HI GUYS! I am back with a new post as I am receiving a lot of questions on Sun Protection.
(Sorry I have been extremely busy with life, but I promise I will back on track. Do DM me to chase me for content from time to time :P)
Anyway, here goes!
Using sunscreen is a must!
I can’t emphasis enough how much we should be using sunscreen – every day, outdoors and even indoors. Each individual use it for a different reason. I use it more for anti-aging and cosmetics reasons (because I usually get the one with a whiter base).
But in general, it is more commonly used for:
Sun protection from harmful UV rays (redness, peeling etc.)
Prevention of premature aging (lines, wrinkles, age spots etc.)
Lower risk of skin cancer
Evening out skin tone
For guys and girls out there who are not using sunscreen, good news is you’re not too late to start!
Now, here is a fun fact.
Exposure to harmful UV rays triggers a biological UV-meter in your body. And every moment you’re out in the sun, your body tracks the exposure and accumulates the damage. It is only when you start protecting yourself, you allow your body to halt the accumulative process and let it recover from the damage – to some extent.
So, where do we start?
If you look closely on every sunscreen product, there is always some very important information. One, the SPF number (SPF15, SPF30, SPF45 etc.) and the PA strength (PA+, PA++, PA+++ and PA++++).
The SPF number, known as the sun protection factor, is indicative of the protection from the UVB rays. These rays are the one that penetrates only the superficial layer of your skin. To better remember this, associate “B” with burn – or more accurately timetakentobe burnt.
The higher the number really means that it would takes a longer period for you to feel the burn from the sun than those who don’t use sunscreen.
(SPF15 means taking 15 times longer than without sunscreen – and the list goes on.)
It is also said that the SPF number is reflective of the amount of harmful rays you are protected from – the higher the number, the higher percentage of harmful rays you are covered and protected from.
Think of it as the forcefield shields you have seen in action movies or marvel comics – where that “protection” is exhaustible and would eventually reach you when the forcefield runs out.
The real thing we all should worry for is to guard against UVA rays.
UVA rays are the rays that penetrate deeper into the thickest layer of your skin known as the dermis.
Over-exposure of UVA rays in the longer term is often related to hyper-aging or known as premature aging) and photo-aging that is wrinkling of the skin. Yes, you are right. “A” for aging.
So essentially, PA is Protection Grade of UVA rays in product terms.
More importantly, the number of plus-es you see on the packaging means the level of Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) that you are protected from. The more pluses, the more protected you are from PPD.
PA+ : Having one plus means that the sunscreen provides protection with factor of 2-4 (medium UV radiation).
PA++ : Having two pluses shows that the sunscreen provides protection with factor of 4-8.
PA+++ : Having three pluses shows that the sunscreen provides protection with factor of above 8-16.
And finally for PA++++ is for PDD protection above the level of 16.
There are also sunscreens out there that are commonly associated with terms “broad-spectrum coverage” or “full-spectrum coverage”, which really just means it protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
But one thing about this trend is that it does not specify or inform you of the extent of the protection with regards to PPD or UVA protection. Yes, the one that ages you!
The good thing is that we are starting to see that these broad-spectrum products are shifting towards having zinc oxide or titanium dioxide as a key ingredient.
Zinc oxide is actually commonly used lately as it sits on top of the skin and blocks out harmful rays, rather than being absorbed into the skin. It is also known to be helpful in preventing post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) and scarring.
Titanium dioxide, however, is used more commonly for sensitive and redness-prone skin. Click here if you’re interested in how they are different.
Final Takeaways
Using sunscreen is a must – every single day, be it outdoor or indoors.
Look out for PA+ and above, which represents the Protection grade for UVA rays for anti-aging and recovery purposes.
Check out sunscreen with Zinc oxide or Titanium dioxide for added benefits.
I hope all of you like today’s post. And please please please start using sunscreen to protect yourself from the damaging rays of the sun!
What I am using now
The Lapothicell Natural Mineral Sun Protection SPF50+ PA+++
This sunscreen is light and offers high UV defence coverage suitable for those with sensitive skin and is even good for children.
It contains anti-inflammatory (Chamomilla Recutita flower extract) and soothing (aloe vera leaf) ingredients that heal damaged and irritated skin.
If you’re interested to get this product, click here to find out more here in english and here for the korean site.
As many of you may know, I am an advocate for skincare. And apart from our faces, we should also see to taking good care of the skin on our body as well.
Commonly known as body skincare routine, this routine is very personal and methods differ largely from person to person. Today, I am going to share more about my body care routine in this short post.
(by the way, I had a lot problems finding photos for this post because I don’t believe in going topless so I can’t show my body. 😛 Since the thumbnail is actually #tbt pic just to display my dedication to talking about good skin, here is a recent picture of myself taken in Korea!
Here are 6 rules I follow for my body care regime, and this is for anyone out there who is wishing to rid of skin problems such as dryness, dullness and even body pimples!
Rule #1 : I protect it extensively from the sun.
I am quite crazy with this. I usually wear long sleeves and stay under sheltered areas to avoid the negative effects from the sun!
When I was doing my military service, people actually thought that I was out of my mind when I carried an umbrella everywhere I went – even on rainy days!
Rule #2 : I am selective about soap.
As mentioned in a previous post, different skin types require different ingredients to supply the nourishment it needs.
(I personally don’t pay much attention to this because I have the typical skin type that doesn’t have much problems. But because I like my skin to be clean, smooth and bright, I often use a shower scrub and gentle soap like Dettol bar soap. You really need to find out what your skin needs at different point of time! )
Rule #4 : I drink lots of water… still trying my best!
We need to remember the water that we drink everyday is to keep our internal organs in body as well as our external skin hydrated.
