Hot and sunny summer days are fun to spend outdoors, but being in the sun isn’t always fun, especially in Japan. That is why Japanese sunscreen is some of the best you can find on the market, and we are here to uncover what you need to know before buying.
Read on to find out our recommended sunscreens!
What You Need to Know About Japanese Sunscreen
Image credit: Canva
First of all, let’s make a couple of concepts around sunscreen clear.
When choosing Japanese—or any—sunscreen, it is important to pay attention to three elements: SPF, PA ratings, and the type of sunscreen.
SPF, aka the sun protection factor, indicates how much time it will take for your skin to burn and, therefore, how long that particular sunscreen will protect you from sunburn (UVB radiation). As a general rule of thumb, the higher, the better.
No matter how high the SPF is, though, some UV radiation will always get through the sunscreen barrier, so make sure to wear clothes to protect you from direct sunlight during the hottest hours of the day and seasons when the sun is stronger.
The second, but no less important, criterion to consider when picking up sunscreen from your drugstore is PA. PA, short for “protection grade UVA,” measures and indicates the spectrum of protection against UVA radiation.
A fun fact: the PA rating system was actually developed in Japan in 1996! PA values range from low and moderate UVA protection (PA+ and PA++) to high (PA+++) and extremely high UVA protection (PA++++).
Now that you know what to consider when choosing a strong and reliable sunscreen, let’s take a look at different textures and types of sunscreen and a few of our budget-friendly recommendations.
7 Different Types of Japanese Sunscreen
There are seven different types of sunscreen available in Japan: you can choose between cream, milk, gel, lotion, spray, powder, and stick.
Cream And Milk
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The heaviest but most effective sunscreen when it comes to protecting your skin is the one that comes in the form of cream or milk.
The cream type is thicker and a bit more difficult to spread, but it is long-lasting and moisturizing. Meanwhile, the milk one has a film-like feeling, being something lighter than cream. It is easier to spread and ideal for sensitive skin.
Our Recommendation: MAMMABABY NON-CHEMICAL UV MILK SPF50+
MAMMABABY is a sustainable and vegan brand that caters to babies and those with sensitive skin. As a result, the non-chemical UV milk is chemical-free, silicone-free, and organic, making it vegan and ocean-friendly. It is fragrance-free, great for those sensitive to oils or scents.
Gel And Lotion
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Next up are Japanese sunscreens, which are gel and lotion.
Sunscreen gels and sunscreen lotions have light and fresh textures. Both are extremely easy to apply and feel super light on the skin, especially on hot summer days. However, since they are thin and close to a liquid consistency, they are not as long-lasting, so remember to reapply them frequently.
Our Recommendation: La Vie Stella Vegan UV Milk SPF30
La Vie Stella’s Vegan UV Milk may make you think it’s milk, but the contents are more similar to a lotion as it has a thicker consistency. This lotion leaves no white cast and can easily be absorbed into the skin, creating an even coating. It has the scent of organic wild rose, leaving a pleasant fragrance. It is vegan-friendly, uses only natural ingredients, and is environmentally conscious, using bioplastic containers.
Spray, Powder, And Stick
Last but not least, sunscreen can also come in spray, powder, or stick form.
Spray, powder, and stick types are the easiest to carry around and the most convenient for reapplication, even over makeup, when you are busy running errands.
However, these types are the least effective against actual UV rays, even with a high SPF and PA. It is better to avoid using them by themselves and to apply them in conjunction with creams or gels as much as possible.
Sunscreen powder can be used on top of makeup to reduce the sunscreen’s stickiness and keep the skin smooth.
Our Recommendation: Favsol’s NATURAL UV VITAMIN STICK
A vegan sunscreen stick made of all-natural ingredients. Provides SPF 50 protection and is a perfect size to take on the go. Favol’s NATURAL UV VITAMIN STICK is a great alternative if you are on the go. Great for everyone, and it can also be applied on top of makeup!
Protect Your Skin Using Japanese Sunscreen This Summer
It’s the hottest and sunniest time of the year. So, whether you are roaming around the city or lying down on a sandy beach, do not forget to apply a generous amount of your favorite Japanese sunscreen to keep your skin healthy and protect yourself from harmful rays.
Related Articles:
- 5 Skin-Loving Ingredients Found in Japanese Food
- Best Moisturizers You Can Find on iHerb Japan
- Top 5 Affordable Japanese Skincare Brands for Sensitive Skin
Top 5 Affordable Japanese Skincare Brands for Sensitive Skin
Featured image credit: かすみ草8767 via Photo-Ac
