In Malaysia, the sun shines relentlessly whether we’re inside or outside, making it consistently hot and humid. As we resume our daily commutes for work or personal reasons, sunscreen has become even more crucial.
If you’ve come to the realization that sunscreen is a vital part of any basic skincare routine, you might be curious about which sunscreen to choose. Whether you’re searching for one that suits you better or trying to decide where to begin, we have some helpful tips and sunscreen recommendations for you!
Why Do We Need Sunscreen?
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While daily use of sunscreen isn’t particularly ideal, especially considering Malaysia’s climate, it’s an absolute essential. We also know that some sunscreens have a bad rap for being too greasy or sticky on your skin, but trust us when we say that your skin will thank you for it in the long run.
1. It Prevents Sunburns
Wearing sunscreen helps to protect your skin from getting heat rashes and painful sunburns.
2.It Reduces Your Chances of Getting Skin Cancer
A huge reason why you should be wearing sunscreen is that it helps to prevent skin cancer. Whether it’s raining, cloudy, or sunny outside, harmful UV rays can still penetrate clouds as well as glass. These rays are still able to reach you, even if you’re sitting by the window.
3. It Prevents Sunspots
If you noticed dark spots on random areas of your skin, those are likely caused by sun exposure. These pesky spots are also known as hyperpigmentation, and can be easily prevented with regular sunscreen use.
4. It Keeps Your Skin Youthful and Healthy
Did you know your skin has protein, just like your body? Using sunscreen helps to retain the protein in your skin, such as keratin and collagen, which are known to keep your skin smooth and healthy.
How Does Sunscreen Work?
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Now that you’ve understood why you need sunscreen, let’s find out how it works on your skin.
When it comes to UV rays, there are two types that can harm your skin: UVA and UVB. There are certain types of sunscreens that specifically protect you from UVB, UVA, or both. Sunscreen blocks and absorbs the UV rays by using a mixture of chemical and physical components found in the products.
Broad-Spectrum Sunscreen protects you from both UVB and UVA rays.
SPF Sunscreen, however, only protects you from UVB rays. The term SPF (sun protection factor) is actually a rough measure of how sunscreen protects your skin from UVB rays.
Sunscreen vs Sunblock
Many people tend to get confused between the two. Let’s break it down into simple terms:
Sunscreen, commonly known as chemical sunscreen, filters or screens the UV (ultraviolet) rays of the sun.
Sunblock, also known as physical sunscreen, reflects and blocks the UV rays of the sun, preventing them from penetrating your skin.
While physical sunscreens tend to leave a white cast on your skin, they’re often better tolerated by those who have sensitive skin. If you don’t have sensitive skin, chemical sunscreens should work just fine.
Best Sunscreens in Malaysia for Dry Skin
Supergoop! Glowscreen Broad Spectrum Sunscreen Primer SPF 40 PA+++
If you have dry skin, you’ll love the Supergoop! Glowscreen. It primes and protects, gripping onto makeup while shielding your skin from UVA and UVB rays.
The unique blend of hyaluronic acid and vitamin B5 leaves your skin looking supple, plump, and dewy. There’s also niacinamide to soothe, soften and tighten your pores. The tinted sunscreen blends in seamlessly and it won’t leave a ghastly white cast behind.
Supergoop Glowscreen Sunscreen (50ml) retails for RM108 at Sephora.
Skin Inc Serum UV Moisturizer SPF50+ PA+++
This comes in a lightweight milky texture that acts as a moisturiser for dry skin. Its formula includes super hyaluronic acid so you’ll achieve a further moisture boost.
Besides protecting your skin against UV rays, it also contains filters that shield against blue light exposure. On top of these, you’ll also enjoy the delightful lavender scent it offers.
Skin Inc Serum UV Moisturizer SPF50+ PA+++ retails for RM242 at Sephora. It’s offering a 20% discount at the time of writing. Tap in to see its latest price.
Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30
This moisturising lotion has built-in SPF, which replenishes dry skin as it protects it from harmful UV rays. It has an abundant mix of potent antioxidants, skin-restoring ceramides, and anti-ageing peptides to visibly smooth fine lines and wrinkles while adding a satin glow.
Paula’s Choice Skin Recovery Daily Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30 (60ml) retails for RM155 at Zalora and Paula’s Choice.
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint
CeraVe’s Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint is packed with ceramides for hydration, niacinamide to reduce redness, as well as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide for top-notch mineral sun protection.
The moisturising formula leaves behind a healthy glow and blends in beautifully, sans white cast. Plus, it’s made to work with sensitive skin, so you don’t need to worry about irritation with this one.
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Sheer Tint (60ml) retails for RM73 at Shopee.
Best sunscreens in Malaysia for oily/acne-prone skin
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF50
A godsend for those with oily skin, Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen absorbs fast to keep your skin shine-free. It enlists the help of Helioplex™ Technology to ensure that sun protection doesn’t break down, effectively blocking damaging UVA and UVB rays.
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunscreen SPF50 (88ml) retails for RM50.30 at Hermo. There’s a discount offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price.
Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+
A water-resistant sunscreen, Innisfree’s Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+ has a rather thick formula, but doesn’t feel greasy on the skin. It can leave a white cast, so you may want to steer clear of it if you have a darker skin tone.
Innisfree Intensive Triple Care Sunscreen SPF50+ (50ml) retails for RM50.30 at Hermo.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50
If you’re looking for a sunscreen that doubles up as a primer, Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence will fit the bill. This refreshing, lightweight formula forms an invisible, waterproof shield without imparting a tacky feeling on your skin.
