Why we need to wear sunscreen on daily basis?

Ever since I moved to Doha (the temperature could reach as high as 50 degree), I becoming more conscious about wearing the right sunscreen. Is not that I don’t wear sunscreen daily; in fact I apply sunscreen every day, whether it shines or rains or whether I’ll be indoor or outdoor.  I was more concerned about the SPF, I used to wear sunscreen with SPF 30 PA++ but somehow I felt it's not enough to protect my skin.

So I switched to sunscreen with SPF 50 PA+++ and I feel more secured now.. 

Well with SPF 50, theoretically, I could stay outdoor for at least 8 hours 20 minutes before I would get sunburn! Hooray!!! 

But of course, nobody would stay outdoor for that long in here, especially during summer!

Ok, let’s get started with topic!

We all know that the rays that come from the sun, UVA and UVB rays, could caused damage to our skin, from early skin aging, eye damage (including cataracts) to skin cancers. By wearing sunscreen/sunblock, it will help to protect our skins from UVA and UVB rays. Thus even when summer is over, that doesn’t mean you could skip sunscreen/sunblock in the winter. It’s still vital to apply protection 365 days a year!

Knowing the difference between UVA and UVB rays can help you pick up the best and suitable sunscreen/sunblock for your skins.

What is UVA and what is UVB?

UVA (Ultraviolet-A) rays constantly present, no matter the season or the weather. They are so powerful that they also penetrate some clothing and even glass. So, most of us are actually exposed to large amount of UVA throughout our lifetime.

UVA rays are responsible for the signs of aging because they penetrate deeper into your skin than UVB, and has been long known to cause skin aging and wrinkling.

In short, when you think of UVA rays, think sun spots, uneven skin tone and wrinkles.

UVB (Ultraviolet-B) rays are rays you can blame when you get sunburn or skin reddening. Unlike UVA rays, these rays aren’t the same strength year round – its intensity varies by season, location and time of a day.

So when you think of UVB rays, think sun burn and cancer.

(For further understanding about UVA and UVB, you can learn from here)

So, what is the difference between sunscreen and sunblock?

Sunscreen is a chemical sunscreen/ organic sunscreen. It acts a like a sponge; absorbing the sun’s ray. Chemical sunscreen texture is colourless, odourless and runny.  It can sometimes double as a makeup primer (depending on the active and the formulation).

Common ingredients found in chemical sunscreen: Octylcrylene, Avobenzone, Octinoxate, Octisalate, Oxybenzone, Homosalate, Helioplex,A-MBC, Mexoryl SX and XL, Tinosorb S and M, Uvinul T150, Uvinul A Plus.

Sunblock is a physical sunscreen/inorganic sunscreen. It acts like a shield; deflecting or blocking the sun’s rays.  Physical sunscreen texture usually thick and opaque which can be hard to apply. It tends to leave a white cast and rubs off more easily too, so frequent application is necessary. Common ingredients found in physical sunscreen: Titanium dioxide (TiO2) and Zinc oxside (ZnO).

(You can read more information here.)

And what is the difference SPF and PA+++?

SPF (sun protection factor) shows protection against UVB rays, the rays that causing sunburn. The number in SPF represent the length of time you can stay out in the sun without burning.  To see how long your sunscreen will last, take a number of SPF and multiply it by 10 (a person would normally start to bun in 10 minutes).

For example: SPF 15 x 10 = 150 minutes (2 hour 30 minutes) of sun protection

                     SPF 30 x 10 = 300 minutes (5 hours) of sun protection

PA shows protection against UVA rays, the rays that causing photo-aging.

PA is rated by PA+ (the least protection), PA++ (medium protection) and PA+++ (the greatest protection).

Simply put, when you shop for a sunblock/sunscreen be sure to select one that offers a broad spectrum of UVA and UVB protection.

Who should wear sunscreen/sunblock?

Anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen daily. My kids are wearing sunscreen. 

How to protect our skin?

-      I believe you’ve heard advice to stay out the sun through mid day hours, right? It’s the UVB rays you’re avoiding (try to avoid sun between 10 and 4pm, when UVB rays are the strongest).

-      Apply minimum sunscreen SPF 30 on areas will be exposed to the sun

-      Re-apply sunscreen every 3-4 hours, if you intend to stay outdoor longer.

Remember don’t let a cloudy day affect your decision to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. The less you protect your skin, the more prone you are to sunburn, cancer and aging. And don’t forget your sunglasses to protect our eyes too!

Happy shopping and Good luck ladies!

  

Love, Shantz

My SK-II Skincare Regime

Interesting Real Facts!

Do you know that Korean or Japanese women would use about an average of 5-10 steps skin care products on daily basis including cleansing oil, foaming cleanser, toner, essence, serum, emulsion, moisturizer, eye cream and sunscreen? On top of that, many women regularly use sheet masks and sleeping pack in their routine too.

They use a ‘layering’ technique to apply them. What is ‘layering’ technique?

Each of these products is applied by gently patting or massaging the skin with your fingers from lightest in consistency to the heaviest.  Important! Remember to allow each serum to be fully absorbed by skin before layering with another serum.

How I get started with SK-II?

