The Ultimate Guide to Sunscreen: Why You Need It and How to Choose the Best One

Sun protection is a critical aspect of skincare that often gets overlooked. As we enjoy the sun's warmth, it's essential to remember the harmful effects of UV radiation. Sunscreen is your skin's best defense against these harmful rays, and with the advent of innovative products like Heliocare's range, including Heliocare Oral formulated for Asia, sun protection has never been more effective and convenient.

Why You Should Apply Sunscreen

1. Prevents Skin Cancer: UV radiation from the sun is a significant risk factor for skin cancer. Applying sunscreen daily reduces your risk by protecting your skin from the DNA damage caused by UV rays.
2. Prevents Premature Aging: Sun exposure can accelerate the signs of aging, such as wrinkles, fine lines, and age spots. Sunscreen helps maintain a youthful appearance by blocking these harmful rays.
3. Prevents Sunburn: Sunburns are not only painful but also increase your risk of skin cancer. Sunscreen provides a barrier that helps prevent your skin from burning.
4. Maintains an Even Skin Tone: Regular use of sunscreen helps prevent discoloration and red veins, promoting a smoother, more even skin tone.

How to Choose a Good Sunscreen

Choosing the right sunscreen can be overwhelming given the plethora of options available. Here are some tips to help you select the best one for your needs:

1. Broad-Spectrum Protection: Ensure your sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, meaning it shields against both UVA and UVB rays.
2. SPF 30 or Higher: For adequate protection, choose a sunscreen with an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30. Higher SPFs provide more protection, especially if you are outdoors for extended periods.
3. Water-Resistant: If you are swimming or sweating, a water-resistant sunscreen will ensure continued protection.
4. Suitable for Your Skin Type: Choose a sunscreen that suits your skin type. For instance, if you have oily skin, opt for a non-comedogenic formula. If you have sensitive skin, look for a sunscreen with gentle ingredients.

The Innovation of Oral Sunblock

In addition to topical sunscreens, oral sunblocks like those from Heliocare offer an innovative way to enhance your sun protection routine. Heliocare Oral formulated for Asia contains Fernblock, a natural extract with powerful antioxidant properties that help protect the skin from within.

Fernblock: This unique ingredient has been clinically proven to increase the skin’s resistance to UV damage, neutralize free radicals, and repair DNA. It provides an added layer of defense when used alongside topical sunscreens.

Heliocare's Sunscreen Products at Dermaskinshop Singapore

1. Heliocare Ultra 90 Gel SPF 50+: This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection and is ideal for oily and acne-prone skin. Its lightweight, non-comedogenic formula ensures your skin stays protected without feeling greasy.
2. Heliocare Advanced Gel SPF 50: A great option for those with dry skin, this sunscreen provides intense hydration while protecting against UV rays.
3. Heliocare 360º Pediatrics Mineral SPF 50+: Heliocare 360º complies with the highest standards of photoprotection, designed for even the most sensitive and problematic skins requiring maximum protection against sun damage. This sunscreen has a high tolerance formula with mineral-only filters. Its ultra-light, non-comedogenic formula also includes specific active ingredients to care for and hydrate the skin barrier of even the youngest children.
4. Heliocare Oral Sunblock Formulated for Asia: Perfect for those looking to enhance their sun protection from within. This oral supplement is tailored to the needs of Asian skin and contains Fernblock, which helps protect against UV damage and supports overall skin health.
5. Heliocare 360º Junior Oral Stick: Natural in origin, Heliocare 360º Junior Oral Sticks sticks with Fernblock®, increasing skin resistance of little ones to the sun and reducing the risk of sunburn. They also help to protect those difficult-to-reach areas (scalp, eyes, ears, etc.).

How to Properly Apply Sunscreen

1. Apply Generously: Use enough sunscreen to cover all exposed skin. When applying sunscreen on the face and neck, use the 2 finger method! The application of this “two fingers” of sunscreen will provide a dose of the product that approximates to that used during the laboratory determination of the sun protection factor. Such a dosage guide is a means of ensuring that users are protected according to their expectations.
2. Apply/Consume Early: Apply sunscreen or consume oral sunblock 15-30 minutes before going outside to allow it to absorb into your skin.. This goes for all chemical sunscreens, as physical (mineral) sunscreens are immediately effective upon application. 
3. Reapply Often: Reapply every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating.
4. Don’t Forget Key Areas: Make sure to cover often-missed spots like the ears, back of the neck, back of hands and tops of the feet.

Conclusion

Incorporating sunscreen into your daily skincare routine is non-negotiable for maintaining healthy skin and preventing long-term damage. With products like Heliocare available at Dermaskinshop Singapore, including the innovative Heliocare Oral formulated for Asia, you have a comprehensive range of options to ensure you are fully protected from the sun's harmful effects. Remember, the best sunscreen is the one you use regularly and correctly.

Invest in quality sun protection today with Heliocare and enjoy the sun safely!