If it’s true that 80 percent of skin aging is caused by the sun, then sunscreen must be the true anti-aging holy grail. Gone are the days when sun protection was synonymous with goopy, thick, sticky lotions that left a white cast on the skin.
One of the brands we’ve had the privilege of truly knowing—skin deep, if we must say—is Anessa, one of the world’s most advanced and most remarkably formulated sunscreens, known for lightweight texture, intense water and friction resistance, foolproof protection, and gentle formulations. In the realm of sun care, there are already plenty of boxes to tick. These days, what with our changing climate and harsh surroundings, we look for more in our sunscreens. So how does Anessa keep up? We get behind one of the most reliable next-generation sun protection products you’ll ever try.
Not all sunscreens are made by the mother of sunscreens.
Backed by over 100 years of research, Anessa is solely a sunscreen brand that makes its own formulations; a name on its own albeit being part of the Shiseido group. Being a brand under the company that pioneered sunscreen in skincare, Anessa has developed some of the most innovative and superior suncare products in the market. Its deep understanding of sun protection and consumer pain points has allowed the brand to address many, if not all, sunscreen concerns. To have been able to find that balance of creating foolproof sun protection having commendable application features and texture is a true industry feat.
Not all sunscreens need to be sticky.
Anessa’s Perfect UV sunscreens use breathable gels and milks that provide high levels of defense against the sun’s harmful rays without the common stickiness, oiliness, and white cast known to other sunscreens.
Not all sunscreens have to fade fast in heat or water.
There are two ways sunscreens stop working: when they wash off in water and when they disintegrate with heat. Anessa has managed to address both with its high water resistance formula that lasts up to 80 minutes underwater. Its UV protection veil gets stronger when it comes in contact with water, sweat, and heat. It’s also friction-, sand-, and wipe-resistant. How do you wash it off then? Simply with soap and water.
Not all sunscreens are also skincare.
Made with 50 percent skincare ingredients, Anessa’s products pack an extra punch with anti-photoaging yellow flower extract, antioxidant green tea extract, as well as collagen and super hyaluronic acid to provide moisturization.
Not all sunscreens are created equal.
Do you know the difference between SPF and PA? SPF or Sun Protection Factor protects the skin from UVB rays, the ones that make the skin red and get sunburn. A sunscreen’s SPF will give you an idea of how much lower the UVB damage could be with the use of sunscreen. An SPF of 35 would mean it will take 35 times longer for one’s skin to burn with sunscreen as opposed to it being bare. If your skin burns in 10 minutes without sun protection, SPF 35 would mean your skin won’t burn until after 35 minutes. Anessa’s sunscreens provide the ideal SPF50.
But sun damage is actually deeper than sunburn. The sun also emits UVA rays, which PA, on the other hand, addresses. UVA rays penetrate into the deeper layers of the skin and cause bulk damage to the skin’s genes, resulting in the many signs of premature aging like wrinkles, age spots, sagging, and even skin cancer. The PA rating system, which is short for Protection Grade of UVA, is denoted by plus signs, with PA++++ as the highest. Anessa’s sunscreens have ratings PA ++++ for Extremely High UVA Protection and PA+++ which means High UVA Protection.
Not all sunscreen brands have options for specific skin needs.
The best sunscreen is the one you will want to use, and of course one that is appropriate for the occasion and your skin type.
For Oily & Combination Skin: Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Milk
As its name implies, this product’s milky formulation glides on smooth and is quickly absorbed for a velvety, matte finish. But don’t let its lightweight nature fool you. With SPF 50 and PA++++, this hardworking sunscreen is great for even outdoor days and can resist fading from exposure to water, heat, and even friction so you don’t have to keep reapplying. And because it absorbs so fast, you can put on your makeup almost right after.
The gold milk is made even better, as it now contains more than 71 percent moisturizing boosters that can last up to eight hours. The reformulated version is made with the Auto Veil technology, a flexible UV veil that moves and stretches with the skin, ensuring that skin protection stays on throughout; plus an Auto Booster Technology, which reinforces the veil even more as it gets in contact with sweat, water, heat, and air moisture.
As if that isn’t enough, this fortified version has more skincare ingredients in it, with the addition of unshiu citrus (a Japanese mandarin) extract for moisture and purple tea extract for antioxidants.
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk
P749, Lazada
For Dry Skin: Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Gel
With a water-based formulation that’s even got hyaluronic acid, this breathable sunscreen gel is sure to leave your skin with a dewy, radiant finish. Compared to the reformulated gold milk, the gel variant also comes with a reformulation and provides a moisturizing effect that can last up to 12 hours.
With SPF 50 and PA++++, it’s great for both everyday use and for much-deserved beach or camping trips. Like the other products in the range, its auto-booster technology helps keep it in place, even if you have to wear a mask.
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gel
P1,490, Lazada
For Dull Skin: Anessa Brightening UV Sunscreen Gel
With its lavender hue, it counteracts dullness and leaves skin looking healthier and more radiant like a makeup primer. This gel has active brightening ingredients like m-Tranexamic acid to suppress melanin production and prevent spots and freckles, as well as skincare ingredients to prevent roughness and dryness from UV damage.
Anessa Brightening UV Sunscreen Gel
P1,490, Rustan’s
For Sensitive Skin and Children: Anessa Moisture UV Sunscreen Mild Gel & Mild Milk
For those with sensitive skin, finding a sunscreen, or any product for that matter, that delivers results without causing a reaction can be a bit more challenging. This is why Anessa has developed two products dedicated to sensitive skin, with a hypoallergenic formula that even babies 6 months and above can use.
This variant comes reformulated with sakura leaf extract to improve skin dullness and ashitaba extract which helps retain the skin’s natural moisture. Both the Mild Milk and Mild Gel have superior sun protection, but with a gentle formulation made without fragrance, colorants, parabens, alcohol, and mineral oil, so you can slather it and enjoy the great outdoors with ease.
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Mild Gel
P1,490, Lazada
Ultra Lightweight Bundle – Mild Milk + Mild Gel
P3,480, Lazada
For Touch Ups & Hair: Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Spray
When you need superior sun protection on the go, there’s nothing quite as convenient as a handy spray that goes on evenly. It’s water and friction-resistant, and is great for use in the face, body, and even hair, to keep even our tresses protected under the summer sun.
Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Gold Spray
P1,490, Lazada
For Use Under Makeup: Anessa Day Serum
Taking sun care and skincare to the next level, the Day Serum science-backed sunscreen that protects the skin while offering skincare benefits in the same way gadgets or treatments do. What makes it extra special is its Sun Dual Care technology that makes use of the patented spirulina energy essence which converts some of the sun’s harmful UV rays into red and green light (similar to light therapy) or what it calls “beauty beams” that provides nourishing and hydrating skin benefits. It comes in a silky smooth formulation and comfortable matte finish, which makes it perfect to wear as a primer under makeup and finishes with a healthy glow.
Anessa Day Serum
P2,190, Rustan’s
Not Everyone Knows These Things…
You can get as much sun damage on a cloudy day and indoors as much as on a bright, sunny day. The point is to wear sunscreen at all times during the day.
Dots are not enough. If you’re using liquid sunscreen, fill two fingers with the product for the ideal amount for the face.
Dermatologists recommend putting on sunscreen at least a few minutes before going out (although Anessa’s sunscreens do not need to set and work right away) and reapply every 2 hours.
