Sunscreen Reviews: Discover Our Customers' Opinion
We have collected for you some reviews of our customers on Korean face sunscreens: here’s what they said!
- Skin1004 Centella Air-Fit Suncream Ligt SPF 30. Marco, 38 years old: "I do not give up the Asian centella even when it comes to solar, because for my sensitive skin this ingredient is really a panacea. I recommend this product to all those people like me who want to protect themselves from the sun and soothe any irritation on the skin!"
- Skin1004 Tone Brightening Tone-Up Sunscreen SPF 50+. Luisa 58 years: "I love the uniform look that this sunscreen face. Usually, the use combined with a BB Cream or a foundation and the effect is amazing: my discolorations become imperceptible!"
- Beauty Of Joseon Matte Sun Stick Mugwort + Camelia SPF 50+. Giorgio, 32 years old: "I am an avid sportsman, I spend a lot of time outside my home practicing outdoor physical activities like jogging and cycle tourism. After years of burning me like a fool, I realized I just needed to find a quality solar! Since I use Beauty Of Joseon products I have not had any more problems and in particoular this korean sunscreen stick is really super practical to take away and reapply between one sprint and another!"
- Thank You Farmer Safe Sun Fluid Age 0880 SPF 50+. Elisa, 21 years old: "One of the best sunscreens I have ever used. Moisturizing and protective, without being fat. For me, more than promoted!"
- Beauty Of Joseon Relief Sun Rice + Probiotics SPF 50 +. Anna, 37 years old: "I chose this sunscreen because I wanted a cosmetic that would protect me from the sun’s rays and at the same time help me with irritations (I have sensitive skin). I’ll tell you, I found a faithful daily ally: I never burn, I feel the skin less stressed and, by the way, it is also a perfect makeup base. Best everyday facial sunscreen EVER!"
In short, we hope that this information can be useful for you to navigate the vast world of Korean Skincare. Of course, the trip to K Beauty doesn’t end here! This sector is constantly growing and every day comes up with some new interesting ideas in terms of skin care. For this reason, we invite you to keep an eye on 50 ml: we are always very attentive to Beauty news! Want to complete your 10 Step Skincare Routine perfectly? You are in the right place! On 50 ml you will find: : Oil Cleansers, Foam Cleansers, Exfoliators, Facial Toners, Essences, Serums, Face Masks, Eye Creams and Moisturizers... The best of Korean Skincare and much more! Immerse yourself in our selection of Niche Perfumes, where you can find unique fragrances, signed by the best perfumers! Finally, we recommend you to subscribe to the Newsletter: in this way, escaping the latest trends will be really impossible... We are waiting for you!
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