Routines: Sun Protection: Fall 2017

The best sunscreen is one that you will actually use.

This is tricky. As much as I want the protection PA++++ offers, like most people I have trouble finding a sunscreen that strikes a balance between texturally acceptable and non-irritating. I am particularly reactive to UV filters, so when I find one my skin can tolerate, only then is it possible to consider whether the texture is tolerable. Something like Avène Very High Protection Mineral Fluid SPF50+/PA++++ is gentle and provides the UVA protection that's required, but like most all-physical sunscreens the suffocating feel on the skin is hard to tolerate and, regardless of its fitness for my skin, I will end up applying too little or, worse, avoiding it entirely.

Luckily, I've got one that works, with enough stockpiled for a nuclear winter: Sun Bears Super Strong Plus SPF50+/PA++++. I would not pretend it is the best texture out there, but in order for a sunscreen not to be irritating on my skin, a higher proportion of physical filters—and the corresponding sacrifice in texture—is necessary. An absolutely invisible sunscreen is not realistically within the realm of possibility for me, so I'm happy that Sun Bears is pleasant enough for everyday use, and like most fluid sunscreens there's enough silicone to double as a primer, and the scent is faint and inoffensive. The zinc oxide is a tad drying, but over the multiple strata of skincare typically applied onto my skin, I can hardly sense it. For all the things it is not (suffocatingly heavy, greasy, dead matte, stinky, irritating, alcohol-laden, prohibitively expensive, hard to apply), this serves as my neutral sunscreen.

It's amazing how sensitive this balance can be, how individually determined. A sunscreen that's even a little off loses significantly in terms of use value. Something like Too Cool For School Mild Cica Sun Lotion SPF50+/PA++++ manages nearly everything, but stumbles at the last when it comes to finish: it's simply too dead a matte. And yet, this would be great on an oilier skin. On the other hand, Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Aqua Booster SPF50/PA++++ offers the silky texture of dreams (though it does sit strangely under makeup), but is too harsh for my skin.

Among the trickle of PA++++ sunscreens on the Korean market, I've had better luck with Laneige Watery Sun Cream SPF50+/PA++++ and Huxley Sun Cream: Stay Sun Safe SPF50+/PA++++. Neither presents any serious issues, but they're both somewhat heavier and considerably pricier than the perennially reliable Sun Bears, so neither suffices as a replacement, though the boost in moisture might be nice for winter. We'll see. I am still in the process of testing.

N.B. All of these products, with the exception of the Anessa, leaves a white cast. I'm fair-skinned so personally this is not an issue.

DETAILS
Avène Mineral Fluid is 40mL for $16, available at Cocoon Center. I bought mine at Olive Young for ₩32,000.
Sun Bears Super Strong Plus is 28mL for $3.50, available at Sasa.
Too Cool For School Mild Cica Sun Lotion is 100mL for ₩23,000. I bought mine in store.
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Aqua Booster is 60mL for $30, available at Sasa. I bought mine at Watson's for ₩36,000.
Laneige Watery Sun Cream is 50mL for $27, available at Aritaum.
Huxley Sun Cream: Stay Sun Safe is 35mL for ₩28,000. I bought mine at Chicor.