One of the most memorable bits of advice I heard when interviewing a dermatologist was that the best skincare products are the ones you actually use. You know the ones we’re talking about—one or two of them might have even come to mind just reading that sentence. These are products you pick up every single day and are excited to use because they’re just. that. good. Most likely, they’re products that do double-duty, like sunscreens that double as lightweight moisturizers or serums that give you that perfect glow.

Some might argue that it’s more important to be excited about your sunscreen than other products. As the sun gets stronger (hello summer!) and we begin to venture outside, it’s integral to our skin health that we start upping our sunscreen game. What better way than to level up and generate excitement around the most important skin care routine step than to focus on cultivating love for sunscreens that also double as lightweight moisturizers. 

To help you reach that level of eagerness to apply, we’re showcasing five multitasking sunscreens that provide glowy hydration, don’t sit heavy on your skin, and protect from those UV rays. 

Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence

Goodbye old-fashioned sunscreens that feel thick, heavy, and oily on your skin. Thank You Farmer’s entire sunscreen lineup proves that there’s a whole new class of sun care products out there that look and feel nothing like the stuff that gave SPF a bad rap. This ultra-lightweight 50+ SPF is made with soothing aloe leaf extract, lotus flower water, and soybean lipids.  

Papa Recipe Bombee Moist Sun Essence SPF 50+ PA+++

Made for all skin types, this lightweight SPF housed in a splashy orange tube glides on like a dream and absorbs lightning fast without any sort of residue. It’s a chemical and physical combo that’s formulated with violet flower complex and red flower complex to bolster the skin barrier while moisturizing and soothing.

Troiareuke Acsen UV Protector Essence

Calling all people with sensitive or acne prone skin! This chemical SPF features a milky, lightweight essence consistency and is formulated with centella asiatica (cica) to help soothe skin while protecting from the sun. It doesn’t have a greasy or sticky finish, and skin feels super soft after applying.

IPKN Big Apple Sun Cream SPF 50

If you’re looking for a product that helps conceal redness, this color correcting lightweight sunscreen option from IPKN might just be your one true love. It’s a physical/chemical hybrid with a light green base that helps counteract the appearance of redness for a more even base. Formulated with herbal extracts—including apple water extract, rosemary, lavender, basil, and thyme—it has a lovely scent

Cell Fusion C Laser Sunscreen 100 SPF 50+/PA+++

This hybrid, water-resistant SPF isn’t messing around. It’s packed with skin-strengthening ceramides, peptides, and collagen that help repair and regenerate for a more robust skin barrier. The inclusion of lavender extract also makes for a lovely scent, and the fact that it’s water-resistant means you’ll be better protected at the pool, beach, or simply when sweating it out. 

Lightweight sunscreens that double as moisturizers are in this season. Not only are they great for the barrier, but through their multi-tasking mastery, they encourage us to take care of ourselves. What’s better than that, really?

The post Looking For A Nourished Glow? These 5 Sunscreens Double as Lightweight Moisturizers appeared first on The Klog.

Today, about 9,500 people were diagnosed with skin cancer in the United States. The same was true yesterday, and it will be true tomorrow, as well. Statistically, one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer by age 70. This means skin cancer removal is far more common a procedure than you think it is. 

These aren’t small numbers, but we’ve got some great news: when skin cancer is diagnosed early (like at your annual dermatologist visit) it is highly treatable and survival rates are some of the best when compared to other cancers. What usually happens is that the skin cancer is identified and entirely removed—sometimes even right there in the office at your appointment. 

Curious about what it’s like to experience skin cancer removal, we spoke to a dermatologist, as well as two women who’ve gone through this experience themselves. Grab your sunscreen and get ready for an informative ride!

How is Skin Cancer Identified in the First Place? 

There are three primary ways skin cancer is identified. Let’s discuss all three. 

The first is via your own naked eye when doing self-checks at home. Knowing the ABCDE’s of skin cancer can help with this. These include asymmetrical shapes, uneven/jagged borders, very dark or multiple colors, diameter greater than 6mm., and evolution or changing of appearance. If you notice any of these things, a dermatologist visit is imperative. You may not have cancer, but you’ll want to get a medical opinion. 

The second way to identify skin cancer is via your dermatologist’s naked eye. They know exactly what to look for and can examine areas of your body that aren’t easily accessible by your own eyes. In many cases, the potential skin cancers your doctor identifies are exactly that—potential. 

This leads us to biopsies, which are the third way to identify skin cancer. 

“Any suspicious lesion should be ‘biopsied,’ meaning that a representative sample of the lesion [is scraped or cut away] and sent to the lab for definitive diagnosis under the microscope,” explains board-certified dermatologist Dr. Kenneth Mark. “More often than not the full ‘clinical’ lesion is removed, but that does not mean that microscopically it is completely removed or cured.”

Once the biopsy results come back, you’ll know whether the lesion was benign (harmless) or if it was skin cancer. The biopsy will also confirm the type of skin cancer, which will inform the next steps.

The Biopsy and Skin Cancer Removal Process

The most common forms of skin cancer are basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma, which is followed by melanoma. Fortunately, almost every single skin cancer can be excised (cut away). Even the most aggressive skin cancers, such as melanoma, are not typically treated with chemotherapy. Only in extreme cases will more intense treatments be required. 

