Welcome to the world of K-beauty, where the search for the perfect sunscreen is not just about protection but also about achieving that flawless, dewy look. With so many different types of Korean sunscreen on the market, choosing the right one for your skin type can be overwhelming. But don't worry, we're here to help. Whether you have oily, dry, combination, or sensitive skin, there is a sunscreen out there that will cater to your specific needs. So let's dive in and learn how to choose the right sunscreen for your skin type.

 

Step 1: Determine your skin type

When it comes to choosing the right sunscreen, it's important to first determine your skin type. Understanding your skin type will help you select a sunscreen that not only provides adequate protection, but also suits your skin's unique needs. There are four main skin types which we will talk about in this post: oily, dry, combination, and sensitive

 

Oily Skin

Oily skin is often characterized by an overproduction of sebum, the skin’s natural oil which can lead to a shiny, greasy appearance, especially in the T-zone (forehead, nose and chin). Oily skin is also more prone to acne from clogged pores that are filled with a mix of excess oil with dead skin cells and other impurities. In addition, the overactive sebaceous glands often result in enlarged pores which can be frustrating to deal with.

 

Dry Skin

Dry skin can have a variety of characteristics with the most common ones being tightness and discomfort, flakiness, skin dullness and the presence of fine lines and wrinkles. Dry skin can often feel tight or uncomfortable after cleansing or exposure to elements. Rough and flaky texture of dry skin is often most noticeable on the cheeks, chin and forehead. Dry skin can also appear lackluster, flat or even grey due to the lack of hydration.

 

Combination Skin

Combination skin is one of the most common skin types and probably the most confusing one amongst all four of these skin types because it has characteristics of both oily and dry skin. If you have combination skin, you may notice that your T-zone tends to get oily easily while the rest of your face feels dry. The T-zone tends to have more sebaceous glands compared to the cheeks and temples that have fewer sebaceous glands, and therefore tend to be drier.

 

Sensitive Skin

Sensitive skin is a condition where the skin is irritated by various factors such as environmental aggressors, harsh skincare products and stress. A few of the most common characteristics of sensitive skin include redness and irritation, dryness and prone to acne. All of these characteristics stem from a skin barrier that has been compromised, allowing irritants to enter the skin layers.

 

Step 2: Choose the right sunscreen formula for your skin

There are two main types of sunscreens: chemical and physical. Chemical sunscreens work by absorbing UV rays and dissipating the ray as heat back into the environment, while physical sunscreens work by reflecting the UV rays via mineral particles. Both types of sunscreen are effective, and the decision on which to use is based on personal preference and skin type.

Chemical sunscreens are sunscreens that use organic filters that tend to be lighter in texture and less likely to leave a white cast, which makes them a more popular choice for daily use. They often come in the form of lotions, gels or sprays and can be easily absorbed without leaving a greasy or heavy feeling. However, while chemical sunscreens are generally safe for most people, some individuals may experience skin irritation or allergic reactions to the ingredients used in the products.

Physical sunscreens, also known as mineral sunscreens, work by physically blocking the sun’s rays from penetrating the skin. They contain mineral particles such as titanium dioxide or zinc oxide which sit on top of the skin and reflect the sun’s UV rays away from the skin. Unlike chemical sunscreens, physical sunscreens do not get absorbed into the skin and have a tendency of leaving a white cast on the skin. Physical sunscreens are ideal for people with sensitive skin as they are less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions. Mineral sunscreens also tend to be more water-resistant when compared to chemical sunscreen, however, this does not mean that you can skip reapplying your sunscreen when exposed to water or sweat. It is always advisable to reapply your sunscreen every 2 hours to ensure maximum protection from the damaging effects of UV exposure.

