Every day I'm reminded in little ways of my advancing age. I'm actually getting hinty questions about getting married and having kids, que horror! I can understand the questions though because I'm 26, still undergoing training, and will still be training in the next 5 years at least. Eight if I decide to subspecialize. The length of study and instruction of my profession is no secret, but a lot of people don't realize just HOW LONG it takes. And what it means for the family life cycle (i.e., prolonged adolescence, delayed independence).ANYWAY, if I can't grow up, I'd like to stay looking young! I've looked into various age-appropriate skincare routines, and this is what they all say:
For people like me who are in their twenties, sunblock is THE MOST important anti-aging product out there. It's the first thing we should reach for to delay the appearance of wrinkles and hyperpigmentation (age spots). Not retinoids, not serums -- sunblock. Not just in summer, not just outdoors, but everyday of the year. I've been looking for a good affordable sunscreen with a higher SPF to replace my Khiel's Ultra Facial Moisturizer SPF 15. After reading only good reviews, I decided to try the Belo Essentials SunExpert line. I expect some snickers about this product because it's from the infamous Belo Medical Group but who cares, I like it.
Belo Essentials SunExpert Face Cover SPF 40
This is a lightweight, non-sticky sunblock for the face. The titanium dioxide provides a physical barrier to UV rays, while the benzophenone and methoxycinnamate provide protection against both UVA and UVB. It comes out creamy, like a moisturizer, and gives little white cast, if any. It is fragrance free, but the plastic scent of the bottle clings to the sunblock, so for a few minutes you feel like you're applying the cream form of a monobloc chair on your face. The smell dissipates after a few minutes. This hasn't irritated my face and it claims to be hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, so I assume it will be okay for people with sensitive skin.I use this when I'm at home. (When I go out I rely on the SPF 50 in my BB cream, since two layers of creams on my face transforms it into a greasy oil slick.) It does make my combination-oily skin look shiny after about 2 hours, but it doesn't feel sticky or oily. A splash of water or dabbing with oil control film fixes it pronto. (Of course, I reapply the sunblock afterwards.) If you're using it at the beach, be aware that "water-resistant" means that the SPF level falls after about 30 minutes of water exposure, so you'll have to reapply twice an hour. This sunblock is advertised as "immediately effective," meaning no need to wait for 20 minutes after application before you go out into the sun.
I appreciate that there are no parabens in this. By the way, apologies for the blurry ingredients photos. The list is practically microscopic on the bottle; I could only read it after zooming in with my camera lens.
Belo Essentials SunExpert Body Shield SPF 60
Much of what I said about the Face Cover applies to the Body Shield. However, this sunblock is more liquid and gives a more noticeable white cast. This isn't a problem because it's meant for the body. I like that it isn't heavy or sticky at all. You get a moisturizing feeling because your skin is soft to the touch after application. (This may be because of the silicone content.) I'm not sure why the high SPF, since research has shown that there is very little difference in the potency of SPF 45 vs. SPF 100. But there you go anyway, SPF 60.The Wrap
Pros
- Lightweight, non-sticky
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
- Broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB
- Affordable
Cons
- Plasticky smell, but it fades in minutes
Belo Essentials SunExpert products are available at Watsons and Mercury Drug Stores at the following prices:
- Face Cover SPF 40: Php 299.75 for 50 ml
- Body Shield SPF 60: Php 449.75 for 100 ml