“Simple basal and squamous cells can be treated with destruction methods or simple excision. However, the optimal cure rate for basal and squamous cell carcinoma is obtained via Mohs surgery, a technique in which 100% of the cancer margins are checked under the microscope while the patient is in the office,” explains Dr. mark. “Melanomas are typically treated via excision with ‘wide and deep’ margins.”

We know—having your skin cut doesn’t seem very pleasant. That said, skin cancer removal is way better than the alternative (letting skin cancer grow) and it’s actually not as bad it sounds. 

Tess Day, a 39-year-old woman based in Seattle, has had many dermatology visits and many biopsies since her father passed away from metastatic melanoma in 2007. Over the year she’s also had a few severely abnormal moles removed and re-sectioned, but in 2017 she received a melanoma diagnosis. 

“It was summer, and I had been wearing a tank top, and a spot on my upper back kept catching my eye in the mirror,” she tells The Klog. “I couldn’t really put a finger on why I kept noticing it, except perhaps it had changed. I went to my dermatologist to get it checked out. She looked at it and said it looked fine to her, but [she performed] a ‘punch biopsy’ just to double-check.”

To both her and her doctor’s surprise, the results came back as stage zero melanoma.  

“Because my cancer was only stage zero, they did not have to do a biopsy of my lymph nodes, but they did feel them prior to the surgery. They numbed the area on my back and spent about an hour carefully taking out a large portion of skin and then stitching it back up,” she recalls. “They sent the tissue out to make sure that it had clear margins. Fortunately, it did, and they confirmed all the cancer had been removed.”

The affected area was locally numbed to ensure Tess couldn’t feel the cutting. Afterward, the area was carefully stitched up so it could heal. In some cases, a biopsy or Mohs surgery can create some lingering tenderness or pain, but it’s not severe. Some areas are naturally more sensitive, like your scalp or nose, so they’re more likely to be sensitive.

 You can liken the experience to having a tooth cavity filled, which also involves a numbing treatment and removal of the abnormal area. 

The Importance of Practicing Caution 

Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, and Tess was able to catch it at stage zero because of her diligence. In addition to wearing sunscreen every day, annual dermatology visits (or quarterly/semi-annual depending on your family’s history or your complexion) are incredibly important to your health. 

“As someone who has a lot of moles and freckles all over my body, my mom started taking me to the dermatologist at a young age. I went sporadically throughout my youth but now go every 6 months,” says Marissa McLean, a Chicago-based teacher in her late 20s. “While I used to be pretty apprehensive about appointments, I find going regularly puts me at ease. The appointments are pretty low key. The doctor will ask if I have noticed any changes in my skin and then do a full skin evaluation looking closely at any concerning moles or areas. If she suspects something looks a little off, she’ll take a small biopsy there in the office.”

While many of her biopsies have come back normal—allowing her to move ahead until her next appointment—some have required her to come back to the office to remove more skin. 

“This process is a little more intense, but it is still a pretty easy office visit. They will then send that to the lab to make sure they have removed all of the abnormal cells,” she says. “While this felt pretty scary the first couple of times, I’m so much happier knowing they have removed everything abnormal before it turned into something more.”

Tess feels the same way about that sense of relief. She stresses the importance of being your own health advocate by doing self-checks, going to the dermatologist regularly, and pressing for a biopsy even if the doctor doesn’t think it’s necessary. 

“I credit what happened to my dad as the reason I paid attention, asked for a biopsy, and caught [my melanoma] early,” she says. “Make sure you find a dermatologist who believes that a patient knows their own body better than they do—and wear your sunscreen!”

One Last Word

Our goal in writing this isn’t to freak you out. Rather, we’re all about spreading awareness about the importance of regular sunscreen application and routine dermatology visits. We also want to emphasize the importance of self-checking (remember the ABCDE’s). Skin cancer is highly treatable, especially when it’s caught early!

The post Skin Cancer Removal Is Far More Common Than You Think, Here’s What It’s Like To Have It Removed appeared first on The Klog.

This last year has been one consisting of sitting inside- in massive proportions. A vast majority of people have earnestly never spent this much time at home until now, and as such our routines have changed. Loungewear sales spiked, shoe sales slowed, Zoom memberships skyrocketed, and many have confessed to leaving one crucial step out of their skin care routine, naively thinking they don’t need it.

That’s right, I’m talking about sunscreen. Whether you’re a fan or not, sunscreen will always be a crucial step in the routine, no matter how much time you spend directly in the sun’s rays.

Remember, There’s Two Kinds of UV Light to Protect Yourself From

The argument that windows block out damaging UV light is the most common rebuttal when trying to get someone to wear sunscreen inside, so let’s get to the bottom of it.

This argument is only half true: glass in common household windows and cars filter out about 90% of UVB rays (the rays that cause immediate sunburn), so there is little risk of sunburn, but it does not filter UVA rays one bit. These rays are sneaky, causing long-term, sometimes serious, sun damage that will appear with age, like sun spots and wrinkles. This means that if you’re driving or even sitting next to a window reading without proper UVA / UVB sun protection, you are putting your skin at risk in the long term. 

Skin care is a marathon, not a sprint, and if that requires wearing SPF in my apartment or while commuting on the subway, then so be it! 

Protect Yourself With What You Know

Our grandmothers and mothers would have been lucky to have had half the information about sun protection that we have access to today, so don’t let it go to waste!

