6 Tips On Choosing The Best Sunscreen To Protect Your Skin From UV Damage And Ageing

By Rachel Yohannan on 02 Apr 2021

Senior Digital Editor

Crazy cat lady who loves afternoon tea, kawaii Japanese fashion, and all things Sanrio.

In sunny Singapore, sunscreen should be an unskippable skincare staple - not just for days of outdoor sports, but as part of your daily beauty routine. Even if you’re going to remain indoors away from the sun, those harmful UV rays are present everywhere. Some light bulbs also emit UV radiation, and however small these amounts, they all add up and will eventually take a toll on your skin.

But how do you go about choosing the right sunscreen to suit your skin, in terms of texture, formula, and efficacy? Here’s a mini crash course so you can pick out the best sunscreen in Singapore that’ll help prevent ageing, pigmentation, and sun damage.

Read on to find out about these sunscreen tips for Singaporeans!

#1: Always stick to at least SPF50, with +++ protection grade

Photo from Astalift

When it comes to sunscreen, more is more - and we’re not just talking about the amount you slap on. Simply slathering layer upon layer of sunscreen onto your skin won’t help if it’s a low-spectrum one. The minimum recommended coverage is SPF50, which blocks out 98% of UVB rays.

At the same time, do also look out for PA Protection Grade ratings - the more “+” signs, the higher the protection against UVA rays. Generally, aim to buy sunscreens with Protection Grades of at least PA+++.

Both the SPF and PA ratings work in tandem to shield you from these two types of ultraviolet rays, preventing sunburns as well as damage that’s penetrated deep into the skin’s layers.

#2: Go for “stretchable” formulas that won’t give way to cracks

Photo from Astalift

Like how makeup can get cakey over the day, sunscreen can also wear off or “crack” over a couple of hours, depending on the one you’re using. You likely won’t be able to see or feel it happening, but these little fissures will let UV rays leak in, resulting in skin damage without you even realising.

But you won’t have to worry about that with Astalift’s D-UV Clear White Solution. With a “stretchable” formula, it coats your face like a second skin, and has the flexibility to contract or expand according to your facial movements - preventing any opportunity for those nasty UV rays to seep in.

#3: Save time on makeup with a 2-in-1 sunscreen and makeup primer

Photo from Astalift

There are a handful of reasons why you should go for a 2-in-1 sunscreen that doubles up as a makeup primer. For one, it saves precious time when getting ready in the morning, and cutting out that one extra step of skincare also minimises the possibility of irritation for those with sensitive skin.

Not all sunscreens layer well underneath makeup, so having one that serves well as a good base would also help minimise an unnatural look, while allowing for smoother application of foundation.

The Astalift D-UV Clear White Solution is one such example of a sunscreen cum primer with a smooth, breathable texture that enhances your skin’s appearance as it protects.

#4: Avoid clogging your skin with oil-free formulas

Photo from PressLogic

Those with oily skin like myself will understand the dilemma when it comes to applying sunscreen. On one hand, I don’t wish to expose my skin to sun damage, but on the other, I’m also not a fan of sunscreen weighing my skin down and creating a greasy film on my face - I’m already shiny-looking enough!

While it may be true that plenty of sunscreen brands have a rich, greasy texture, this isn’t always the case. Your best bet for a more matte finish is a sunscreen with an oil-free formula - such as the Astalift D-UV Clear White Solution. Airy and light, it not only works well under makeup, but can also be reapplied over makeup without clogging pores or ruining your look.

Photo from GirlStyle SG

At first, it comes out opaque, with a slight beige tint. Once absorbed into the skin, it’s virtually colourless with no white cast, making this suitable for people of all skin tones.

Bonus: The Astalift D-UV Clear White Solution sunscreen comes in a tube packaging which makes it easy to carry around, but the real kicker is its special UV sensor cap that changes colour when a strong UV presence is detected - a helpful reminder to reapply whenever necessary.

#5: Go for water- and sweat-resistant sunscreens that will hold up in humid weather

Photo from Astalift

You want a sunscreen that lasts well throughout the day, especially in Singapore’s hot and humid weather. While water-resistant and sweat-resistant cosmetics are highly sought after, a lot of us tend to forget about looking for similarly long-wearing sun protection products.

It always helps to go for waterproof and sweatproof sunscreens - such as the trusty Astalift D-UV Clear White Solution, which won’t streak or dissolve even on the muggiest of afternoons.

#6: Beat dark spots with a skin brightening boost

Photo from Astalift

So, sunscreen helps prevent the possibility of future UV damage, but what if you’ve started late and your skin already has signs of pigmentation and dullness? Don’t worry, not all is lost, because there are sunscreens out there that can help you beat those dark spots with skin brightening properties.

The Astalift D-UV Clear White Solution is infused with a special “Light Analysing Powder” which manipulates light to naturally brighten the skin tone, diminish appearance of sun spots, and make you look more radiant overall.

Astalift D-UV Series promotion:

Photo from Astalift

Astalift’s D-UV Clear White Solution SPF50+ PA++++ checks all the boxes of our list of requirements for a good sunscreen. No matter your skin type, it glides on with a light and comfortable texture, and even comes enhanced with Vitamin C and collagen to help maintain and improve your skin’s natural glow - all while providing a much-needed shield from unforgiving UV damage.

There’s also the Astalift D-UV Clear Aqua Day Serum SPF 50+ PA++++ - a lightweight UV-blocking serum with similar capabilities as the White Solution. With added hydrating properties, this keeps your skin supple and smooth as you’re going about your day.

Photo from Astalift

Right now, Astalift is having a limited-time promotion for their Astalift’s D-UV Clear White Solution SPF50+ PA++++ sunscreen. Instead of the usual price of $72, this sunscreen-primer hybrid is now going at $99 for 2 - which works out to a reasonable $49.50 per piece! Get the promo here, while stocks last.