Wearing sunscreen may be such a chore for some, but it's the kind of chore that your skin will thank you for later. Because while there's a stigma on sunscreens abuot them being sticky, greasy, and pore-congesting, it's not always the case. In fact, dermatologists recommend using one every single day, including cloudy days, to protect our skin from UV rays.
UVA vs. UVB Rays
Just so you know, there are two types of UV rays—Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA is associated with aging and penetrates deeper, while UVB is associated with skin burning and has a shorter wavelength. No matter the season, UVA remains the same level all day, while UVB reaches its peak during the afternoon.
Types of Sunscreens and How to Use Them
To prevent the said rays from damaging your skin, choosing a sunscreen fit for your needs is key. You can try physical sunscreens with zinc oxide and titanium oxide or chemical sunscreens with avobenzone and oxybenzone to deflect these harmfuls rays. Another thing to consider is the product's SPF or Sun Protection Factor, which refers to how long it can block ultraviolet rays. For instance, if it says SPF 15 on your sunscreen, it simply means that it would take 15 times longer for the skin to burn than compared to not using the product at all.
Ideally, to be protected well from the UV rays, one must use a teaspoon full of sunscreen for the face and neck with a minimum of SPF 30 and reapply every two hours. Though reapplying can be tough over makeup (but it's possible!), at least applying once is better than not applying any sunscreen at all.
Scroll down to up your SPF game with the 10 best locally available sunscreens!
Best Sunscreens Philippines
1. Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ PA++++
This Japanese sunscreen brand is a water-resistant formula made with Aqua Booster EX technology, which increases the product's efficacy even when in contact with water or sweat—perfect for a humid country like ours. This also has a non-friction formula that offers UV protection without leaving a white cast!

ANESSA Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk SPF 50+ PA++++, P1071, Beautymnl
2. Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream
This product has broad spectrum SPF, which means it helps shields skin from both UVA and UVB rays. It's oil-free and dermatologist tested, and it also has solar-activated antioxidants that both prevent skin from damage and fight signs of premature aging.

CLINIQUE Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream, P2100, Rustan’s
3. Kiehl’s Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++
This lightweight formula from Kiehl's can provide extended protection against those long and harmful UVA rays. It has ingredients such as rosa gallica to soothe and calm skin, and Vitamin E to neutralize skin-damaging free radicals. It has an impressive SPF of 50, and is free from oil, fragrance, colorant and is non-comedogenic, too!

KIEHL’S Ultra Light Daily UV Defense SPF 50 PA++++, P2100, Shangri-La Plaza Mall
4. Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50+ PA++++
This cooling, water-based sunscreen provides sun protection while keeping skin refreshed and hydrated without feeling greasy. It's enriched with moisture-binding and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid and royal jelly extract, as well as citrus essence to smooth and brighten skin. It promises to leave no white cast on the skin either, and easily rinses away despite its water-resistant formulation.
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BIORE UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF50+ PA++++, P488, Beautymnl
5. La Prairie Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil SPF 50
Complete your day time skincare routine with this potent, lightweight, and undeniably luxurious sunscreen from La Prairie. This doesn't just protect your skin from UVA and UVB rays, but it's also packed with antioxidants to protect your from external, environmental stressors. As a final step, it will help lock in your skincare while also providing long-lasting hydration.

LA PRAIRIE Cellular Swiss UV Protection Veil SPF 50, P12,200, Rustan’s
6. Supergoop! Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50
This chemical sunscreen is oil-free, water-resistant, and perfect for everyday use for face and body. Its fast-absorbing and lightweight formulation is packed with sunflower extract that protects you from external environmental elements and rosemary leaf extract that is rich in antioxidants and calms skin down. If you're worried about it drying you out, it won't, thanks to the hyaluronic acid it contains.

SUPERGOOP! Everyday Sunscreen SPF 50, P1849, Sephora.ph
7. Aromatica Calendula Non-Nano UV Protection SPF30/PA+++
This Calendula-infused mineral sunscreen is not just good for sun protection but for calming down irritation. It's hypoallergenic, unscented, and contains SPF 30 that provides broad spectrum skin protection from UVA and UVB rays. It's perfect for the dry and sensitive-skinned as it has been formulated with only plant-derived oils and natural ingredients like green tea, shea butter, and coconut oil. What is even great about this is that this is clinically proven safe and suitable for babies!

AROMATICA Calendula Non-Nano UV Protection SPF30/PA+++, P1950, Beautymnl
8. Clarins UV Plus SPF 50/PA++++ Neutral
This sunscreen has a transparent finish that won't leave you with an unsightly white cast. It's loaded with plant extracts that keeps your skin protected from pollution and UV rays and improves the skin's overall quality by giving it a bright and radiant finish. It also has tinted counterparts (blue and pink) for instant protection and color-correction.

CLARINS UV Plus SPF 50/PA++++ Neutral, P3950, Rustan’s
9. VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Face and Body Shield 60
This sunscreen provides a whopping SPF 60 protection against different forms of skin-harming light—UVA, UVB, infrared and visible light. Its texture is lightweight and opaque good for all skin types, and using it daily will also help prevent hyperpigmentation while effectively shielding you from premature signs of aging such as wrinkles, sagging, and other symptoms of photo-aging.

VMV HYPOALLERGENICS Armada Face and Body Shield 60, P2150, TriNoMa
10. Cosrx Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++
While the aloe extract in this sunscreen soothes skin and keeps it hydrated, it works double time by providing SPF 50 for an effective shield from UV rays and other environmental aggressors. It's a must-try for all skin types because it's non-drying and lightweight enough to be suitable for daily use.

COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF 50 PA+++, P690, Watsons
11. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion
This SPF 50+ sunscreen is water-resistant and has a lightweight, non-greasy formula that's perfect for oily skin. It's also oil-free and non-comedogenic, making it safe for daily use.

SHISEIDO Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion Wetforce SPF 50+, P2009, Zalora
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