Korean SPF vs Australian SPF
While Korean sunscreen offers elegant textures and skin benefits, it’s important to note that you should stick to Australian sunscreens if you plan to spend a day in the sun or near water. Australian sunscreens have some of the most stringent regulations and are TGA registered, ensuring they meet high standards for sun protection. Although they might not be as cosmetically pleasing as their Korean counterparts, they provide essential safety from our harsh sun.
No Korean sunscreen can claim SPF protection unless it has undergone testing in Australia. So, Korean products should be considered everyday skin creams rather than sunscreen. Considering this, what are our choices for the best Korean sun cream?
Our Choice for the Korean Sun Cream Available in Pearl:
- Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum ml
- Best-selling formula: SKIN1004’s top choice, a sunscreen that delivers potent hydration.
- Texture: Feather-light and hydrating with a radiant glow, it absorbs quickly and leaves a non-greasy, dewy finish.
- Key Ingredients: Centella Asiatica Extract, Hyaluronic Acid, and various plant extracts for deep hydration and skin protection.
- Why We Love It: This sunscreen infuses your skin with moisture and antioxidants. Plus, it’s reef-safe!
- ROUND LAB Birch Juice Moisturising Sunscreen 50ml
- Product Info: A six-time beauty award winner that hydrates and protects sensitive skin with Inje birch juice and hyaluronic acid.
- Key Ingredients: Birch juice for hydration, DPG for calming, and niacinamide for brightening.
- Why We Love It: This sunscreen is as popular as the Birch Juice Moisturising Cream. It provides soothing hydration and adequate sun protection without a greasy feel.
- Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics 50 ml
- Product Info: This sunscreen, known for its moisturising and glow-boosting properties, features rice extract, probiotics, and niacinamide.
- Key Ingredients: Niacinamide for brightening, rice extract for hydration, and probiotics to strengthen the skin barrier.
- Why We Love It: This sunscreen’s creamy texture and dewy finish provide more hydration, making it suitable for all skin types.
Sunscreen Directions for Use from Cancer Council Australia
To ensure maximum protection, follow these Cancer Council sunscreen application tips:
- Daily Use: Apply sunscreen every day when the UV Index is forecast to be three or higher. Make it a key part of your morning routine.
- Choose Wisely: Look for a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Please be sure to verify the expiration date regularly.
Application Instructions:
- Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before going outdoors.
- For adults, use about 5 mL (roughly one teaspoon) for each arm, leg, front, back, and face (including the neck and ears). This dosage totals 35 mL (approximately seven teaspoons) for full-body coverage.
- Reapply at least every two hours, regardless of water resistance. Additionally, reapply after swimming, exercising, sweating, or towel drying.
Additional Sun Protection Measures
- Always combine sunscreen with other protective measures, like wearing hats, UV-blocking clothing, and sunglasses.
- Keep children under 12 months out of direct sunlight and seek shade whenever possible.
- Remember that sunscreen alone won’t protect already burnt skin, and overexposure can lead to serious health issues.
Cancer Council has an online shop sells sunscreen and other sun protection measures. Remember to use Korean sunscreen as an everyday face cream, as Korean SPF does not meet Australian SPF standards. We stock Korean skincare in the clinic and provide specialised Korean facials and treatments with our therapists, nurses, and doctors.
Initial Consultation – Complimentary
Korean facials cost between $149 and $199
Korean Hydrofacial only $149
Korean Express Facial – Introduction Facial $110
Book a complimentary online consultation with our senior facialists and skin therapists, Taylor or Christina, to learn about our Korean skincare, suncream, and the range of Korean facials on offer at Pearl Medispa.