Sun Cream 

Whether you love going to the beach and doing outdoor activities or you’re someone who needs to travel to work every day and do some errands every now and then, you need sun cream to help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation. In fact, even on cloudy days, you still need this product – UV radiation can still penetrate clouds. By getting yourself sun cream, you will help your skin age gracefully. 

But with so many sun cream products in the market today, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. If you don’t know where to start, visit Ultraceuticals and choose from our wide range of UV sunscreen products that are not just designed to block both UVA and UVB rays but also formulated to accommodate the needs of your specific skin type. 

If you still don’t know your exact skin type, visit our website and answer our skin quiz. After a few clicks, you can learn if you have normal, oily, or sensitive skin and discover the best skin care products based on your skin type and major skin concern (e.g., acne, skin laxity, uneven tone, large pores, etc.). 

Another option is to book your free online consultation with one of our qualified skin experts who can create a tailor-made skin care regimen or professional treatment to help you visibly transform your skin within 90 days. 

How does sun cream work?

Face and body sunscreen products are usually made up of a mix of sunscreen active chemicals to help protect your skin from the UVA and UVB rays. They are categorised into two types: physical sun cream that blocks and scatters the ultraviolet rays before they penetrate your skin and chemical sun cream that absorbs the rays before they can cause harmful effects to your complexion.

You’d probably notice that when you buy sunscreen in the market, it comes with an SPF label. This acronym stands for Sun Protection Factor, which is the number that tells you how long the sun’s UVA and UVB rays would take to redden your skin if you apply a sun protection cream compared to the amount of time without it. Regardless of the SPF you choose, reapplication of sun block cream every two hours is crucial. After swimming or sweating, you must also immediately reapply sunscreen.

When looking for a sun cream, don’t just grab the first cheap sunscreen you see on the shelf. Make sure that you choose a product that has a label that says ‘broad spectrum’, which means that it helps protect you against both UVB and UVA rays. (UVB rays cause sunburn, whereas UVA rays lead to premature ageing of the skin.)

How to apply sun cream?

Sunscreens can help you enjoy the outdoors without worrying about exposing your skin to the sun. However, they are not as effective unless you apply them correctly. So follow these tips when applying these sun care products. 

Apply sun cream 15 to 20 minutes before going outdoors. The idea is to wait for the skin to absorb all the ingredients before being out in the sun; this rule is particularly important if you’re going to swim. 

Apply enough sun cream. Most adults need about 35 ml of sunscreen, which is enough to fill a shot glass, to cover their entire body. When applying sunscreen, you need at least one teaspoon per limb, one for the front of the body, one for the back, and one for the head. Make sure that you rub it thoroughly into your skin, paying close attention to your ears, top of your feet, nape, and back. If you have thinning hair, you should also apply the product to your scalp or wear a wide-brimmed hat. 

Reapply. If you’re planning to stay under the sun for an extended period, reapply sun cream every two hours or immediately after swimming or doing rigorous activities that cause excessive sweating. (Note though that during an average day, you don’t need to reapply sunscreen every two hours if you’re mostly staying indoors. The ingredients of sunscreen are broken down not by the passage of time but by the effects of direct sun exposure and sweating.)

Remember, whether you need face sunscreen, UV lip balm, or sun care for your body, the general rule is to use a UV sunscreen with at least SPF 30 whether you’re just going for a walk in your neighbourhood or you’re going to spend your day at a beach. And even on cloudy days, never skip this product. 

How long does sun cream last?

All sunscreens have a shelf life, but it is a long one. The vast majority of them stay stable and effective for two years, provided that they are stored at room temperature. But if you store the products in a warm place, like in your purse or glove compartment, they may expire faster due to the heat.

If you want to make sure your sun cream still provides a good amount of protection, read the expiration date on the container. You should also check for changes in smell and texture (like clumping or separation of liquids). 

Now that you know everything about sun cream, visit Ultraceuticals and choose from our clinically tested skin products that can help you maintain radiant-looking skin. Whether you need a cream moisturiser to nourish and support your skin’s hydration needs, an exfoliating product to reveal your luminous complexion, or an eye cream to revitalise the skin around your eyes – we have everything you need.