You can’t escape the sun’s ultraviolet rays, even with social distancing in place (ugh!). So whether you’re working from your bedroom, the kitchen, or the living room, you still need to wear sunscreen to protect your skin from those sneaky UV rays that still manage to enter through the glass of your windows. But what exactly do they do?

Types Of UV Rays

There are two types of UV rays: UVA and UVB.

UVA Rays

UVA rays cause skin cells to age.

This results in premature ageing and the appearance of wrinkles and sun spots.

UVB RAYS

We’re sorry to say, but it gets worse with UVB rays – they can cause skin cancer by damaging the DNA in skin cells. Yikes…time to make SPF your new BFF!

Sunscreen vs Sunblock

Most of us remember sunblock as a messy chore before beachside fun – it was thick, sticky and left us looking like Casper the Friendly Ghost. This is because sunblock physically protects you from UVA rays by forming a visible barrier on top of your skin.

Sunscreen, on the other hand, is a protectant that penetrates the skin and absorbs the sun’s rays. This allows it to be light, smooth and usually unnoticeable – making it the perfect ending to your morning skincare routine!

Facial Sunscreens

Here are a few facial sunscreens you can try out:

  1. Biore – UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50

Easy to find, and affordable, this non-greasy option leaves your skin feeling fresh and hydrated with its fast absorption.

  1. La Roche-Posay – Anthelios Invisible SPF 50+

A brand that focuses on sensitive skin, this lightweight product has a high SPF without looking or feeling like you’re wearing anything at all.

  1. Neogen – Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF50

Protect your skin from the sun without having to worry about it clogging your pores. This sunscreen will have your skin feeling moist and supple throughout the day.

  1. Neutrogena – Ultra Sheer Dry Touch Sunscreen SPF50

This shine-free formula uses the latest technology to ensure that sun protection doesn’t break down, effectively blocking you from the damaging UVA and UVB rays.

  1. Supergoop – Unseen Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 40

One of Sephora’s best-sellers, this clear sunscreen is a favourite for those who wear makeup as it manages to prevent it from smudging throughout the day.

Protection

Make sure you look out for products that are labelled broad spectrum sunscreen or PA++ (the more pluses, the better) to ensure that you’ll be protected from both UVA and UVB rays. Aim for an SPF that is higher than 30 and don’t forget to reapply it every 2 hours, especially if you’ve been sweating in this hot, hot heat!