The sun is out and the beach beckons! But wait, have you got enough sun protection on?
Even if you aren’t too hot about going outdoors, it’s still a good idea to get your sunscreen strategy right for the scorching sun that Singapore is famous for. Here’s a routine to help keep your skin looking fairer, more even, and also protect it from premature aging and skin cancer.
Nivea's Sun Whitening Lotion, $24.50
First of all, after washing up each morning, apply a moisturizer with a broad-spectrum SPF (something like Nivea’s Sun Whitening Lotion works great). Be sure to apply as much as your skin can absorb, which may probably be about a teaspoon or so. This gives your skin a basic level of protection against harmful UV rays and it also hydrates your skin for the day ahead.
Biore's UV Perfect Spray, $9.90
Before heading out, the next thing you’d want to do is to mist any exposed skin (shoulders, neck especially) with an easy spray-on sunscreen. Don’t forget to apply it to the back of your shoulders and the top of your back as well. Biore’s UV Perfect Spray is great to have around for this, and to top it off, it’s also really easy to use.
Sunsense's Anti-Ageing Face Matte, $21.90
For days when the sun looks particularly punishing, layer on a separate facial sunscreen after your moisturizer. It doesn’t need to be all over your face. Simply focus on areas where dark spots and discoloration are likely to occur (e.g. your hairline, nose, and cheekbones). Sunsense’s Anti-Ageing Face Matte accomplishes this with aplomb.
Biore's Aqua Rich UV Watery Mousse, $18.90
Throughout the day, you should try to preserve your skin’s suppleness and natural radiance by regularly using a hydrating skincare product. For example, you could use Biore’s Aqua Rich UV Watery Mousse for that occasional boost of hydration when needed.
Dr Mineral's Sun BB, $24.90
If you’re out on a working day, try using Dr Mineral’s Sun BB to bolster your sun protection. It works fine to complement your makeup, and it's also really convenient to bring around in a bag or purse.
The tips so far should provide adequate protection for normal days when you will only be moderately exposed to the sun. However, on days when you specially intend to visit the beach or the pool, you undoubtedly need to up your game!
Fruit of the Earth Block Up! Sunscreen Lotion, $13.50
On such days, make sure you coat your ENTIRE body with sunblock, and don’t forget to protect your back too! Block Up! Sunscreen Lotion from Fruit of the Earth is ideal for such days as it moisturises your skin in addition to being waterproof.
Sunplay's After Sun Gel, $12.90
Lastly, at the end of the day, apply an after sun gel to soothe and hydrate your skin. A long day under the sun can really dry out your skin, so it’s important to replenish the moisture levels of your skin to keep it fresh and supple. Lather on a gel like Sunplay’s After Sun Gel after you shower to rejuvenate your skin.
Following these steps should give you the protection you need to enjoy your time in the sun worry-free! To maintain your skin’s youthfulness, remember to always use sun care products that are specifically designed to provide the appropriate amount of UVA and UVB protection.