<p>Sunlight can cause skin discolouration, sunburn, premature ageing, brown spots and even skin diseases. However, you should not be too afraid of it and should consider it a natural part of life.</p>

<p style="text-align: justify;">Although the topic of sun protection should be a concern all year round, it is only when the weather starts to heat up and the sun becomes more intense that many people start to seriously apply sunscreen. However, is simply applying sunscreen really safe enough? Even dermatologists are not sure.</p>

<p>Can I still get dark skin after applying sunscreen?</p>

<p data-start="1413" data-end="1917" style="text-align: justify;">The answer is yes. &ldquo;Think of sunscreen as a very fine transparent mesh; it can filter UV rays but cannot completely block them,&rdquo; says dermatologist Mona Gohara of Yale University. &ldquo;Even sunscreens with very high SPF still let a small amount of UV rays through, stimulating the production of melanin - the pigment that causes skin to darken. Over time, the skin will begin to darken, develop brown spots and become dry and aged.&rdquo;</p>
<p data-start="1413" data-end="1917" style="text-align: justify;">Before applying sunscreen, you need to understand how it works. Sunscreen helps reduce the risk of sunburn or skin diseases such as cancer by absorbing or reflecting UV rays. If it is a chemical sunscreen, it will "absorb" UV rays and process them right in the skin. Meanwhile, physical sunscreen creates a film on the skin's surface, reflecting UV rays out.</p>
<p data-start="2512" data-end="3087" style="text-align: justify;">The effectiveness of sunscreen depends largely on how each person uses it. In addition, a higher SPF does not mean invulnerability. Under laboratory testing conditions, SPF 30 is recommended for daily use by the American Academy of Dermatology, while SPF 50 can block about 97% of UVB rays. However, UVA protection depends on each product. No sunscreen is a perfect shield. The higher the SPF, the greater the ability to block UVB rays, but the remaining rays, about 3%, plus user errors such as not applying enough, missing or forgetting to reapply, are all factors that allow UV rays to penetrate the skin. Therefore, no matter how careful you are, your skin will gradually darken; no matter how persistent you are, brown spots will gradually appear and become visible on the skin's surface.</p>

<p>So what should we do to best protect our skin from the sun?</p>

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<p data-start="3561" data-end="3912" style="text-align: justify;">Even though sunscreen cannot protect your skin completely, that does not mean you should skip it. Unless you never go out or only work at night, using sunscreen is still the most necessary measure possible.</p>
<p data-start="3914" data-end="4466" style="text-align: justify;">A basic "routine" for the average person would be as follows: Before going out, apply a layer of transparent sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 50. Next, use an additional layer of skin-tone-adjusting primer, preferably products with an SPF of 30 or higher. The final step is foundation or powder, which should also include sunscreen with a minimum SPF of 30. Although SPFs are not cumulative, this "layering" will create multiple layers of protection, minimising the risk of small mistakes such as uneven application, product running off due to sweat, or forgetting to reapply during the day.</p>
<p data-start="4468" data-end="5008" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" style="text-align: justify;">Still, you should remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours. If you sweat a lot or swim, you may need to reapply more often. You can also wear protective clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses that block UV rays. Avoid the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and limit your exposure to water and sand, which can reflect UV rays back to your skin.</p>
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<p data-start="181" data-end="229">How to choose the right and effective sunscreen</p>

<p data-start="209" data-end="637" style="text-align: justify;">Choosing a sunscreen is simply a matter of choosing one that feels good on your skin. If you like the way it feels on your skin, you&rsquo;ll be more likely to use it consistently.</p>
<p data-start="639" data-end="1262" style="text-align: justify;">So, how do you choose the right one? First, you should choose a sunscreen that says "broad spectrum" on the packaging, meaning it can protect against both UVA rays (which cause darkening and ageing of the skin) and UVB rays (which cause redness and sunburn). Second, the higher the SPF, the better. Physical or chemical is fine, many products now combine both. Third, you should also prioritise products with water-resistant formulas and long-lasting sun protection on the product packaging.</p>
<p data-start="1264" data-end="1855" style="text-align: justify;">So, how much is enough? Dermatologists recommend half a teaspoon for the face and neck, which won't leave your skin feeling sticky or cakey. For larger areas like the arms, legs, chest, and back, you should use about a teaspoon. Remember to reapply every two hours and wipe away sweat and oil before reapplying to ensure effective protection.</p>
<p data-start="1857" data-end="2457" style="text-align: justify;">If you have sensitive skin, you need to learn how to read the ingredient list on the packaging. In addition to the ability to protect against both UVA and UVB rays, the product must be light and non-irritating. The simpler and gentler the ingredients, the better. If it also contains moisturising and skin-restoring ingredients, it is an ideal choice for sensitive skin.</p>

