What’s The Difference Between UK and Japanese Sunscreen?
It’s no secret that us Brits are becoming more aware of the effects of sun damage. I remember as a kid going to Brighton with my family and mum saying she didn’t need sunscreen on her legs as she wanted to tan… but nowadays we are wising up to the damaging effects of the sun and it’s UV Rays. I’ve lived in Japan for 9 years and can see firsthand how the Japanese meticulously protect their skin from the sun. They cover up, wear UV shields, use parasols, but mostly they smother themselves in advanced formulated Japanese sunscreen.
In contrast to most of us Brits who aspire to have a not-so-healthy “healthy tan”, most Japanese love being pale/fair and in fact, this is healthier as it helps prevent skin cancers. “But the UK sun isn’t as potent” Myth! “But it’s not sunny today, I don’t need sunscreen” another myth! I’m here to bust these myths on sunscreen and sun protection whilst showing the differences between British and Japanese suncreams.
Japanese Brand Sunscreens Like Anessa Are Phenomenal
The Japanese are aware that sunburn and suntanning eventually leads to wrinkles, freckles and premature aging, that’s why many avoid the sun in order to protect their skin. Japanese sunscreens use the latest formulas to give you full protection and beautiful skin. The textures, ingredients, packaging and cosmetic-grade formulas are hands down better than the sunscreens we get in the UK.
Not only do they focus on sunscreen as a skin cancer preventative, but they are also cosmetically pleasing with an array of options to choose from, depending on your skin needs; brightening, colour-correcting, moisturizing, mattifying, hypoallergenic, primer, tinted moisturizers… the list goes on! Anessa, for instance, a top Japanese brand, has the Aqua Booster EX technology which boosts the product’s protection when it comes into contact with sweat and water.
The Benefits of Japanese Sunscreen
- Prevents sunburn
- UV protection from UV rays
- Lowers risk of skin cancer
- Prevents premature aging
- Maintains an even skin tone
- Moisturizing
- High levels of SPF
- Various types for skin needs
Results of Not Wearing Sunscreen
- Skin cancer
- Premature Aging
- Telangiectasias
- Wrinkles
- Sun spots
- Discoloration
- Dry skin
- Painful sunburn
UV Rays, UV Protection and SPF 30 / 50 PA++++
Unprotected and prolonged exposure to the sun's UV rays can cause damage to the skin, eyes, immune system and cause cancer. But what should I look for when buying a sunscreen?
A high SPF is important, at least 30 SPF as the 30 means it would take 30 times longer to burn compared to if you weren't wearing sunscreen at all. “Broad spectrum” or PA++++ is needed to protect against ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB). The plus signs tell you how much protection you are getting: PA+ would give you a little protection whilst PA++++ is the maximum. Water resistance is also vital to keep your sunscreen strong through sweat or dips in the pool. Luckily Japan has such a fantastic array when it comes to sunscreen that tick all of these boxes, and more!
The UK and Sun Protection
According to researchers, more than a quarter of UK adults believe they ‘don’t need’ to use SPF products. Is this true Britain!? 77% of UK adults don’t wear sunscreen to protect themselves from the UK sun but 91% said that they do use sunscreen when they go abroad. Newsflash!
The sun in the UK is strong enough to cause damage, particularly from the start of April to the end of September, even on cloudy days. Even if your skin goes pink then tans, it still counts as being burnt so it’s important to use sunscreen and reapply every few hours or after sweating or swimming.
No Oxybenzone In Japanese Brand Sunscreens
Coral bleaching is a real problem caused by sunscreens, which are also highly toxic to other marine life. The main culprits of this marine devastation are oxybenzone and octinoxate, which are found in the majority of sunscreens. When we swim in the sea or shower, sunscreen washes off and enters our waterways.
The sea anemones and coral reefs turn these sunscreen ingredients into a deadly toxin. One piece of good news… Japan produces a lot of environmentally friendly sunscreens that don’t contain oxybenzone and octinoxate! Another reason as to why Japanese sunscreens are some of the bests on our planet, for our planet.
Say Sayonara To Sun Skin Damage
Ultimately, if you do forgo sunscreen, you’re at more risk of developing skin cancer and sunburn that can damage the skin cells and blood vessels. Skin damage can build up over time and lead to melanoma skin cancer. It can leave your skin looking older, drier and nobody wants that. Take a leaf out of Japan’s sun safety and beauty books by using a good Japanese sunblock. With so many advantages of Japanese sun care, and so many options, why not try a Japanese sunscreen today?