 “Sunscreen is important” is not the end of the conversation. Substituting instead “sunscreen is a long-term lifesaver” is much more accurate. Windows and glass do not filter out UVA rays, which are known to cause longer-term damage to the skin because they penetrate the dermis deeper than UVB rays. With this, prolonged UVA exposure can increase the possibility of cell mutation and DNA damage (aka various forms of skin cancer), which is something we all want to work to avoid. 

Studies have shown that instances of skin cancer are far more common on the driver’s side of the face and body, demonstrating how ineffective glass is when it comes to filtering out those harmful rays. In addition, visible photodamage (think: deeper lines, loss of elasticity) is far more likely to occur on the left side of the face due to pesky and dangerous sun rays.

Antioxidants Can Help

If you don’t have a favorite antioxidant, do you even have an extensive routine? Kidding! While antioxidants are not equivalent to sunscreen, they can be helpful in terms of reducing damage on the skin. While UV rays weaken collagen and elastin, antioxidants help to repair elastin and produce more collagen, thus counteracting some of the visual effects of sun damage.

Products with green tea (a natural antioxidant), like Then I Met You’s Soothing Tea Cleansing Gel, work to protect the skin from free radicals. Vitamin E, a hero antioxidant, increases the skin’s production of collagen and nourishes the skin barrier. If you’re looking for a fix of this saviour compound, you can apply Klair’s Freshly Juiced Vitamin E Mask.  

It can be hard to see effects from using an antioxidant but like we said, it’s a marathon, not a sprint, and you’ll reap the benefits with time and consistent usage.

Sunscreens You Won’t Mind Wearing Every Day

By now, you understand the importance of applying sunscreen, but you still might be thinking, “Sunscreen is still one of the least favorite parts of my routine.” We don’t blame you, but we don’t think you’ve looked hard enough into the world of sun care. Sunscreen has just as many interesting products and variants as serums and acids.

See some of our top picks and best reviewed on Soko Glam that you won’t mind wearing every day. 

Neogen Day-Light Protection Sun Screen: One of the most reviewed sunscreens, and one of the highest, this lightweight fluid feels barely there on skin and leaves behind a subtle dew. It even won a Soko Glam Best of  K-Beauty award in 2016! Added ingredients such as rose and raspberry extracts add deeper nourishment to the skin, leaving your skin plump and bouncy – the AC or heat in your apartment won’t stand a chance at dehydrating your skin.

Acwell UV Cut Waterproof Sun Cream: Listen, one of the most common concerns around wearing sunscreen, especially inside, is the fear of breakouts – this is totally understandable! This formula contains niacinamide, which is great for sebum control, and other calming ingredients like aloe and chamomile. Together, this works to reduce breakouts and help calm the look of irritated or sensitive skin. 

Papa Recipe Bombee Moist Sun Essence: Sunscreen that hydrates is one thing, but sunscreen that actually works to strengthen your skin’s natural moisture barrier? That’s a whole other level. This sun essence is, just like an essence: lightweight, non-greasy, and of course, no white cast. But the added benefits of honey, propolis, and royal jelly are the true saviors, as they work to repair damaged skin barriers to lock in all other ingredients and moisture.   

The post Why You Should Be Wearing Sunscreen Inside appeared first on The Klog.

[EDITOR’S NOTE: The Sun Daily Defense Kit Is now sold out.]

“Did you apply SPF today?” is such a common question in the skin care world that Twitter bots and merch lines have dedicated themselves to championing the sun care reminder. 

It seems wherever we skin care lovers go on the internet, we’re reminded that we must slather on our favorite sunscreen before even opening up our blinds. Although this reminder may at times seem like a skin care inside joke and has almost turned into a full-fledged internet meme on TikTok, SPF and sun care is no joke. 

Here at the Klog, it’s something we take very seriously- skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States. Did you know 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70? Or that simply having five or more sunburns doubles your risk for melanoma?

Many of us are unaware of skin cancer’s prevalence. That’s why this May, Skin Cancer Awareness Month, K-Beauty pioneer Soko Glam wanted to do something special for their community, to help them better understand sun care and protect their skin from the sun. Welcome Soko Glam’s Sun Daily Defense Kit, an eight-piece sun care set that prioritizes protection and hydration with ingredients like propolis, aloe, vitamins, and lotus water extract.

Soko Glam will be donating a portion of the proceeds from this set to the Skin Cancer Foundation to further raise awareness, push research forward, and give people peace of mind when dealing with skin cancer itself. 

Get to know more about the skin care stars that made it into Soko Glam’s highly curated Sun Daily Defense Kit below.

The Sun Daily Defense Kit

Neogen Light Protection Airy Sunscreen

We know, sunscreen can be the make or break of your skin care routine – but it’s a vital step and cannot be missed! Prevention is the best form of protection. 

This chemical sunscreen works for all skin types, so don’t be hesitant if you’re oily and acne prone – ingredients such as aloe and avocado extract help to control sebum production. This is also a great option if you have sensitive skin, as it’s formulated without artificial fragrances and colors, parabens, animal products, alcohol, mineral oil, or silicone. 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, regular use of at least 15 SPF can decrease your risk of skin cancer by 40-50%. If it’s not in your routine now, it’s never too late to start!

