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Nowadays, we talk about sunscreen and sun block products a lot because we realize that UV rays not only have the ability to "burn" our skin, they also play an important role in aging our skin.

When we talk about applying sunscreen, I must say that I do realize not many of us have the right concept. Some of us think that we don't need to use sunscreen products when it is overcast or raining outside; some of us believe that we don't need sun block products when we stay at home during the day; and some of us don't see the need to use sunscreen products when we just want to rush to stores downstairs. Indeed, we do need to apply sun block products everyday because UV rays can penetrate through clouds and windows. So, unless you are "protected" by the right product, otherwise, your skin is constantly under the attack of UV rays and you will have to pay the price in the long run.

Before moving onto the best sunscreen products, we need to understand our enemy - UV rays, mostly UVA and UVB (scientific research says that there is UVC but the investigation is still in process, therefore, we don't have much information for now). UVA is the one contributing to our aging process. It gets absorbed into our skin and with years pass by, it is the reason for our age spots or black dots on skin. It's represented as PA in the product labels. Usually you will see a "+" sign after PA (i.e. PA+), the more the "+" signs, the higher the ability of the product to resist UVA. The most effective one is PA+++ for now. UVB is the one which is able to tan our skin or burn our skin in the extreme case. It's represented by SPF in product labels. If you stay indoors almost all day, you would need a range of SPF15 to SPF25. If you work outdoors most of the time, you would need a range of SPF27 to SPF35. And if you go to the beach, hiking or skiing, you would definitely need one with SPF50 or above.

In my humble opinion, I think the Japanese brands have the best sunscreen products. Why? It's because of cultural difference. The Japanese love fair skin and that's why their beauty companies spend great amount of time and money researching on sunscreen products and whitening products to suit the customer needs. Of course, I could not neglect there are a few good sun block products from European/ USA brands, it's just that when I have a choice, I would definitely go for the Japanese brands:

1. Shiseido Anessa Sunscreen Products, ranging from SPF30 PA++ to SPF50 PA+++. It even has sunscreen product for hair. It's a very comprehensive development and it stays on my top of the list.
2. Sofina UV Cut products, ranging from SPF24 PA++ to SPF50+ PA++.
3. Biore UV Perfect Milk products, ranging from SPF25 PA++ to SPF50+ PA+++. It's a really reasonable-priced choice.
4. Lancome Soleil/ UV Expert products, ranging from SPF15 to SPF50.
5. Clinique Sun-care/ UV Response/ City Block series, ranging from SPF15 to SPF50

Last but not least, remember to put on your sunscreen products at least 20 minutes before going out. They take time to "activate" and it would be best to give them enough time to protect your skin.

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