Enriched with hyaluronic acid and royal jelly, the sunscreen moisturises to keep your skin comfortable throughout the day.
Biore UV Aqua Rich Watery Essence SPF 50 (460g) retails for RM35 at Watsons. There’s a 30% discount offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price.
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer
This moisturiser-sunscreen is refillable and comes in a unique packaging where you twist the bottle to reveal the nozzle, so you can pump and dispense the product.
Light as air, this hydrating sunscreen gives your SPF 30 protection. Plus, the pink-tinted cream goes on invisible, so it’s great for all skin tones.
Fenty Skin Hydra Vizor Invisible Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Sunscreen Moisturizer (50ml) retails for RM190 at Sephora.
COSRX Shield Fit All Green Comfort Sun SPF50+ PA++++
This is a physical sunscreen that has a lightweight texture and protects skin against UV rays and pollution.
Containing Centella Asiatica, which is soothing on acne-prone skin, this is hypoallergenic and offers a soft matte finish.
Those who worry about mid-day shine on the skin will love that this feels comfortable on oily skin and doesn’t interfere with your makeup.
COSRX Shield Fit All Green Comfort Sun SPF50+ PA++++ retails for RM71 at Shopee.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF20 PA+++
This contains salicylic acid and has an oil-free formula, making it a popular choice among those with oily and acne-prone skin.
It also comes with a sheer coverage that’s great for a n0-makeup makeup look. Those will oily skin will also appreciate that this sunscreen comes with a semi-matte finish.
The only downside is that it only offers SPF20, which makes it only suitable for indoor use.
Laura Mercier Tinted Moisturizer Oil Free SPF20 PA+++ retails for RM225 at Sephora.
Best sunscreens in Malaysia for combination skin
Shiseido Global Suncare The Perfect Protector SPF 50+
With the ability to protect your skin from both UVB and UVA rays, this broad-spectrum SPF is perfect for combination skin. Not only does the lightweight, water-resistant formula blend easily, but it’s also a moisturising formula that prevents any dryness caused by UV exposure.
Shiseido Global Suncare The Perfect Protector SPF 50+ (50ml) retails for RM195 at Sephora and Shiseido counters.
Axis-Y Complete No Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+
A cruelty-free physical sunscreen that uses zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the Axis-Y Complete No Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ is infused with green tea extract, plant-derived squalane, and mugwort extract to soothe, heal, and protect your skin from UV damage.
Axis-Y Complete No Stress Physical Sunscreen SPF50+ (50ml) retails for RM62 at Shopee.
Avene Hydrance UV Light Emulsion SPF30
This hydrating moisturiser is well-loved among those with combination skin because of how hydrating it feels along with a light mattifying effect.
Containing its signature Avene Thermal Spring Water, this soothes skin and offers long-lasting hydration so your skin feels comfortable all day.
Avene Hydrance UV Light Emulsion SPF30 retails for RM113 at Watsons. There is a 20% discount offered at the time of writing. Tap in to see the updated price.
Best sunscreens in Malaysia for sensitive skin
La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+
Recommended by 60,000 dermatologists worldwide, the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid is a customer favourite and a go-to sunscreen for those who seek high UV protection delivered in the lightest texture. Apart from UV protection, the sunscreen also has a fluid, water-like texture that’s highly resistant to water, sweat, and even sand.
La Roche Posay Anthelios Invisible Fluid SPF50+ (50ml) retails for RM132.90 at leading retailers.
Clinique Even Better City Block Brightening Aqua Gel+ Anti-Pollution Primer SPF45 PA+++
Besides keeping out UVA and UVB rays, this daily sunscreen also helps prevent dark spots from forming.
A true multi-tasker, it comes in a lightweight pink gel that acts as a primer for your makeup too.
Formulated without parabens, phthalates, and fragrance, this sunscreen is well-loved by those with sensitive skin.
Clinique Even Better City Block Brightening Aqua Gel+ Anti-Pollution Primer SPF45 PA+++ retails for RM172 and is available at Clinique counters and Sephora.
Eucerin Sun Protection Hydro Protect SPF50
Protecting skin from sunburn and sun-induced skin damage, this sunscreen has been clinically proven to be tolerable on all skin types, including sensitive skin.
You’ll love that it spreads easily and doesn’t leave behind any stickiness nor interfere with your makeup.
Eucerin Sun Protection Hydro Protect SPF50 retails for RM120 at Watsons. It is offering a 20% discount at the time of writing. Tap in to see updated price.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46
A derm favourite, EltaMD’s UV Clear Facial Sunscreen shields your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. In addition to being fragrance-free and non-comedogenic, this sunscreen is rich in antioxidants that help protect against skin-damaging free radicals.
It also includes niacinamide, a vitamin B3 derivative with anti-inflammatory properties that can fight breakouts. On top of that, there’s sodium hyaluronate to moisturise and lactic acid to clear pores and reduce shine.
EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 (48g) retails for RM214 at Zalora.
Olay Complete Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30
Oil-free and non-greasy, this lightweight moisturiser-sunscreen gives your skin an immediate dose of hydration. It’s formulated with vitamin E, B3, and aloe leaf extract, which soothe, hydrate, and protect your skin during the day.
Its unique SolaSheer Sensitive Technology shields your complexion against harmful UVA and UVB rays. Your skin will feel soft, smooth, and protected with this formula.
Olay Complete Daily Moisturizer with Sunscreen SPF 30 (75ml) retails for RM205 at Shopee.