Rovectin Clean Lotus Water Cream

Any moisture added to the skin is beneficial, but a moisturizer that reinforces your skin’s natural moisture barrier is key in protecting it from pollutant damage. Polluting particles and sun can mutate skin cells over time and with more exposure, so protecting the barrier in between can be a very important step in achieving overall skin health.This water cream utilizes natural flavonoids to strengthen the skin’s natural barrier and goes even further by utilizing lotus flower extract to absorb impurities and toxins from the environment, both of which result in healthy, glowing skin. 

Hanskin Vitamin C Glow Powder Cleanser 

Did you know that vitamin C is an antioxidant powerhouse when it comes to skin care? This waterless cleanser includes papaya enzymes to gently exfoliate and remove dead skin cells while vitamin C goes to work preventing free radicals, like those from the sun, from wreaking havoc on skin.

Beauty of Joseon Glow Serum 

Sometimes you need to add a little magic back into your skin from spending too much time in the sun – it happens to the best of us! This serum was formulated to calm and heal irritated and inflamed skin, and because of that, can also be great for acne-prone skin too! With the primary ingredient, propolis, being naturally antiseptic and anti-inflammatory and able to improve cellular turnover, the skin will heal quickly while the secondary ingredient, niacinamide revives the complexion and adds antioxidants back into the skin. What can we say, this serum is literally honey for the skin. 

Benton Aloe Propolis Soothing Gel 

Okay so maybe your burn is worse than you thought (did you not know you’re supposed to reapply sunscreen every two hours?!), we got something for that. Your typical aloe gel is one thing, but aloe and propolis gel? This after-sun gel is naturally fragrance free and helps to immediately bring relief to aching and burned skin. Use it to bring pain relief to that burn, to maintain hydration throughout the day, or to even fade acne scars over time. No matter how you use it, you’ll be happy to have it in your arsenal. 

Saturday Skin  Yuzu Vitamin C Sleep Mask 

 Yuzu actually has three times more vitamin C than a lemon, and that’s why yuzu extract is such a key component in this mask! This sleep mask will help revitalize skin overnight using the power of yuzu to fight free radical damage and other environmental stressors that damage the skin while retinol helps increase cellular turnover and keeps skin smooth and niacinamide to brighten across the board. Yeah, you read all that right – it’s a powerful mask like we said. Of course, retinol can increase sun sensitivity, so it’s important to follow up with SPF (the one that comes in this kit is a great compliment.)

BONUS: Reusable Soko Glam Water Bottle + Vegan Leather Pouch – Skin care means very little if you’re not taking care of your insides, too! The dishwasher-safe, 36 ounce water bottle is convenient to help make sure you’re having a proper water intake so you can glow from the inside out!

The post Grab This Curated, Protection Focused Sun Care Kit From Soko Glam During Skin Cancer Awareness Month appeared first on The Klog.

No one wants a sunscreen that makes them look greasy or shiny, but what about an SPF that leaves you looking perfectly glowy? That, I’m interested in.

The Thank You Farmer Sun Project Shimmer Sun Essence features a pearlescent formula that gives skin a luminous finish, along with broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection.

Given that I’m already a huge fan of the brand’s Sun Project Light Sun Essence – a lightweight, texturally elegant formula – I jumped at the opportunity to try the shimmer version, new to Soko Glam.

At first squeeze, the sunscreen looks almost a little too shimmery for a sunscreen, not to mention it’s light pink. I love a glow, but I don’t necessarily want to look like a disco ball on a Tuesday morning. However, once its rubbed in, the finish is more toned down.

RELATED: 6 Reasons Why Your Sunscreen Isn’t Working

Like the original Sun Essence version, this one absorbs quickly, leaving no white cast or sticky, slimy residue. Plus, it doesn’t have that tell-tale sunscreen smell.

In addition to giving skin a brighter appearance, the formula is also designed to tone correct and serve as a makeup primer. Plus, it contains brightening niacinamide, and soothing and hydrating ingredients like shea butter, aloe leaf extract, and walnut oil. Because of its many benefits, applying it every day doesn’t feel like a chore.

As for the results: My skin does look seriously dewy and radiant every time I wear it – a look that’s not easy for someone with dry skin like me to achieve in the middle of winter – and I loved how flawless my makeup looks on top and the staying power the sunscreen gives it. This is also the type of formula that I could wear by itself on days I don’t feel like wearing foundation on top.

On hot, humid days in the summer when I’m already looking naturally glowy (read: sweaty), I may switch back to my OG Sun Essence, however, the Shimmer Sun Essence will be getting a lot of mileage until then.

The post We’re Obsessed With This Glow-Inducing Sunscreen appeared first on The Klog.

Most people are (hopefully) diligent at applying sunscreen to their face, but the body needs protection just as much! According to the American Academy of Dermatology, “one ounce or enough to fill a shot glass,” is how much you need to cover the exposed parts of your body. It might sound like a lot, but prolonged exposure to UVA/UVB rays without protection can lead to skin cancer and premature aging. If you need more context: The sun actually breaks down the elastin within the skin, leading to sagging that doesn’t bounce back, so pack on that SPF!

Most people avoid applying sunscreen because of the unpleasant texture and/or smell, and we totally get that. One of my biggest pet peeves is the greasy residue left behind that makes you stick to everything around you. So in order to help you have a fun and safe summer, we’ve done the research for you. Here are our six picks for the best body sunscreens so you can protect yourself without the residue.