 

Step 3: Find the SPF and PA ratings that best suit you

Once you know your skin type, it's time to choose the right SPF rating. SPF, or Sun Protection Factor measures a sunscreen’s ability to block UVB rays, which are the primary cause of sunburn. PA, or Protection Grade of UVA measures a sunscreen’s ability to block UVA rays, which are responsible for skin aging and skin cancer. Both of these ratings are important when it comes to choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen for your skin. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. However, if you have fair skin or are prone to sunburn, you may want to consider using a sunscreen with a higher SPF rating. Keep in mind that no sunscreen can provide 100% protection, so it's important to reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.>

Now that you have chosen the right SPF rating, it's time to choose the right PA rating. PA ratings range from PA+ to PA++++, with PA++++ providing the highest level of UVA protection. If you spend a lot of time outdoors or have a history of skin cancer in your family, it's important to choose a sunscreen with a high PA rating to protect your skin from UVA rays.

 

Step 4: Consider additional benefits and features

In addition to providing sun protection, Korean sunscreens are known for their high quality ingredients and innovative formulas that offer additional benefits and features to help achieve healthy, glowing skin.

Many Korean sunscreens are formulated with moisturizing ingredients such as hyaluronic acid to help hydrate and prevent moisture loss while providing sun protection, keeping the skin looking and feeling soft and supple. Another common ingredient found in Korean sunscreens that offer a ton of benefits is centella asiatica, which provides soothing and calming benefits to help reduce inflammation and irritation.

In addition, Korean sunscreens also come in tinted and tone-up formulations, which can provide subtle, natural-looking coverage while protecting the skin from the sun. Tinted sunscreens are ideal for those who want to streamline their morning routine to combine the benefits of sun protection and make up in one product. Tone up sunscreen on the other hand helps to balance and brighten the skin tone as well as to fight hyperpigmentation and discoloration. The Dr.Ceuracle Pro-Balance Biotics Clear Up Sun is a soft, creamy texture sunscreen that provides the benefit of both UV protection and correcting the uneven skin tone naturally with a combination of sunscreen ingredients that include organic and inorganic filters.

Now that you have read the basic guidelines of how to choose the right sunscreen for your skin. Let’s look at the different sunscreen options for different skin types in the k-beauty world to help you navigate the world of K-beauty sunscreens and find the perfect one for your skin.

 

Which Korean sunscreen is best for oily skin?

Finding the right sunscreen for oily skin can be challenging. The key is to look for sunscreens that are oil-free, lightweight to avoid clogging the skin pores and with ingredients that help control sebum production in the skin. Some notable ingredients include witch hazel, eucalyptus globulus, moringa oleifera and houttuynia cordata extract.

 

Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+/PA+++

This lightweight, non-greasy, and no white cast sunscreen is perfect for oily skin. It's formulated with a blend of botanical extracts to soothe and hydrate your skin while providing broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection. It also contains ingredients to help control oil production and keep your skin matte throughout the day.

 

Dr.Ceuracle 5A Control No-Sebum Sun Lotion SPF50+ PA++++

This liquid-type lightweight sunscreen is designed to control oil production in the skin leaving the skin with a matte and refreshing finish. It contains multi-porous mineral particles that reflect UV rays and provide a powdery finish. The key ingredient known as 5-Alpha complex aims to

 

Hamel Vegan Relief Water Essence Sun Cream

This is a hybrid chemical sunscreen that includes mineral filters and chemical filters to give the skin the best of both worlds, without the visible white cast. The lightweight and creamy texture of the sunscreen not only allows easy application and reapplication of sunscreen throughout the day, but also keeps the skin hydrated with additional hydrating ingredients in its formulation.

 

Which Korean sunscreen is best for dry skin?

Dry skin is characterized by a lack of oil production and moisture loss, which results in rough, flaky, or tight feeling. It is essential to choose a sunscreen that provides hydration without leaving a greasy or heavy feeling. Some additional ingredients in sunscreens that may benefit dry skin include hyaluronic acid, centella asiatica, ceramide and tremella fuciformis.

 

Hamel Vegan Aqua Glow Sun Serum

This lightweight sunscreen similar to that of a serum texture absorbs quickly into the skin without leaving traces of white cast or greasiness. It is formulated with key ingredients such as camellia japonica flower extract, tremella fuciformis and moringa oleifera seed extract, all which are moisturizing ingredients that boost hydration in the skin while protecting it against UV radiation.

