Sun protection is one of the most important steps in a skincare routine. Yet, many people only use it in summer or when they plan to spend a long time outdoors. However, ultraviolet rays reach the skin all year round and contribute to the appearance of dark spots, wrinkles, and a progressive loss of firmness.
Korean sunscreens are particularly appreciated for their pleasant textures, discreet finish, and formulas enriched with moisturizing or soothing ingredients. But with so many options available, it can be difficult to know which one to choose. A good sunscreen must first and foremost be suited to your skin type and comfortable enough to apply every morning.
Why apply sunscreen every day?
The sun mainly emits two categories of ultraviolet rays capable of affecting the skin: UVA and UVB.
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The UVB rays are notably responsible for sunburn.
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The UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin and contribute to skin aging, loss of firmness, and the appearance of dark spots.
Repeated exposure, even without visible sunburn, can therefore gradually alter the appearance of the skin. Applying sunscreen daily also helps preserve the results achieved with active ingredients such as vitamin C, retinal, AHAs, BHAs, or azelaic acid.
Without sufficient protection, a dark spot or anti-aging routine loses much of its effectiveness.
What do SPF50+ and PA++++ mean?
The SPF rating mainly indicates the level of protection against UVB rays. SPF50+ offers very high protection when applied in a sufficient quantity and reapplied correctly.
The PA rating indicates the level of protection against UVA rays. The more “+” signs it has, the higher the stated level. PA++++ corresponds to the highest level in this classification.
For daily use, a sunscreen displaying SPF50+ and PA++++ is therefore a particularly interesting choice, especially if you use photosensitizing active ingredients or are looking to prevent dark spots.
Why are Korean sunscreens so popular?
Korean skincare seeks to integrate sun protection as a true skincare step. The formulas are often designed to be lightweight, moisturizing, and pleasant under makeup. They may contain active ingredients such as Centella asiatica, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, niacinamide, or birch water.
This focus on comfort is important: a sunscreen, even if very effective on paper, will not protect well if its texture is so unpleasant that it is only applied in small quantities or irregularly.
The best sunscreen is therefore the one that offers a high level of protection, suits your skin, and easily fits into your daily routine.
How to choose your sunscreen according to your skin type?
For dry skin
Dry skin lacks lipids and can feel tight during the day. It will generally appreciate a moisturizing, supple, and slightly creamy sunscreen. Look for ingredients such as glycerin, hyaluronic acid, panthenol, or emollient agents.
A texture that is too matte can accentuate dry areas and make makeup look less even.
For oily skin
Oily skin will often prefer a fluid, lightweight, and non-sticky texture. A sunscreen that is too rich can become uncomfortable and increase shine over time.
However, you should not look for an excessively drying formula. Dehydrated skin can produce more sebum to compensate for its lack of water.
For combination skin
Combination skin generally has a greasier T-zone and normal or dry cheeks. A serum- or lotion-type texture is often the best compromise: moisturizing enough for the cheeks, but light enough for the forehead, nose, and chin.
For sensitive skin
Sensitive skin should prioritize a comfortable formula and limit products that cause tingling or redness. Soothing ingredients such as Centella asiatica, panthenol, and allantoin can be beneficial.
Tolerance remains individual. If your skin is very reactive, test the product on a small area for several days before applying it to your entire face.
For dehydrated skin
Dehydration corresponds to a lack of water and can affect all skin types, including oily skin. A sunscreen enriched with hyaluronic acid or glycerin helps maintain a supple feeling and prevents the skin from feeling tight during the day.
Three Korean sunscreens available on Yoonah
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh: the lightest
The Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh Rice + B5 SPF50+ PA++++ combines high sun protection with rice extract and panthenol. It was designed as a fresher and lighter version of the brand's famous Relief Sun.
Our opinion on the texture: its fluid and lightweight texture spreads easily and absorbs quickly. Its fresh and non-greasy finish is well suited to people who find classic sunscreens too rich. It does not leave visible white marks and applies easily under makeup.
For which skin types? We recommend it especially for combination to oily, normal, or dehydrated skin looking for lightweight daily protection. Sensitive skin may also appreciate its formula containing panthenol. Very dry skin may need a moisturizer underneath.
Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum: the most balanced
The Skin1004 Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ combines Centella asiatica, several forms of hyaluronic acid, and niacinamide. It offers high protection while providing a feeling of hydration and soothing.