Missha Mild Essence Sun Milk

PSA: Yes, you can use your face sunscreen on your body. The Missha Mild Essence Sun Milk is perfect for the body since it has a high SPF 50 PA+++ protection and a lightweight texture. It goes on smoothly without any greasy residue and although it’s lightweight, it’s still super hydrating. It has a soothing formula packed with plant extracts like rosebud, aloe leaf, and camellia sinensis, which help to calm the skin from sun exposure. Best of all: There’s no unsightly white cast.

Banana Boat SunComfort Clear UltraMist Sunscreen

Banana Boat SunComfort Clear UltraMist received one of the highest ratings on the Consumer Reports list of the best sunscreens (number two, in fact, in the spray category).

This sunblock goes on sheer without any white cast or stickiness and the spray is ultra-fine, which allows you to get hard to reach areas like your back. Another plus: It’s water resistant for up to 80 minutes and has a unique formula that allows sand to glide right off. So if you’re planning to hit up the beach soon, you know which SPF to reach for. Remember to use a good amount of the spray since it takes quite a bit more product to get the adequate coverage when it’s in spray form!

La Roche Posay Anthelios SPF 60 Melt In Sunscreen Milk

This SPF 60 formula has a milky texture that sinks right into the skin to hydrate it without any irritating fragrances, parabens, or oils. This one also doubles as a face and body sunscreen so you can bring one product on the go for convenient reapplication. One of the best parts about it is that it’s formulated with antioxidants, which along with the SPF filters, help to protect the skin from damaging free radicals caused by UV rays. No stickiness here!

Dr. Jart+ Every Day Sun Day UV Sun Fluid

The Dr. Jart+ Every Day Sun Day UV Sun Fluid has a broad spectrum SPF 50 protection along with a hypoallergenic formula that protects against UV rays and pollution. It contains a unique cationic shield that blocks fine dust particles and pollution from adhering to the skin, which protects against premature aging. The formula is also super lightweight with lasting moisture that doesn’t leave a tackiness or smell behind. It has a dewy finish that will leave your skin looking healthy and hydrated.

Bottom line:

There are plenty of sunscreens that can provide long lasting moisture and protection without the greasiness, so be sure to stock up and protect your body as well as your face. Also, remember to reapply throughout the day!

+ What do you think is the best body sunscreen? Let us know in the comments!

The post 6 Body Sunscreens That Won’t Leave You Feeling Sticky appeared first on The Klog.

Skin care is innovative, this we already know. Whether it be the creation of new sunscreen filters or hybrid textures, the beauty world’s constantly honing on how science and skin care can intersect. 

Technology in skin care continues to evolve one product at a time. The newest science in skin care is as small as a pimple patch and combines a major skin necessity with convenience and effectiveness. 

Meet: SPOTMYUV®.

SPOTMYUV® ($25.99 USD) is the world’s first clinically proven UV detection sticker that gives you a personalized reminder of when it’s time to reapply your sunscreen. As you spend time in the sun, SPOTMYUV’s® technology interacts with your sunscreen and your skin. 

When first applied and adequately covered in your SPF of choice the small sticker appears clear. The patch slowly changes to a shade of purple when it’s time to reapply. 

We all know how important sunscreen is and it’s just as important to make sure you reapply regularly throughout the day, especially if you’re in direct sunlight! 

Why Hone In On SPF Reapplication?

A single coat of sunscreen on the body and face throughout the day won’t completely protect the skin from damage, and eventually, skin cancer.

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States and worldwide. According to the American Academy of Dermatology, 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. Application and reapplication significantly lessens the chance of getting skin cancer, as having 5 or more sunburns doubles the skin’s risk for melanoma.

However, did you know people who use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher daily show 24 percent less skin aging than those who do not use sunscreen daily? And that research shows that regular use of sunscreen cuts down your chance of melanoma?

Skin cancer and signs of skin aging are preventable by using proper protection when exposed to the sun, and SPOTMYUV was designed to make that process even easier. 

So, How Does It Work?

This is truly skin care in real time. Each time you cover your SPOTMYUV® sticker with sunscreen, the sticker will turn clear, helping to show you that you’re protected from the sun’s harmful UV rays. When your sunscreen wears off, SPOTMYUV® turns purple again to remind you to reapply your sunscreen. 

The spots are made of three layers to react in a way that mimcs how your skin does to UV rays. A sensing layer acts just like your skin, which enables the sticker to sense the same differences between SPFs, waterproof formulations, activities, UV levels, etc. just like your skin does. 

The stickers are made of hypoallergenic swim-proof adhesive and last one day. The product has been tested by collegiate athletes in and outside the water to make sure they last all day but remain kid-friendly to peel off.

The bottom line

If it’s here to protect our skin, we’re about it. Sun protection is one of the most important things we can do for our skin and our body. This product makes skin protection awareness easy and convenient, what’s not to love?

+Would you try the SPOTMYUV® sticker? Drop your thoughts below!

The post This SPF Product Takes Sun Protection to the Next Level appeared first on The Klog.

We’ve gone on and on about the benefits of SPF (and reapplying every two to three hours) and the dangers you’re protecting yourself (quick reminder: Wearing sunscreen prevents collagen damage from sun rays, helping to avoid wrinkles and skin cancer). Keep reading to find out the most common mistakes you’re probably making right now with your sunscreen and how to avoid them.