Just Like many of you, I wasn’t born with flawless skin. During my teens, I switched brands frequently - to quest for 'the one' skincare products. I have a sensitive skin and suffered bad acne breakouts around my cheeks (because I changed products too many times). I was so troubled by my skin conditions that I decided to visit DRx Dermatologist to treat my acnes. Since then I switched to my mum’s skincare, SYY (also another dermatologist skincare). Long short story, I used SYY for about 2-3 years despite the products were a little too strong (caused redness and sometimes peeling of skins) for my sensitive skin. However I was too afraid to switch brand then.

I was introduced to SK-II by my ex-housemate. She’s telling me about her then ex-colleague’s perfect complexion - flawless and radiant skin because of SK-II. Though initially I was a little apprehensive about switching brand again, I still went to the counter and made my first purchase of SK-II product, The “Miracle Water” or Facial Treatment Essence.  But I couldn’t see any effect on my skin. Luckily the Essence didn’t cause any breakouts, so I decided to back to the counter and bought the full set – from cleanser, toner, moisturizer and sunblock (since I already purchased the Essence).
Since then, the journey to my crystal clear skin has begun and continues till today.

It’s almost 8 years now and I still swear by the miracle power of SK-II!

How many skincare products I used daily?

I use at least 7-8 products daily excluding facial scrub and facial mask. It may seem a lot but all I need is just 15-20 minutes to complete my ritual.

As you can see, I've run out few of my SK-II products.
I'll be re-purchasing them soon before my departure to Doha.

What is my SK-II regime?

I will split my regime into 2 parts – Day and Night

Here is my DAY daily SK-II regime

1)    Facial Treatment Cleanser

2)    Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (FTCL) (finished)

3)    Facial Treatment Essence (FTE) **

4)    Facial Treatment Repair C
5)    Cellumination Essence EX (finished)**

6)    Stempower

7)    Signature Eye Cream (finished)

8)    Whitening Source Derma Definition UV Lotion (SPF50)

Here is my NIGHT daily SK-II regime

1)    Facial Treatment Cleansing Oil (finished)

2)    Facial Treatment Cleanser

3)    Facial Treatment Clear Lotion (FTCL) (finished)

4)    Facial Treatment Essence (FTE) **

5)    Facial Treatment Repair C

6)    Whitening Sports Specialist **

7)    Wrinkle Specialist

8)    Stempower

9)    Signature Eye Cream (finished)

** These items are my HOLY GRAILS!

 

Do I still try new products?

Yes, I do. However when trying new products, I only introduce one new product at a time to my current SK-II regime. For example, if I’m trying a new toner, I’ll replace my Facial Treatment lotion with a new one, but everything else in my regime will stay the same. This way, if I have a reaction, I know which product is causing it. When I’m trying new products, I’ll test them out for at least 2-3 months before deciding to continue with the product or switch back to SK-II (most of the time I always re-purchase my SK-II products).

Finding the right products, investing good products are crucial but most of important is that your must put in a lot of effort to achieve a healthy, bright complexion. Quoting from one of Helena Rubinstein’s mantras: “There are no ugly women, only lazy ones”. While we can’t change our genetics, a brighter complexion is achievable with a little work.

So ladies, have you love your skin yet? If no, you can start now J


Year 2005 - Before using SK-II, I had acnes around my cheecks

Disclaimer: There is no photoshop work done in the picture. I only adjust the lighting to show my skin condition. Last time, phone picture quality wasn’t as good as now.

Year 2013 - After 8 years of using SK-II.
Pictures taken after shower, bare-faced! (no skincare yet).

Disclaimer: There are no photoshop work done in both pictures.

Please stay tune on my next post on how to use SK-II products! and Good Luck!

  Love, Shantz

Difference between serum and moisturizer

What is a Serum? What is a Moisturizer?

Can I just wear one of them? Which one should comes first?

Many of my friends confused between these 2 products, mistaken a serum as a light weight moisturizer. Some even get mixed-up on the application too (moisturizer then serum – which are wrong!)

A serum and a moisturizer are designed to work hand-in-hand to deliver a better result, not alone.

So what is a serum?

Face serum usually has a smaller molecules so they are capable of penetrating deeper layers into our skin that regular moisturizer is not able to reach.  A serum is usually more concentrated, more moisturizing and lightweight than moisturizer therefore they can absorb into the skin quicker.  A serum is usually a treatment for specific problems of your skin such as wrinkles, discoloration and acnes. So it’s don’t be surprised that a face serum cost much higher than a moisturizer due to high percentage of active quality ingredients.

And what is a moisturizer?

Face moisturizer on the other hand has larger molecules than serum thus unable to penetrate the skin as far as a serum will. But a moisturizer will help to seal the nutrients inside to prevent moisture from evaporating.

So do I need to get face serum and face moisturizer?  Yes, if you are dealing with specific concerns such as wrinkles, spots.

Just remember no matter how amazing a face moisturizer is, it may work only on the surface but a face serum can work deep within.

Then what is the right steps to wear these 2 products?

Apply serum before anything else and then comes your moisturizer.

Cleanser –> Toner –> Serum –> Moisturizer –> Eye Cream –> and finally Sun Screen (In the morning)

Always start with the correct skincare regime and  only you will see the results/differences.

So ladies, don’t get confused anymore k! and Good Luck!

Love, Shantz