Looking at how things are going recently, I would have to say that we’re expecting a rainy summer in our midst. The weather’s just so darn unpredictable, that the sun glares at days, and there are days when it just pours. But then, the sun would always be there – whether we feel warm, or cool!
As the sun is the skin’s #1 enemy, it emits UVA and UVB rays, which harms the skin in two ways -
UVB makes our skin “burn” ( keyword for the B in UVB ), penetrating into the surface of our skin (also called as epidermis) and causing our skin to be red, inflamed, and freckled.
UVA, on the other hand, has the more serious effect, which is “aging” ( keyword for the A in UVA ) UVA rays darken skin color, as it penetrates deeply into our skin (dermis). It activates the tanning pigment meant for natural protection from UV rays. Worse than that, prolonged exposure to UVA rays causes aging, as skin loses elasticity -wrinkles alert! Oh no!
With all that, it’s a lifelong obligation to nag oneself to use sunblock! But then, how do you actually choose your sunblock products?
Choose a sunblock product that has an SPF rating, and a PA rating, of course! SPF is the sunscreen index against UVB, while PA is an index measuring protection from UVA. Information about SPF is widespread, but let me indulge you with some tidbits about the PA rating :
PA+ means 2-4 times protection against UVA
PA++ means 4-8 times protection against UVA
PA+++ gives an 8-time protection or more.
As sunblock being a constant need in our skin care routine, it needs to be comfortable, and non-intrusive with our skin care routines. What good will it make, if we feel icky, or our skin breaks out with it? There were times in my distant past, wherein I was really forcing on sunblock as part of my skin care routine, but my skin oiled up, and I felt icky. Not a good feeling, so I kept on avoiding it, and placed my skin at risk of aging prematurely, even if I’m not an outdoorsy type of person. I promise you, that aging becomes more evident once you hit your mid-twenties – once you see faint traces of lines forming around your mouth, around your eyes, or any where in your face ( or in your hands ), you’ll definitely scramble for all skin care products that addresses aging. Sunblock is one of the easiest, and effective way to prevent your skin from aging, as the sun contributes a huge percentage on skin aging.
With that, I introduce to you SunPlay Sunblock Lotions. From the makers of LipIce, Mentholatum seeks to target sun protection the most fun, and happy way! They’ve adapted the “Watery Liquid Formulation,” formulated in Japan, that contains UV reflectant, formulated from fine powder that acts like mirror to reflect most UV rays ( UVA and UVB ) away from the skin. Reread the last sentence I just typed. Okay, I just reread it myself ( haha! ) Banking on the effectivity of bouncing back UVA and UVB rays, what got me was the “watery liquid formulation” as oily-skinned me prefer watery formulations, as for one – they’re “water-like” in texture so they don’t grease up the skin, and two- they feel so light and comfortable! SunPlay is also non-comedogenic, which my pores just whooped in glee knowing that! Sounds like good news to me!
SunPlay now has four variants available in the market :
SunPlay SPF 130 seems to maxed out on the SPF rating and the PA rating! As the highest rating in SPF and PA, it is super sweatproof and waterproof, ideal for long hours outdoors and water activities. Upon trying it, it smells like a plant, and it has the shiniest “sheen” among the variants, with me guess-attributing that it’s because of the very very high SPF number.
Price : P 399.00
This SunPlay variant contains menthol, for a cooling effect as this is applied on the skin. This is a notch lower than the first variant, as it is only water resistant. It also has Hyaluronic Acid – which retains moisture on the skin, and makes skin soft and smooth! I am quite partial about this variant, maybe for the body! For the face, well, it would be a refreshing experience when it’s really, really warm!
Price : P 349.00
This is a recommended daily suncare product for all of us, containing Aloe Vera that soothes the skin. I particularly like this variant, as it smells very “clean” and really disappears on your skin a few seconds upon application! The texture is just perfect for the face – light, very smooth, and smelling really clean!
Price : P349.00
This is also a recommended suncare product, but with an added “whitening” effect! It promises to lighten dark spots, and enhance skin fairness. Enriched with Vitamin C & E, it helps enhance skin health and prevent premature aging. Also water resistant.
This variant smells very light, and dries into a matte finish on the skin. I would recommend this for the face for everyday use!
Price : P 349.00
I would recommend SunPlay Powdery White, and SunPlay Clear Water as a nice addition to anyone’s skin care regimen for daily use, as they feel really light and feel fuss-free, as if you’re not disturbing your existing skin care regimen! The SunPlay SPF 130 Super Block and SPF 65 Watery Cool can be reserved for those extreme sun-bathing that can definitely save you! With all having the max PA+++ rating, my skin is assured that it won’t age too early with the sun. Now, I’m hooked with such watery sunblocks, as I’ll never feel icky anymore!
Another thing about the SunPlay Sunblock Lotions are that they’re so cute- they look like school supplies – very much like correction tapes/pens! hahaha It gives off that friendly vibe to me that makes me want to reach for it every day, and as it glides very much like a watery lotion, my skin is definitely at ease!
Looks like my skin’s saved again with a new sun care product! Anyone who’s tried this? I’d love to hear from you!
You can get your SunPlay Sunblock Lotions at all Watsons Personal Care Stores.
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130SPF PA+++ WOOT! Thanks for the information. I’ve been looking for sunblocks that are as powerful as these.
it’s so powerful, but look at its packaging – still so cute and friendly! haha!
hmmm…much cheaper than other brands, I’ll try the silky smooth
I saw this during my trip in Taiwan! Madami sa Watson’s Taiwan hehe
xoxo
MrsM
I might get Sunplay Super Block or Watery Cool for my next beach trip, thanks Sophie!
I wonder if these give that “white cast” in photos. They sound too good to be true — almost like my beloved Kiehl’s sunscreen. If this’ll serve as a cheaper alternative to my Kiehl’s sunscreen, I’ll definitely dive in.
Hi Tish! I will take a photo with it. Let’s see!