You skip important areas

Most people are diligent about applying sunscreen on their face, but did you know you should be protecting your lips as well? Other common areas you’re likely missing: your ears, hairline, neck (especially the back of your neck), the tops of your feet (if they’re exposed), your hands, and—believe it or not—your scalp! Your scalp is just as sensitive to sun damage as the rest of your body. Try using the British M Annatto Hair Oil which is infused with pumpkin seed and argan oil to protect your hair and scalp from UV damage.

For your hands, it’s especially important to re-apply throughout the day since you wash your hands multiple times so any sunscreen you applied in the morning is washed off rather quickly. The most effective way to protect your hands is to invest in a hand cream with SPF, like the Supergoop Forever Young Hand Cream with SPF 40. This way you can protect and moisturize your hands all at the same time. The same theory goes for your lips—invest in a lip balm with sunscreen in the formula so you can nourish and protect all at once.

You’re not applying enough

How do you measure the amount of sunscreen to use? According to the American Academy of Dermatology, you should be using at least one teaspoon on your face alone (not including your neck). It’s common for people to go light with their sunscreen because they either don’t like the texture or the formulation might mess up your makeup, but don’t.

If you’re worried about your makeup, remember there are great sunscreens like the Neogen Day-Light Protection Airy Sunscreen and the Cell Fusion C Laser Sunscreen 100 SPF 50+/PA+++ that leave no white cast and make great makeup bases. Regardless, make sure you’re using the correct amount so you can get the actual amount of sunscreen protection that’s listed on the bottle.

You don’t reapply throughout the day

Rule of life: You can’t just apply SPF once and think it will protect you all day. This is a common mistake people make, but sweat, water, and natural degradation happen over time, so you must reapply every one to two hours for adequate protection. If you’re going to be inside most of the day, make sure to re-apply before heading outdoors.

You only apply sunscreen on your face

Your body ages just as much as your face does, so if you want to look youthful all over make sure to apply (and re-apply) a thick layer of SPF on your body. And don’t just apply to the side that’s facing the sun; make sure to apply to the underside as well for complete protection.

Hate the feeling of traditional body sunscreens? Check out our top recommendations for grease-free body sunscreens here.

You’re using old/expired sunscreen

This rings true for most skin care products, but over time sunscreen formulas start to degrade and won’t be as effective. The sunscreen filters will immediately start to break down once you open the bottle, so be sure to go by the expiration date and don’t chance it by going out in the sun with a product on that expired a year ago.

You’re using your body sunscreen on your face

This is a huge no-no. The reason you want to avoid this common mistake is because the formula of a body sunscreen is likely to cause you to break out. Facial sunscreens are formulated to be non-comedogenic so you can use them without worrying about damaging your skin. But you can totally use your facial sunscreen on your body!

So remember: Just because that bottle of body sunscreen might be cheaper and bigger in size, it’s not worth the acne it could cause.

You apply sunscreen and leave your house right away

It’s a good idea to apply sunscreen at least 15 to 30 minutes before you leave the house so that it can dry and form a protective layer on the skin. This layer ensures an even and thorough sunscreen application that won’t rub off while you’re getting ready for the day.

If you’re into makeup, try applying sunscreen on your face and body before you do your daily makeup routine so by the time you’re done you’ve let your sunscreen absorb as much as it needs to.

You think sunscreen is enough

Most people slather on sunscreen and then go about their day thinking they’re protected from UV rays. I’m definitely guilty: When I walk around New York City enjoying the sunny weather, I picture my SPF covered body as if it’s wrapped in a tight cocoon blasting off any potential UV rays. But, this isn’t true. Although SPF does protect you, it’s only one line of defense. You still want to avoid extended period of sun exposure and should aim to wear a floppy hat to protect your face or carry a parasol to provide extra protection.

+ What are your best tips for how to apply sunscreen? Share them below!

The post 6 Sunscreen Mistakes You’re Probably Making Right Now appeared first on The Klog.

