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

{Must-Have} Baby Lotion for Dry & Sensitive Skin

Enough about mommies’ skincare, so now let’s discuss about our babies’ skincare.

Finally, I found the perfect body lotion for my kids! J  

Both of my kids have sensitive skin especially my eldest one, his skin is much drier comparing to his youngest brother. His skin is so dry that he scratches his body especially every night before and during his sleep. I’ve tried many brands on the market but nothing seems to work on his skin.  Prior to this, my boys were using sebamed body lotion. 

Until last month, while shopping for my kids’ stuffs @ Kiddy Palace (need to stock up for our big move), I stumbled upon this product, MD Moms Baby Silk.

The product wasn't really displayed at prominent location and they only carried 2 products unlike the rest of the brands (No wonder I never really noticed this brand before). I realized this is the only brand that I haven’t really tried.  And I’m glad to have made this purchase! I would love to try this product out myself, to see if it works for my skin as well or not ^^. I'll keep you guys posted ok!

You can find more information about the product from here.

But I’ll still do a brief introduction about the brand in case you don’t have time to check the website.

Who is MD Moms?

MD Moms Baby Silk, the first skincare line developed by paediatrician-moms, was inspired by the needs of our patients and our own children. Drawing upon our expertise, experience and the latest medical data, we created products that are naturally based, but scientifically advanced, using only the purest, highest quality food-grade and pharmaceutical-grade ingredients. Our clinically tested, certified hypoallergenic formulas strike a balance between nature and science, are highly effective, and yet gentle enough for even the youngest baby's uniquely delicate skin.

What I like about this product?

·        It’s a light weight moisturizer.

·        Quick-absorbing, it dries almost immediately after application. Unlike other brands, it took a while for the lotion to be fully absorbed! (By then, our kids might already catch a cold!).

·        It’s fragrance-free moisturizing balm.

·        They use more natural food-grades ingredients like shea butter, aloe, avocado oil, olive oil which help to sooth baby’s dry skin, cracking and irritation.

·        The product also contain antioxidant vitamin E and B5 and grapeseed oil which will help to protect our baby’s skin from environment damage and at the same time strengthen the skin’s natural defence system.

·        It contains no phthalates, lanolin, mineral oil, petroleum or waxes.

·        It’s clinically tested and hypoallergenic.

·        Most importantly, this product itself is a recipient of National Eczema Association’s Seal of Acceptance (learn more about NEA from here).

 

Must-have lotion for my boys' dry & senstive skin

Although it's a cream consistency but
still lightweight and dries quickly

Comparison with and withoutout lotion
With lotion - more hydrates



Where can I buy MD Moms Baby Silk in Singapore?

So far I only know the products are available at Kiddy Palace. Or you can purchase online from this Posh Baby Shop

I’ll update you guys if I have more information on where to get this product.

I strongly recommend this product to mommies if your kids have very dry skin or suffer eczema. For their faces, I've been switching between SebaMeb Protective Facial Cream and Mustela Hydra Bebe Creme Visage . If your children have normal skin, I would recommend Mustela bebe . This has been my old-time favourite for my newborn baby, and I love the Vitamin Barrier Cream the most.

So mommies what product do you use for your children?

Love, Shantz