And given that we have so much more skin area other than our face (our skin is our largest organ and accounts for 16% of our body mass!), we need to drink plenty of water to ensure an even and thorough distribution for our replenishment!
Rule #5 : I strive to have optimal beauty rest… still trying my best!
Having sufficient sleep is definitely not over-rated.
A recent articleshared that your circadian rhythm, typically known as your body clock, affects the condition of your complexion.
While you were sleeping, your skin cells are regenerates overnight is enhanced by the ‘plumped’ effect from the healing process, gives a more youthful look and radiance in the morning as it conceals wrinkles!
Rule #6 : I have a healthy relationship with my skin.
This is probably one of the most important thing that I have to emphasise.
Some people might think I am too obsessed but I am very very careful about things that will affect my skin.
First, I don’t take harmful substances at all, such as cigarettes or drugs – you need to see how celeb’s complexion gets butchered by drugs… so no drugs! I am also cutting down on soju and alcohol so that my skin can aged gracefully… like me! 😀
Second, I make extra effort to pay attention to daily care – such as rinsing off and pat away leftover shampoo and conditioner that cascaded down from my head after a bath. This is probably the most common reason why people get body breakouts or sensitive scalp (I will leave the scalp care for another post another day).
And when they do happen, I have deep cleansing products for body acne to get them under controlled.
Been using it for a couple of years now, see above for the product I use (but I believe they have a newer packaging).
The Tea Tree Body Wash
The Body Shop
Said to target imperfections on back and body and get smoother, clearer looking skin, cleansing with the soap-free Tea Tree Body Wash will leave your skin feeling clean, purified and refreshed.
KEY INGREDIENTS
Purifying tea tree oil grown in the foothills of Mount Kenya
A lot people have been curious on how do I make sure I look the way I look everyday. Watch my 2-min #getreadywithme video tutorial on going from weary to full-on freshfaced pretty boy. 🙂
I go by the personal philosophy that makeup should be used sparingly to enhance your existing features and not make you look like someone else.
Share with me your comments and ideas on what is your personal makeup philosophy, and what do you think should be the philosophy of makeup for guys.
Disclaimer: This post is not a sponsored post. However, it is a prelude to upcoming posts on IT’S SKIN new Tiger Cica line. So stay tuned! 🙂
There has been a slow but gradually growing hype about this particulae skincare ingredient since 2014.
But is this ingredient able to become an all-popular choice just like how the snail products invaded our lives, or become an essential ingredient of an anti-aging line just like fermented ingredients?
To be quite honest, I am not too sure.
But from a guy’s standpoint, this ingredient, known as Tiger Cica – Centella asiatica or the Gotu Kola herb – has a major potential due to all the skin benefits it promises.
But when it comes to skincare, it is pretty much under-rated at the moment. Fortunately, skincare companies are starting to catch on this trend early, and incorporating this underdog ingredient into their lines.
In fact, this ingredient is known as 병풀/호랑이풀 or “byeongpul” in Korea, which means Tiger herb or “disease-treating plant”.
So, what is exactly this Tiger Cica grass?
Let’s first begin with its origins.
According to the legends, a wounded Bengal tiger was said to have rolled in the Centella asiatica or the Gotu Kola leaves with the intent to stimulate wound healing for itself. And that is how the name of the “tiger grass” came about.
The Tiger Cica grass definitely has a longgg history!
With different cultures using it as a medicinal herb for varioud reasons up till this day, I would say that the Tiger Cica ingredient is definitely tried and tested – to the point that it has stood and conquered the test of time!
A research summary from Phytomedicine has also brought up the fact that the ingredient has been subjected to “quite extensive experimental and clinical investigations”, while Indian Journal of Medicine cited gotu kola as a “potential herbal cure-all” in an overview.
“WHAT CAN I SAY? IT IS A SUPER FOOD AND A SUPER HERB.”
Specific plant chemicals called triterpenoid saponins (more specifically asiaticoside, brahmoside, brahminoside, madecassoside and madecassic or madasiatic acid) that have been shown to help heal wounds by boosting antioxidants, increasing the blood supply to the area and strengthening the skin.
In fact in a 2012 study, researchers found that the ingredient extracts inhibited bacterial growth, fueled the growth of new skin cells and increased skin “tensile strength” and resilience after applying concentrate of centella asiatica to the skin of rats with open wounds.
Why should we try Tiger Cica?
If you are looking for the following effects on your skin, then Tiger Cica is definitely for you.
For me, I am extremely excited about this product! 🙂
As I am growing fairer (for some strange reasons!), I have been noticing some redness at the side of my nose. I reallt hope this helps in rebalancing the colour of my face.
Cosmetic Applications of the ingredient
Treatment of sun damage
For circulatory enhancement
Speed up healing of damage tissues / Stimulate skin repair
Minimize scarring
Improve the looks of cellulite
Anti-aging (by improving the moisture barrier)
Anti-aging (by providing collagen support)
Lastly, the tiger cica is said to have other benefits beyond just skincare – improving memory and haircare. In particular, it is helps with hair loss and improves the blood circulation at the scalp.
In Conclusion
I hope this post has helped you to understand the potential skin benefits of Gotu Kola and its related skin care products.
Interestingly, I truly feel that the use of Gotu Kola suits and appeals alot to boys/guys/men. For me, I like that it zooms into maintaining that healthy complexion by just healing and regeneratinh, combating skin disorders and defying the effects of time – all at once.
And that it isn’t so focused on getting that beauty glow related to whitening or radiance that most females desire.
I absolutely can’t wait to share more about the It’s Skin Tiger Cica line with you in the next post(s)! :p
Till then, see you next time! 🙂 🙂 🙂
For more posts & updates, follow me on Instagram at @louistylersim
@Louisjunho 