There’s been a lot of fearmongering around sunscreen recently. One of the latest slams to sunscreen is that it actually increases all-cause mortality by preventing us from getting enough Vitamin D. Although the article in question, published by Outside last month, is compelling, it has multiple problems regarding the studies cited, its negligence in reporting confounding factors, and its complete omission of the fact that people not only use sunscreen to defend against skin cancer, but also for cosmetic reasons like anti-aging.
There have been so many good responses to this alluring yet wildly misleading article, that to write my own seems redundant. If you do, however, want to discuss the myriad problems I found with the piece, feel free to sound off in the comments, where I will gladly respond.
Another argument against sunscreen is that the chemicals found in it can cause cancer, hormonal disruptions, and all sorts of other nasty situations.
In my opinion, there’s a certain amount of overlap between the clean/natural/non-toxic beauty movement and the increased skepticism around sunscreen. Bringing those two together, I’ve seen some disturbing claims regarding DIY and “natural SPF” all over the internet, and it makes me want to scream.
To get to the bottom of this situation, I consulted with both my mom, Dr. Vivian Bucay, a board-certified dermatologist based in Texas, and her wonderful colleague, Dr. Rachna Bhandari, to find out what’s true and what’s false so we can make better, more informed decisions about our sunscreen usage.
Q: True or false, everyone needs to wear the same level of SPF protection?
A: False!
The skin itself has a natural SPF, in the form of melanin, and the amount of melanin you have pretty much determines how long you can be in the sun without causing damage to your skin. For example, I am like an egg, easy to overcook so I need an SPF 50 to be in the sun the same length of time as my first cousin, who will always tan before burning, and who can rock an SPF 30 no problem. People with darker skin types have a naturally higher baseline sun resistance, so they often require a lower SPF sunscreen to get adequate protection (I still say 30 is the minimum, but no need to be reaching for a bottle of SPF 100).
There are other factors that can affect how long you can stay out in the sun, too, including what you’re wearing and your environment. A tightly woven organic denim shirt, for example, provides sun protection by physically blocking a certain degree of sunlight from hitting your skin. And being out on the water, a highly reflective environment, usually means it will take less time for your skin to respond than if you were on land. Bottom line, there are many factors that affect how your skin will interact with the sun, and SPF values are a way to guide yourself with sun protection.
Q: True or false, natural ingredients like coconut oil, carrot seed oil, and shea butter offer SPF protection?
A: True…but not enough to be used alone.
I’ve read (I see you, blogosphere) about people using ingredients like shea butter, or worse, coconut oil as sunscreen bases in homemade sunscreen recipes. Yes, it’s true that these ingredients have a certain SPF, but 1) they don’t meet the recommended minimum of SPF 30 for significant time spent outside, and 2) using an oil such as coconut oil, with its refractive properties, actually focuses light onto the skin and results in a higher concentration of UVA/UVB hitting the skin.
Furthermore, DIY sunscreens are unreliable, compared to their commercially produced counterparts, due to the quality and consistency of raw ingredients, formulation processes, and so on. I do not recommend using anything not tested and labeled by a regulatory body (I’m not saying it has to be the FDA, because that is American and maybe not your regulatory body of choice, but make sure it’s tested by a regulatory agency if it’s claiming a certain level of UVA/UVB protection) as sunscreen.
Things that are definitely NOT sunscreen? Vitamin C and antioxidants in general.  
This is not to say, however, that antioxidants do not play a role in sun protection. The best sunscreens are formulated with some antioxidants in them, as the sun causes damage that produces free radicals, and the antioxidants go and scoop them up like miniature Mrs. Pacman. Furthermore, certain unstabilized chemical sunscreen filters can produce free radicals as they break down (which is what naturally happens when the sun hits them), so I recommend only looking for chemical sunscreens that contain an antioxidant in the formulation for what I call a neutral sunscreen, unless you know that the chemical sunscreen filter is stabilized in some way in the formulation.
Q: True or false, we should be concerned about chemicals in sunscreen?
A: This one’s a maybe.
There is a real (and worthwhile) concern about the safety of certain chemical (for lack of a better word) sunscreen filters, most notably about their hormone-disrupting effects and their negative effects on coral reef. Although some sunscreen ingredients have been banned in certain U.S. states for disruption of coral reefs, there’s simply not enough data on the hormone-disrupting effects of some sunscreen filters. This is to say, we just don’t know how much of an effect they have, let alone how harmful these effects are in the long term.
If, however, you are concerned about potentially hormone disrupting effects, the main filters to watch out for are oxybenzone and octinoxate. The good news is that avoiding them should get easier, as many sunscreen brands are moving away from these filters because they were banned by Hawaii, and other states may be following suit.
Clearly, the FDA has caught wind of consumers’ growing unease with sunscreens, and recently issued a press announcement proposing new regulations for product labeling, especially as it concerns ingredient safety.
I am all for education and transparency, and for taking ownership of what you put on your face.
Luckily for all of us, there are two UVA/UVB filters that are naturally-occurring and truly good for you: titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. I’m sure you’ve heard of them, yes? Zinc oxide is not only a formidable UVA/UVB filter, but it is also used in other things you may not expect, like calamine lotion, diaper creams, and even acne treatments. It is my UV filter of choice because it is anti-inflammatory as well as reliable.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a “natural” SPF, look to a natural beauty brand you trust, and make sure they’re including zinc and/or titanium dioxide in the formulation, along with some other favorite natural ingredients you love. Plenty of “natural” skincare brands make good sunscreens, and plenty of non-natural skincare brands still make excellent mineral sunscreen options, too. Beyond topical products, you can supplement your sun protection (without added chemicals!) by avoiding the sun during peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., wearing a hat and protective clothing, and staying in the shade.

The post Is Sunscreen Safe? Experts Weigh in on Risks Associated With Chemical Sunscreen, DIY Sun Protection and More appeared first on The Klog.

Sunscreen is arguably the most crucial step in any skin care routine, Korean or not. You can have the most intricate, well-thought-out, researched skin care routine in history and it can still all be for naught if you’re not protecting your skin from the sun.

That’s why we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to Korean sunscreens by skin concern, so you can keep your skin looking soft, smooth, and even as long as possible. But first, a little refresher…

Why is sunscreen important?

Sunscreen protects against the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Scientific evidence shows that using sunscreen, keeping out of direct sunlight, and wearing protective clothing can be effective in preventing skin cancer as well as short term and long term damage to the skin. During peak hours, when the sun is at its most powerful (between 10am and 3pm), it’s better to stay inside or in the shade if you can, to make sure your skin is protected from those harmful rays.

But I have darker skin, so I don’t need it right?

Wrong. Everyone is susceptible to skin cancer regardless of race, gender, or age.

