If there’s anything dermatologists will all agree on, it has to be the regular use of sunscreen. Like smoking, the sun is one of the top causes of aging and can yield very visible results. Trust us, when it comes to sun damage, no truer is the phrase prevention is better than cure.
The beauty market, thankfully, doesn’t fall short of suncare products. From creams to gels, to sunsticks for easy reapplication and minis for vacation, there is no excuse to not wear sunscreen every day of your life. Here, we rounded up a list of suncare products to love, depending on your need, your preference, and your budget.
“Wear your sunscreen.” It’s phrase many a beauty-obsessed Filipina has heard—one that touts sunscreen as the be-all, end-all product in a skincare routine that aims to age gracefully. But does anyone really know what wearing sunscreen actually entails? What does it actually do? And is it really all that necessary?
What Is It
First things first, here are the terms to know. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, is what protects the skin from the UVB or Ultraviolet B rays of the sun, which can cause sunburn and can damage the DNA in skin cells. The level of protection provided is determined by a number, from SPF 30 to 100.
PA, or Protection Grade of UVA, blocks UVA or Ultraviolet A rays of the sun, which can greatly age the skin. The shield level of PA is indicated through the plus sign, such as PA++++, whcih is the highest possible PA.
There are two ways to protect yourself from the sun: The first is by forming a protective barrier between your skin and the sun, and the second is by applying a product that uses UV filters to absorb the sun’s radiation.
Sunblock, just as its name suggests, shields the skin from UV damage by physically blocking the sun from your skin. That’s why sunblock is also referred to as physical sunscreen. Physical sunscreens often use minerals like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, which sit on the skin to form that protective layer. “These types of filters are not allergens which is why it is safe for children and adults with sensitive skin,” says Dr. Mariel Arambulo-Cordero of the Arambulo Dermatology Clinic. “The downside is that it is snowy white in color, which might make it hard to blend in your skin. But this snowy white color can be protective especially for pigmentation.”
Although physical sunscreen is less irritating to the skin since it isn’t absorbed, it also tends to be thick, chalky, and hard to spread, producing the dreaded white cast we all want to avoid. But morenas need not fret, as tinted versions are widely available nowadays on the market, and make the white cast a little less noticeable.
Another way to protect your skin is by using sunscreen. Only this time, instead of forming a protective film on the skin, sunscreen utilizes chemical filters (like oxybenzone, avobenzone, and octisalate, to name a few) that can absorb the sun’s UV rays. Because of this reason, sunscreen is also referred to as chemical sunscreen.
Chemical sunscreens don’t leave a white cast on your skin because they’re designed to be absorbed by the body. They also tend to go on smoother, without the greasy or heavy feeling physical sunscreens tend to have.
How To Apply It
When it comes to applying sunscreen, most dermatologists agree on the two-finger rule that advises people to use two fingers-worth of sunscreen to cover the face and neck. “The two-finger rule makes the SPF label on your product more accurate,” Dr. Marie Jean Dagdag-Kung of the Dr. Skinlift Aesthetic and Wellness Center shares. “This ensures the thickness and content of the sunscreen based on global standards.”
To get the most sun protection out of your sunscreen, reapplying is key. “The frequency depends on whether you’re going to do water activities or sweat a lot,” says Dr. Dagdag-Kung. “Reapplication is a must after sweating, toweling, and water activities.”
Why You Need It
Sunscreen is all about getting the right protection your skin needs to prevent a multitude of skin ailments. “As much as our skin has different protective mechanisms, it can’t handle all the damage that comes with sun exposure,” Dr. Joland San Juan of the Philippine Dermatological Society shares. “Besides burning and increased sensitivity, it can also lead to premature aging of the skin, decrease in collagen and elastin resulting in sagging aged skin and hyperpigmentation, including freckles and melasma. It’s also a major risk factor for the development of skin cancer.”
In fact, with the rising Philippine Heat Index averaging at around 38-44°C in August of 2023, the need to protect ourselves from the sweltering heat has become increasingly important as the planet gets warmer.
According to new research, the application of UV protection is a must even for time spent indoors. “Recent studies have noted that aging can be caused not only by UV exposure, but even by visible light which can all lead to an accelerated aging process,” says Dr. San Juan.
Dr. Dagdag-Kung advises: “Apply sunscreen first thing in the morning, ideally 30 minutes before any routine activity, even when the weather forecast says there is a typhoon coming and the sky is covered with clouds.”
What To Look For
What goes into your sunscreen is just as important as how often you use it. It’s important to look for a few keywords to ensure you’re getting the safest, most effective protection possible. “Get a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. This will help protect your skin from both UVA and UVB rays,” says Dr. Concepcion Dela Fuente of Skin Station. “An SPF of at least 30 will block out around 97 percent of UVB rays, which are the ones that cause sunburn and skin cancer.”
As for ingredients to avoid, Dr. Dela Fuente says to steer clear of these components: “Retinyl palmitate is a form of vitamin A that increases the risk of developing skin cancers. Oxybenzone and octinoxate could be harmful to coral reefs. Parabens and fragrances can cause irritation, especially for those with sensitive skin.”