<p>Do you need to wear sunscreen when flying?</p>

<p data-start="2459" data-end="3051" style="text-align: justify;">Many people skip applying sunscreen when flying, but in fact, UV rays are stronger at higher altitudes. For every 1,000 feet of elevation, UV radiation increases by about 20%. Planes typically fly at altitudes of about 30,000 to 40,000 feet, so UV radiation levels can increase by 60-80% compared to the ground.</p>
<p data-start="3053" data-end="3706" style="text-align: justify;">So, before flying, you should apply sunscreen. Before that, you can apply a layer of moisturiser containing antioxidants and moisturisers to help balance the oil and water on the skin, while protecting the skin from the effects of stress when travelling. The dry air in the plane cabin will dehydrate the skin, reduce blood circulation and make it prone to swelling. Experts recommend using a vitamin C serum, followed by a serum and moisturiser and then applying sunscreen. If you are sitting next to a window, you should pay more attention to reapplying.</p>
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<p data-start="0" data-end="214" data-is-last-node="" data-is-only-node="" style="text-align: justify;">Sunscreen has an expiration date and after opening the lid, the protective effect will gradually decrease over time. It is best to use up a tube within one summer. If left for a long time, the sun protection ability will weaken and the skin will be more susceptible to darkening and sunburn.</p>
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<p data-start="4106" data-end="4665" style="text-align: justify;">Lancome UV Expert Premium Whitening Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++ is a highly effective product in sun protection and fading dark spots. According to testing, after three months of use, up to 71% of users noticed that dark spots were faded. To solve the problem of sweat and friction causing the cream to fade, this product uses technology from high-quality sports fabric. Thanks to that, you can rest assured to use it even in hot, humid conditions or strenuous exercise.</p>

Lancome UV Expert Premium Whitening Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

<p style="text-align: justify;">This product has a simple, irritating formula that provides long-lasting UV protection, is hydrating, and can be used as a makeup primer. Recognized ingredients include triple-action ceramides, hyaluronic acid, 4% niacinamide, and effective UVA/UVB protection.</p>

Cerave Sunscreen SPF50 PA++++

<p data-start="113" data-end="669" style="text-align: justify;">The product possesses 5 layers of powerful protection, helping to protect against UVB, UVA, long-wave UVA, visible light (VIS) and infrared rays (IR). The formula uses medical-grade purified water, is gentle and non-irritating, suitable for even sensitive skin. The ultra-light texture feels like water when applied to the skin, helping to maintain moisture for 8 hours and effectively control oil throughout the day.</p>

Bioderma Photoderm Aqua Fluide Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

<p data-start="676" data-end="1242" style="text-align: justify;">This is a sunscreen that combines three functions in one: skin care, long-lasting makeup, and effective sun protection. The ultra-light texture like lotion makes it comfortable to apply as a daily skin care step. The new upgraded version is supplemented with collagen and vitamin restoration ingredients, helping the skin become more plump and elastic.</p>

ELIXIR Day Care Revolution SPF50+ PA++++ Multi-purpose Sunscreen Lotion

<p data-start="1249" data-end="1848" style="text-align: justify;">The texture is as light as water, easy to spread evenly on the skin while still ensuring maximum protection against UV rays. The product is water-resistant and sweat-proof when exposed to sweat or friction, helping the sunscreen layer adhere to the skin all day long. To prevent dryness and skin ageing after sun exposure, the product is supplemented with many skin care ingredients such as olive oil, golden algae extract, hyaluronic acid and coenzyme Q10.</p>

DHC Water-Friendly Whitening Sunscreen SPF50+ PA++++

<p data-start="1855" data-end="2389" style="text-align: justify;">The product stands out with 9 specialised uses, not only helping to protect against the sun but also fading wrinkles and brown spots, while fighting signs of ageing caused by light, such as dark spots and wrinkles caused by UV rays. In addition to the ability to protect and restore the skin, the cream also contains a complex of natural plant extracts to help soothe and cool down immediately.</p>

How to Protect Your Skin Under the Sun

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