 

Dr.Ceuracle Hyal Reyouth Moist Sun

This one-step sunscreen is a liquid-like chemical sunscreen helps eliminate the need of using multiple products in your morning skincare routine. It aims to provide intense hydration with 10 types of hyaluronic acid while protecting the skin from UV damage. The different polymer hyaluronic acid helps prevent moisture loss and strengthen the skin barrier. The highlight of this sunscreen is the essence-like texture that allows you to layer the product on your skin according to your skin’s needs, regardless of the environment that you are in. You can apply it just like you would with an essence.

 

Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics

A lightweight and creamy texture sunscreen formulated with 30% rice extract and fermented grain extract to provide moisture and nourishment to the skin while protecting the skin with an SPF of 50+ and PA++++. Say hello to a natural glow without the white cast!

 

Which Korean sunscreen is best for combination skin?

Next, let's talk about the best sunscreens for combination skin. Combination skin can be tricky to work with because it has both oily and dry areas, which can make it difficult to find a sunscreen that works well for both. Generally, you'll want to look for a sunscreen that's lightweight and non-greasy, but still hydrating enough to keep any dry patches from feeling tight or uncomfortable.

 

Dr.Ceuracle Cica Regen Vegan Sun

An ultimate 3-in-1 sunscreen that nourishes, hydrates and protects the skin. The lightweight formula deeply hydrates without leaving traces of greasiness, while the ingredients such as centella asiatica and kiwi extract help relieve skin irritation and hydrate areas of the skin that need an extra boost of moisture.

 

Purito Daily Go-To Sunscreen

This hybrid sunscreen has an unscented moisturizing formula with broad-spectrum filters and is a lightweight texture sunscreen that has a sheer finish without a white cast. The sunscreen is easy to apply and is easy to reapply throughout the day with or without makeup. The fragrance-free formula is a great option for those with combination sensitive skin.

 

Tocobo Bio Watery Sun Cream

A thin, lotion texture sunscreen that absorbs quickly into the skin without white cast. Its mild formula is created with a blend of naturally derived ingredients that brings comfort to the skin. This sunscreen is easy to apply and layer as necessary to accommodate your skin’s needs.

 

Which Korean sunscreen is best for sensitive skin?

Finally, the most common skin issue for many - sensitive skin. The common characteristics of sensitive skin include redness, itching, dryness, and a stinging or burning sensation. Sensitive skin can also be more prone to allergic reactions and inflammation

 

Mary & May CICA Soothing Sun Cream

The unique formula of F-Cica Complex which blends seven components of ingredients from centella asiatica extract with fermented yeast work together to soothe and repair damaged skin. This lightweight texture sunscreen also contains anti-inflammatory properties that helps reduce irritation and redness to the skin which is helpful on angry skin days.

 

Skin1004 Centella Air-Fit Suncream Light

This is a non-nano physical sunscreen that has a lightweight lotion texture. Although it contains the physical filter zinc oxide, this sunscreen is easy to apply and does not leave a white cast as one would expect from a non-nano sunscreen. It is also formulated with a variety of soothing ingredients such as centella asiatica extract, houttuynia cordata extract, madecassic acid, asiaticoside and asiatic acid to keep irritated skin at bay.

 

Pyungkang Yul ATO Mild Sun Cream

A gentle yet powerful broad-spectrum mineral and chemical hybrid sunscreen that is formulated with the safety of reefs in mind. It has a hydrating semi-matte lotion type formula that does not leave a white cast on the skin. Best of all, it is fragrance-free, a perfect sunscreen for those with sensitive skin.

 

Overall, these are just a few of the best Korean sunscreens for oily, dry, combination, and sensitive skin types. They are all formulated with high-quality ingredients and offer broad-spectrum protection from harmful UV rays, making them a great addition to any skincare routine. Remember to always wear sunscreen daily, even on cloudy days, and reapply every two hours if you're spending time outdoors. By taking care of your skin with the right sunscreen, you can enjoy healthy, radiant skin for years to come.