With sensitive skin, one must always be careful when choosing a sunscreen, and OTOKOMAE editor Nishijima, who has atopic dermatitis, has had many painful experiences with sunscreens that did not suit his skin. Nishijima has tried countless sunscreens, and here are four that he trusts. This is an honest article that we hope will reach people with sensitive skin.
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The author's skin history that The reality of former atopic skin x sensitive skin x inner dryness
In this article, the author will introduce a sunscreen that she thought was “the best. But first, I would like to share a little about my skin situation. This is because, although the term “sensitive skin” is often dismissed as a single word, the nature and type of problem differs greatly from person to person. Even within the same category of sensitive skin, what fits and what does not fit can be quite different. However, that is why the contents of this article will surely be helpful for those with somewhat similar skin types.
I have had atopic skin since I was a child, and in the summers of my childhood, my atopic condition worsened to the point that I could not go to the pool or the beach because my skin was too rough. She has sensitive skin that gets red easily if she uses unsuitable skin care products. She has inner dry skin (mixed skin) that produces sebum in some parts of her face but is also prone to dryness. Acne occurs easily when the skin’s moisture balance is disturbed. Her atopic areas are prone to hyperpigmentation, which quickly turn into spots, so UV care is essential. I have used many sunscreens labeled “for sensitive skin,” but they tend to fall off easily and I have to reapply many times, or they leave my skin looking white. Therefore, Nishijima’s “four axes of importance in sunscreen selection” were developed.
What are the four axes that the author has focused on when choosing a sunscreen?Balance between irritation, ease of removal, feel, and price
The first axis that the author has focused on when choosing a sunscreen is ” minimal irritation to the skin. For sensitive skin, “no UV absorber” or “non-chemical formulation” is generally recommended, but since the author herself is less likely to experience skin problems even with products containing UV absorbers, she often chooses products based on their functionality. However, sunscreens that are popular for their ” hard-to-remove ” properties can be very irritating and cause skin rashes, so I try to choose those that do not require cleansing and can be removed with soap alone. Also, we dare not insist on non-chemical formulas. I avoid non-chemical sunscreens because of their large particles, which tend to float on the skin and stain black clothes. In terms of feel, it is important that the product not dry out easily, and they especially prefer gel or cream types. In addition, because they are used daily, they pay attention to price. I choose a slightly more expensive but safe product for my face and a reasonably priced product for my body, depending on the purpose of use.
Next, I will introduce what I consider to be the best sunscreens, one by one, in the following four categories: [ for daily use ], [ outdoors for long periods of time ], [ for face use only ], and [ for portable use ]. The products introduced here may not be suitable for all skin types, so before purchasing, please be sure to conduct a patch test to confirm that the product is suitable for your skin.
”[Everyday”NIVEA
Which sunscreen has the best cost performance and feel and is easy on the skin even when used daily?”]NIVEA’s UV Watery Gel is water-based, stretchy, adheres to the skin, and does not leave a white residue. It does not have the sticky feeling of sunscreen, making it the best to use and I have repeated many bottles. The hyaluronic acid formula prevents drying and is safe for sensitive and dry skin, and the high UV protection effect of SPF50/PA+++ can be removed with soap. The pump type is easy to use and can be easily incorporated into one’s morning routine. However, this product contains UV absorbing agents, which may cause irritation in some people with sensitive skin.
Look for NIVEA ” Water Gel Pump
”[Long-time”Bioré
Which sunscreens are highly functional and on the edge of not irritating the skin?”]The biggest concern for sensitive skin is how to deal with sunscreen on days when you are going to be outside for long periods of time. They are constantly faced with the dilemma of “I don’t want to get burned, but I can’t use a strong sunscreen.” A well-known brand of sunscreen, which boasts the No. 1 market share, is clearly the most powerful sunscreen available. I can’t tell you how many times I have thought to myself, “If only I could use this… ” But the ingredients don’t suit my skin and I can’t apply it. However, the ingredients did not suit my skin, and I developed a rash every time I applied it. Therefore, it is necessary to find the balance between ” high UV protection effect ” and “gentleness to the skin” on one’s own skin. After much trial and error, the product that struck the best balance for the author was Bioré’s ” Athrism Protect Essence. It is resistant to sweat and rubbing, so it is safe to use even when outdoors for long periods of time. Yet, it can be washed off with soap. This balance makes it a valuable option for users with sensitive skin. Incidentally, the author uses a rash guard for physical UV protection to reduce skin burden when doing water sports in the ocean or river. By doing so, he can reduce the extent to which he applies sunscreen with strong ingredients, thereby minimizing skin burden.
Look for Biore ” Athrism Protect Essence
”[Face-only”RMK
Which sunscreens for the face are less rough on combination and sensitive skin?”]If you have sensitive skin, it is safe to use different sunscreens for the face and for the body. If used only for the face, the sunscreen does not wear off as quickly, so the author often uses so-called “depakos. The current best is RMK ” UV Face Protector Enhanced. It is rich in beauty moisturizing ingredients such as niacinamide and tsukibokusa extract, and is an excellent product that takes care of the skin while protecting it from UV rays. RMK is a Japanese cosmetics brand founded in 1997 by makeup artist Rumiko. Although the brand does not explicitly target men, its concept of “a sophisticated finish with a bare skin feel” is supported by both men and women alike, and is highly regarded by male users, especially for base makeup.
Find RMK ” UV Face Protector Enhanced
”[Portable”Abib
What is the best sunscreen for reapplication, even for sensitive skin?”]Reapplication is extremely tedious. However, we understand that without reapplication, the UV effect may not be sufficient. This is why the author has adopted Abib’s stick-type sunscreen. Many stick-type sunscreens are not recommended for use on the face, but Abib’s is acceptable for use on the face; it contains allantoin, which also soothes the skin. It contains an oil-control powder, which makes it light and comfortable to use. Abib is a Korean skincare brand that takes an ingredient-based, minimalist approach to skincare, with a hypoallergenic design that can be used even on sensitive skin. The design is simple enough to carry in your bag without feeling uncomfortable. Another advantage of the stick type is that there is no worry about leakage.
