Living in a tropical country like Singapore, where the sun shines at full force all year round, a complete sun protection strategy is indispensable.
Why the Need for Sun Protection?
Look, we know you love your Vitamin D – and so do we. But do you know that without sun protection, even limited exposure to the UV rays emitted from the sun can cause damage to your skin, no matter your skin colour or tone? UV rays not only cause your skin to age prematurely (think wrinkles), but they can also contribute to other issues such as discolouration, dark spots and congested skin.
With Singapore having one of the highest levels of ultraviolet radiation globally, lax attitudes towards sun protection will only lead to harmful, irreversible outcomes.
Is It Okay to Forgo Protection If You’re Staying Indoor All Day?
The short answer is no! While we very much would love to disregard sun protection as we lounge around the house on a lazy day, the truth is UV rays penetrate through window glasses.
And given that 80% of the sun’s rays can pass through clouds, even a cloudy, overcast day is not an excuse for you to get lax about sun protection. Take proactive actions to protect your skin, and your skin will thank you in the long run.
Ways to Keep Your Skin Protected and Healthy
Apply & Reapply Sunscreen
By now, you should know that sunscreen is your first line of defence against the sun. But what are the best types of sunscreen to use?
Well, opt for a broad spectrum sunscreen – one that helps filter both UVA and UVB rays. Experts also recommend using sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher before heading outdoors for the day and SPF 15 if you stay indoors. For adequate protection, a good rule of thumb is to reapply sunscreen every two hours as the sun breaks down all active ingredients in sunscreen over time.
Edible Sunscreens for Added Protection
Topical sunscreen alone is not sufficient if you are spending a long day in direct sunlight. Here is where oral sunscreens can help close the gap, offering double UV protection. Consumed in the form of pills, oral sunscreens typically contain potent antioxidants to protect not just your face, but also your entire skin surface against free radicals.
Accessorize with Hats and Shades
Last but not least, wearing sun-protective items can go a long way in protecting your skin against harmful UV rays. Sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption provide optimal protection for the eyes and the tender skin around them, while hats with wide brims protect your nose, cheeks, scalp and neck.
Ways to Reduce Pigmentation & Achieve Glowing Skin
Apart from the aforementioned, there are also ways you can reduce the harmful effects of UV rays.
Develop Healthy Eating Habits
Fuel your body with foods packed with nutrients, vitamins and minerals that can prevent and/or heal sun damage. These include:
- Blueberries: All berries are rich sources of antioxidants that can neutralise the free-radical damage that sun exposure causes. The tiny anthocyanin-rich blueberry is believed to have the highest antioxidant capacity.
- Green Tea: Polyphenol antioxidants found in green tea can protect your cells from UV-induced damage. It also contains vitamin E, which hydrates dry and cracked skin – a common side effect of sunburn.
- Leafy Greens: Leafy greens such as kale and spinach are rich in beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant known for its ability to renew and repair the skin. Lutein and zeaxanthin found in these greens also act as natural sunblock for your skin.
Hakubi White C Tablet & White C Drink Are Your Trump Card
One of the best Japanese whitening supplements, Hakubi White C Tablet and Hakubi White C Drink help to mitigate oxidative damage caused by UV exposure and suppress the production of melanin to tackle skin concerns such as pigmentation.
Comes in pill form, White C Tablet is formulated with higher L-cysteine and vitamin C content for enhanced skin whitening. Vitamin B6 also promotes active skin regeneration.
Not a fan of pills? White C Drink is the product for you. It is easy to consume; just one bottle a day, and is packed with vitamin C and vitamin B6 to help enrich the antioxidant properties of vitamin E. With White C Drink, maintaining healthy-looking skin has never been so effortless.
