The Best Korean Sunscreens To protect Your Face and Skin

Introduction
Welcome to summer! With summer fun comes an increased need for skin care, not just from being outdoors but also from a variety of skin faces: blasts of arctic AC, salt and sand from the beach, and most urgently, the intense rays of the sun. Even if you're not planning to spend a day at the beach, something as seemingly harmless as a walk from the parking lot to your car under intense summer rays can wreck havoc on your face. But don't fear--quality sunscreen that is both lightweight and protective can work as an effective shield to the harmful sun's rays, and be applied with foundation or make-up with no issues. Read on for some of my tried-and-true Korean sunscreen products.

Background
When you’re at the beach—or just stepping out for coffee on your lunch break—the sun’s invisible rays are constantly beating down, even through a cloudy day. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is what gives us a tan and also damages our DNA, which can lead to skin cancer in worse cases. (For more about the science of UV rays and sunscreen, as well as an explanation on SPF meanings, see my post "How Sunscreen Works.") 

As I mention in this post, sunscreens are one of our first—and best—defenses against the sun. For a primer on the science of why and how, see my article "The Best Way to Protect Your Skin From Aging, According to Science." To summarize:

• UV rays from the sun penetrate our skin and affect our chromosomes, the bundles of DNA in our cells
• This radiation damages cells, resulting in aged features or, at worse, cancer.

Sunscreens in the range of SPF 15-50 can prevent this. However, most people skip the sunscreen because they're often greasy, have a white sheen and clog pores. That's where the beauty of Korean cosmetics come in! You can find great, quality sunscreens at very affordable prices, which make it easy to make sunscreen a daily habit and incorporate it into your morning routine. 

A note about Korean sunscreens
Korean sunscreens often have a more pleasant consistency, texture and smell than cheap sunscreens from the grocery store. What's more, they are effective and long-lasting.

It's also important to know while shopping for your next favorite sunscreen: Aside from the SPF number, many Korean sunscreens use a rating system based on the persistent pigmentation darkening test, where plusses after the letters PA indicate the sunscreen's protection against the sun (specifically, UVA rays). You'll want a sunscreen that is at least 3, ideally 4, plusses after PA for maximum protection.

And now, my top Korean sunscreens for the face and skin that won't leave your face greasy and will protect you from the sun.

Top Korean Sunscreens For Your Face

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InnisFree

InnisFree is my absolute favorite, go-to Korean brand for facial sunscreen. The Minimum Sun Screen SPF 25 for Sensitive Skin is a great, lightweight, everyday sunscreen for minimal time outside. Innisfree Forest for Men No Sebum Sun Block, Innisfree Daily Uv Protection Cream No Sebum SPF35  and the water-resistant Perfect UV Protection Cream Triple Care SPF 50 are also good.

MISSHA

The Missha sun milk ties for my favorite, particularly if I'm spending the day in the sun. Missha is another Korean brand that has high-quality and affordable sunscreens. The Missha All-around Safe Block Waterproof Sun Milk SPF50 is a water proof variant, great if you're going to be swimming or sweating.

COSRX

And lastly, one that uses my favorite ingredient, snail serum, and combines it with sunscreen is the COSRX Shield Fit Snail Essence Sun Cream SPF 50+ Moisturizing, Refreshing, and Revitalizing Effect with Snail Secretion Filtrate/Sunscreen (currently unavailable). Snail serum is a popular ingredient in Korean skincare and is suggested to lead to a host of therapeutic effects. (Read more about the potential benefits of--and science behind--snail serum for the face here.)

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OTHER POPULAR BRANDS

I have not yet tried these but they've gotten good reviews and are from reputable Korean cosmetic companies.

• A'PIEU PURE BLOCK Natural Sun Cream SPF45/PA+++
• COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream SPF50 PA+++, 50ml
• Etude House Sunprise Mild Airy Finish Sun Milk SPF50+ / PA+++

Final Thoughts
No matter which SPF you choose, a daily sunscreen is incredibly important for your face, even if you aren’t at the beach. Remember, sunscreen is the single most important thing you can do to help your skin age healthfully and gracefully!

After a day of fun in the beach or sun, make sure to wash with a cream or foam cleanser (ideally both) and toner/moisture as part of a full or modified 7-step skincare routine.