Content
Context
Once I understood sunscreens better, I searched for one suitable for my skin (check out my previous post, A One-Stop Guide to Sunscreen to find basic information regarding sunscreens). Like the other products in my skincare routine, I wanted a Fungal Acne-Safe sunscreen. I gravitated to the former between chemical and physical sunscreen considering how the latter tends to leave a white cast on darker skin tones. When I came across the Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF 50+/PA++++, I knew I hit the jackpot. It not only met my criteria, but after using it for over a month I must declare that I am in love and will be using this for the long run.
Ingredients
Being a chemical sunscreen, it naturally contains UV filters that absorb and dissipate UV rays. Two UV filters I find worth mentioning are Avobenzone, a good protectant against UVA rays, and Tinosorb S., another good protectant but against both UVA and UVB rays (if you'd like to know more about these two UV filters and the other ones in this sunscreen I have them linked here),
Besides the UV filters, another notable ingredient would be alcohol. Initially, I had some skepticism regarding this ingredient as it can be drying. Fortunately, after using this sunscreen for a while, I found that I didn't experience dryness. This may be due to the fact that I have oilier skin and that I make sure to moisturise before applying the sunscreen.
Another ingredient I thought worth mentioning is Alba Fruit Extract which can serve as a skin lightening agent. Although I didn't experience any mind-blowing change, I did find that over time, my acne scars did seem to fade slightly.
A short disclaimer before moving on, this sunscreen does have fragrance in it. It's rather pleasant and I like it. It also didn't irritate my skin which I find is a plus.
Packaging
When it comes to packaging, I only wished that the words on the box it came in were clearer. The small grey font coupled with the striped background made it almost impossible for me to read critical information such as the ingredients list and directions on how to use the product. Other than that, I found that the 50ml tube the product comes in was easy to use and maybe I'm being nitpicky at this point but I wish the cap was flat so I can store it up-right rather than laying it down, which occupies way more space.
Application
Before applying sunscreen, I give the tube a good shake and ensure that the moisturiser on my face has dried. I do like to apply it in sections starting on my left cheek and eyelids, going to my right, and ending at my forehead. By doing this, I find that I am able to ensure better coverage. Once I'm done, I do wait for around 30mins before going under direct sunlight as chemical sunscreens do require time to form a protective layer on our skin.
It is a good habit to re-apply sunscreen throughout the day as it can wear off. I've gotta admit I am still struggling to do this but am determined to get there eventually.
Final Thoughts
It's hard for me to imagine a sunscreen that could be more suitable for me. Besides being Fungal Acne Safe and not leaving a white caste, it seemed to fade my acne scars. I hope that my experience was helpful to those who are on their own skincare journey.
I would like to point out that I am not a dermatologist or a doctor but am here to share my experiences and what I have learned on my skincare journey. Feel free to share yours with me or let me know if I have misrepresented any information.
The next product I plan to add to my skincare routine is a exfoliants. I just recieved the Paula's Choice Skin Perfecting 2% BHA Liquid Exfoliator and will be giving it a go for a month. For the time being, I will be sharing more on wellness. In the next post, I will be sharing more experience on modeling for the first time!
Links
General Information about ingredients in the Missha All Around Safe Block Aqua Sun Gel SPF 50+/PA++++
Information on the 6 UV filters
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane (Avobenzone)
https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/butyl-methoxydibenzoylmethane
Bis-Ethylhexyloxyphenol Methoxyphenyl Triazine (Tinosorb S)
https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/bis-ethylhexyloxyphenol-methoxyphenyl-triazine
Octocrylene
https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/octocrylene
Homosalate
https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/homosalate
Ethylhexyl Salicylate (Octyl Salicylate)
https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/ethylhexyl-salicylate
Isoamyl p-Methoxycinnamate (Amiloxate)
https://incidecoder.com/ingredients/isoamyl-p-methoxycinnamate