Staying Safe in the Sun in Singapore
Living in Singapore means facing the sweltering heat all year round, but with the forecast for 2024 predicting even warmer temperatures, it's crucial to prioritize sun protection now more than ever. Here are some ways to arm ourselves against the relentless sunrays.
1. Embracing Sun Protection
While enjoying outdoor activities, it's imperative to strike a balance between soaking up the sun and protecting our skin. Sunscreen is our best defense against harmful UV radiation. Whether you're lounging on the beach or working indoors, applying sunscreen daily is non-negotiable. In fact, anyone over the age of six months should use sunscreen daily (yes, you read that right!).
Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher, and don't forget to reapply every two hours, especially during peak sun hours between 11 am to 4 pm.
2. Understanding Sun Damage
Extended exposure to the sun can lead to a myriad of skin problems beyond sunburn. UVB rays cause sunburn, while UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, causing photo-aging, characterized by unwanted pigmentation (such as melasma, freckles, solar lentigo, etc), wrinkling, leathering and sagging. Remember, sun damage is cumulative. A few minutes of damage everyday will lead to a lot of problems for our skin later on in life. More importantly, long term unprotected exposure to both UVA and UVB may even lead to increased incidence of skin malignancies or cancers, so protecting your skin now will pay off in the long run.
3. Full-Body Protection
While many of us diligently apply sunscreen to our face, we often neglect other areas of our body. To ensure comprehensive protection, apply sunscreen generously to exposed skin, covering areas like the arms, neck, décolletage and nape.
If the greasy feel of traditional sunscreens puts you off, consider oral sunscreen supplements like Heliocare 360 (for more daily protection against UVA, UVB and visible blue light (i.e. screen time, monitors etc) or Heliocare Ultra which is best for high sun exposure (sports, beach time etc). Taking the oral sunscreen every 4 hours provide additional protection from within and is a great complement to topical sunscreens.
4. Mastering Sunscreen Reapplication
The key to effective sun protection lies in consistent reapplication. SPF mists and sprays can be just as effective as lotions IF one applies enough of it (i.e., it should "glisten" on the skin).
The same rule applies in terms of reapplication - every 2 hours if exposure is intense. In addition to topical sunscreen, consider investing in quality sunshield visors like the Bluestone Sunshield Sun Visor and SPF protective clothing for added protection.
5. Finding the Right Sunscreen
If you have sensitive skin, opt for mineral-based formulas with physical filters. Physical sunscreens tend to be thicker as they do not penetrate our skin - hence why you need a thick layer of it. Ensure you're applying the correct amount of sunscreen – for lotions or sprays, more is more. The correct amount used is very crucial in ensuring you get your skin protected.
If you use a spray, slather yourself with it (as a rule of thumb, your spray should fill a small shot glass for the whole body). For a lotion sunscreen, at least 3-4 fingers worth for the arms; double that for your legs.
"Personally, I find it easier to use the face sunscreen for the body and it ensures better adherence on a daily basis. I’ve got sensitive skin so when I use the body sunscreen when I’m out by the beach or on the go, I choose the Crystal Tomato Beyond Sun Protection for face and body and Heliocare Pediatrics Atopic Lotion Spray SPF 50 (for the body only) and religiously set a timer to remind myself to pop the Heliocare Ultra pill for that extra and enhanced protection. Having said that, the “best” sunscreen (be it for the face or body) is that one that you would use - so find one whose texture works for you and stick to it; using the RIGHT amounts of it (subtext: copious amounts :)). Block up and brighten up!" - Serene Seah, co-founder of Freia Aesthetics