What To Use
Sunsticks for Easy Application
If you’re looking for a sun protection product that’s spill-proof and perfect for when you’re on the go, a stick format is just the thing.
- Good: Habitude Go-Getter Moisture + Sun Stick SPF30,P540, Lazada
Meant to moisturize as well as protect, this sunstick is perfect for the eco-conscious beauty gal. The reef-safe stick is packed in forest-sustainable paper packaging and is 100% compostable.
- Better: Supergoop Glow Stick Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++, P1650, Sephora
Just like its name suggests, this sun stick offers a fresh, dewy glow without feeling heavy or sticky.
- Best: Shiseido Clear Sunscreen Stick SPF50, P2100, Power Plant Mall
If you’re spending a lot of time outdoors, this one’s your best bet. Thanks to its WetForce Technology, the formula reacts to perspiration and water to create an additional layer of sun protection to keep your skin healthy and happy.
Local Brands for Everyday Use
Not ones to be left behind, these local brands have sun protection choices in different fun formats.
- Good: Luxe Organix Aqua Daily Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++ UVA/UVB, P349, Watsons
A lightweight, budget-friendly option that calms the skin with aloe vera, calendula, and centella asiatica extracts.
- Better: blk Cosmetics Universal Sheer Sunscreen Primer Stick SPF40 UVA/UVB PA+++, P599, Lazada
A silky, lightweight balm that grips makeup with ease, the sheer, mattifying formula is perfect for those that want to create a flawless canvas for foundation.
- Best: Happy Skin Hyaluronic Sun Serum SPF 50+ PA++++, P999, Lazada
We love a good sunscreen with skincare ingredients! This one has hyaluronic acid to hydrate, ceramides to strengthen the skin barrier, and cica to ease redness.
Sunblock for Outdoor Activities
Whether you’re doing some heavy sweating or splashing away in the ocean, these water-resistant sunblocks allow for some fun in the sun without having to worry about getting burnt. (As long as you’re reapplying, that is.)
- Good: Belo SunExpert Transparent Mist, P529.75, Lazada
If you’re a beach gal that loves the look of sun-kissed skin (sans the gray undertone other sunscreens leave), this transparent mist gives you the most beautiful bronze tan.
- Better: SVR Sun Secure Extreme Ultra-Matt Gel SPF50+, P747.17, CaretoBeauty.com
Outdoor sunscreens are usually synonymous to thick creams that leave a ghastly white cast on the face, but this one has a unique balm-in-gel formula that melts into the skin and stays invisible.
- Best: VMV Hypoallergenics Armada Face Cover SPF 45, P2350, Lazada
Offering comprehensive protection and high protection factors against sun and screen light, Armada Face Cover helps lighten melasma and other skin pigmentations with everyday use.
Lightweight, Serum Sunscreens
We love a good multi-tasking product. Serum sunscreen is the best of two worlds, offering protection from the sun while delivering skincare benefits.
- Good: Skin 1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++, P629, Shopee
A staple guest on TikTok sunscreen videos, this Korean sunscreen gem feels lightweight, wears super comfortable, and has centella asiatica and hyaluronic acid to soothe and hydrate the skin.
- Better: Ultra Violette Queen Screen Luminising Sun Serum SPF50+, P2150, Sephora
More serum than cream, its silky texture melts into the skin for a luminous glow with a sun-protected finish.
- Best: Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Skincare Milk 50 SPF, P1692, Lazada
If you want something that spreads easily and feels light, this one from Anessa is made up of 50% skincare ingredients and can be used as a makeup primer, too.
Derm-Recommended Picks
Here are a few faves from the skin experts themselves.
- Good: Heliocare 360 Water Gel SPF50+, P1699.07, CaretoBeauty
“Heliocare sunscreen has a proprietary Fernblock which acts as an antioxidant and aids in skin repair.” —Dr. Joland San Juan
- Better: DermaxPRO 360° Full Shield SPF 50, P2200, Skin Station clinics and Lazada
“For my face and neck, I use DermaxPRO 360° Full Shield SPF 50. It’s a lightweight, broad-spectrum product that’s easy to use and doesn’t leave a sticky feeling on the skin throughout the day.” —Dr Concepcion Marie S. Dela Fuente
- Best: Dr. Skin Halt Sunscreen SPF50+++, P250, Shopee
“I use Dr. Skin Halt Sunscreen daily, mainly because it’s SPF 50, broad spectrum, good for sensitive skin, sweat-resistant, and has slow burst technology against UVA, UVB, UVC, infrared rays, and visible light.” —Dr. Marie Jean N. Dagdag- Kung
Whether you’re an outdoorsy sun-worshipper or prefer spending most of your time indoors, wearing sunscreen is a non-negotiable for healthy, well-aging skin. The question is, what’s the best one out there? If you’re asking us, our answer is simple: The best sunscreen is one you’ll be willing to use and reapply without question every single day. Building that daily habit will reap huge benefits in the future, so let your future self thank you and get on that sun protection habit, stat.