If you’re going outside, you should be wearing sunscreen (even on cloudy days, because up to 80 percent of the sun’s UV rays can still reach through to the skin). You should be wearing sunscreen, particularly around snow, sand, and water which can all reflect the sun’s rays.

Anywhere that won’t be covered by clothes should be covered with sunscreen (don’t forget the lips and ears). And sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before going outside and reapplied approximately every two hours and after swimming or sweating.

But what do all those terms mean…?

SPF stands for sun protection factor and indicates a relative amount of time that your skin will be protected from UV (ultraviolet) B rays. UVB rays are the primary cause of sunburn and reddening on the skin’s outermost layers. By relative we mean this: Say you’re prone to sunburn after five minutes without sunscreen; applying an SPF 15 sunscreen would protect you for 15 x five minutes of 60 minutes, in theory.

Dermatologists recommend that you choose a sunscreen with at least SPF 30, which blocks 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPF sunscreens will block a higher percentage, but no sunscreen will block 100% of these rays. Also keep in mind that even though SPF should in theory correspond to how long before reapplication, the American Academy of Dermatologists, recommends still reapplying sunscreen every two hours.

PA means Protection Grade of UVA rays. The more + signs following a PA, indicate more protection against these rays. UVA rays penetrate past the epidermis (the top layer of skin) and can cause more harmful damage. The PA grade is based on the PPD or Persistent Pigment Darkening system which marks how long it would take the skin to tan.

So which sunscreen should I be using… ?

If acne is your biggest concern…

There’s a huge misconception when it comes to acne and sunscreen which is that sunscreen is pore-clogging and greasy thereby causing more acne. And that the sun dries out pimples so if acne is your biggest concern then you should skin sunscreen altogether. Bad idea. Definitely don’t skip the sunscreen.

Infrared light from the sun has actually been known to inflame and irritate existing acne. UV rays also stimulate melanin production in the skin, meaning that dark spots and scars can actually become darker from exposure to the sun.

Instead of skipping protection, opt for something like the TROIAREUKE Acsen UV Protector Essence. This essence-like sunscreen is perfect for both sensitive and acne-prone skin. Its lightweight formulation seeps easily into the skin, without leaving a white cast or a sticky, greasy residue. Plus, it contains centella asiatica, an ingredient famed for calming inflammation and redness.

If anti-aging is your biggest concern…

You’re in luck. The best way to protect your skin against premature aging is sunscreen. And pretty much any sunscreen with an SPF above 30 will do, as long as you’re diligent about application.

We love the Thank You Farmer Sun Project Sun Cream. It is not only formulated with SPF 50 to defend your skin from harmful UV rays, but it is also infused with African walnut oil, inca omega oil and bamboo extracts to target signs of aging and keep the skin hydrated throughout the day. This multi-functional sunscreen also contains a patented ingredient that calms, soothes and protects the skin’s moisture barrier.

If dryness is your biggest concern…

Putting anything oily on top of dry skin is the worst. But don’t fret, we know of the perfect sunscreens that will hydrate and moisturize your skin whilst still protecting it from the sun, so you don’t have to deal with any oily and dry skin woes. The Papa Recipe Honey Moist Sun Essence is just as much moisturizer as it is sunscreen. It intensely hydrates whilst protecting your skin from harmful UV rays. It contains honey extract to nourish the skin, while its SPF 50+PA+++ provides broad spectrum protection.

Or opt for the Neogen Day-Light Protection Sun Screen SPF 50/PA+++. A Soko Glam Best of K-Beauty Award winner, this sunscreen is super light and super hydrating, with rose and raspberry extracts for extra hydration on top of your moisturizer. Plus, it has no white cast and no-greasy feeling, so you can feel good putting this on your skin.

If you have sensitive skin…

Sensitive skin doesn’t excuse you from the sunscreen. In fact, you’ll definitely want to layer up so that you’re making sure the sun isn’t causing any additional irritation to the skin. The Suntique I’m Pure Cica Sunscream is a great sensitive skin formulation that is gentle and sits light on the skin, whilst still hydrating and protecting against UV rays. It is formulated with EWG green-grade ingredients, featuring soothing centella asiatica and moisturizing galactomyces ferment filtrate.

Or opt for the Acwell UV Cut SPF 50+PA++++ Mild Sun Fluid. This non-sticky sunscreen has “mild” in its name for a reason. Formulated with a patented ingredient called “Natural Protector” and centella asiatica extract, this moisturizing sunscreen soothes and calms inflammation while reparing sun damaged skin.

Or if you just want a light and convenient sunscreen…

Looking for a light, non-greasy sunscreen to wear everyday? You might want to check out the Thank You Farmer Sun Project Light Sun Essence. This sunscreen gives your skin just the right amount of hydration throughout the day, without the grease or sticky feeling sunscreens usually have. Its formula not only protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays, but it also minimizes the appearance of pores and helps repair the skin barrier.

RELATED: We’re Obsessed with this Glow-Inducing Sunscreen

The Bottom Line

If you think you’re not getting enough sunscreen, you’re probably right. This is one of the things where you definitely don’t want to skimp out. Using just your BB cream or foundation definitely isn’t enough.

Wearing high SPF can protect your skin against short and long term consequences that are far worse than taking a few extra minutes to apply and reapply sunscreen to the skin.

The post Your Complete Guide on Which Sunscreen to Use Based On Your Skin Concern appeared first on The Klog.