Our opinion on the texture: despite its name as a serum, its texture is close to a very lightweight fluid cream. It absorbs quickly, leaves no white marks, and provides a luminous finish without being particularly heavy. It is the most versatile texture in this selection.
For which skin types? It is particularly suited for normal, combination, sensitive, or dehydrated skin. Oily skin may appreciate it if they like a slightly radiant finish. People looking for a completely matte result may eventually prefer to lightly powder the T-zone.
Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream: the most moisturizing
The Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ contains birch juice, hyaluronic acid, allantoin, and niacinamide. It helps maintain skin hydration and comfort while ensuring high protection against UVA and UVB rays.
Our opinion on the texture: its essence-cream texture is supple, moisturizing, and pleasant to spread. It does not leave white marks and provides a natural to luminous finish. Among the three sunscreens presented, it is the one that gives the greatest sensation of using a real moisturizing treatment.
For which skin types? We recommend it mainly for normal to dry, sensitive, or dehydrated skin. It may also suit mature skin looking for more comfort. On very oily skin, its moisturizing finish may seem a little too radiant.
Yoonah's tip
If your sunscreen pills under makeup, the problem does not necessarily come from its formula. Try using fewer products underneath, let your moisturizer absorb for a few minutes, then apply the sunscreen in two thin layers without rubbing excessively.
Quick comparison: which one to choose?
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If you have combination or oily skin: prioritize the Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh for its lightweight texture and fresh finish.
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If you have normal, sensitive, or dehydrated skin: choose the Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum for its balance between lightness and hydration.
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If you have dry or mature skin: opt for the Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream for its more nourishing and comfortable effect.
These recommendations remain indicative. The finish also depends on the products applied underneath, the quantity used, the weather, and personal preferences.
How to correctly apply sunscreen?
Sunscreen is applied every morning as the last step of the routine, after moisturizer and before makeup.
To achieve the stated level of protection, it is necessary to use a generous and even amount on the face, ears, and neck. A small dab stretched as much as possible is generally not enough.
To make application easier:
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apply a first thin layer over the entire face;
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let it spread for a few moments;
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add a second layer to reach a sufficient quantity;
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finish with the ears, neck, and often forgotten areas.
Apply the sunscreen before exposing yourself and reapply approximately every two hours during prolonged exposure, as well as after sweating, swimming, or wiping your face.
Should you use a moisturizer underneath?
This depends mainly on your skin type and the texture of your sunscreen.
Dry or dehydrated skin will generally benefit from a moisturizer applied before SPF. Oily skin can sometimes use a moisturizing sunscreen directly after a light serum, especially in hot weather.
If the skin feels tight during the day, add a cream. If it quickly becomes too shiny or if the products pill, simplify the morning routine rather than reducing the quantity of sunscreen.
How to reapply sunscreen over makeup?
Reapplication can be more delicate when the complexion is made up. You can apply a small amount of sunscreen with a clean sponge, tapping without sliding the foundation. A mist or sunscreen stick can make touch-ups easier, but you must apply enough product to achieve an even protection.
On a day spent mainly indoors and away from windows, the need for reapplication is less important than during several hours outdoors. It therefore depends on the actual exposure.
The most common mistakes
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applying too small a quantity;
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protecting only the face and forgetting the neck or ears;
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using SPF only in summer;
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mixing sunscreen directly with foundation;
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replacing SPF with makeup that contains a small amount of it;
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never reapplying during prolonged exposure;
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choosing a texture that is too rich or too drying for your skin;
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thinking that matte or dark skin cannot suffer the effects of UV rays.
All skin tones need sun protection. However, the choice of a white-cast-free formula is particularly important on tan to dark skin to achieve a natural and pleasant result.
Can you use the same sunscreen all year round?
Yes, if its texture remains comfortable. Some people nevertheless prefer a lighter protection in spring and summer, then a more moisturizing formula in autumn and winter.
It is also possible to adapt the products applied underneath without changing SPF: a more nourishing cream in cold weather and a simple moisturizing serum when it is hot.
In summary
A good Korean sunscreen must offer high protection while being pleasant enough to be used every day in a sufficient quantity. The best option therefore depends less on its popularity than on its compatibility with your skin.
Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh will be more suited to people looking for a very lightweight texture. Skin1004 Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum offers an excellent balance for normal, combination, or sensitive skin. Round Lab Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream, meanwhile, brings more comfort to dry and dehydrated skin.
Whatever your choice, apply your SPF50+ every morning and reapply when exposure is prolonged. Consistency remains the best strategy to prevent dark spots, premature aging, and sun-related damage.