Neglecting to shield your skin from sun exposure
and indoor light sources can lead to several adverse consequences:
Accelerated Skin Aging
Prolonged exposure to UV
rays can result in fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.
Increased Risk of Skin Cancers
UV radiation can
damage the DNA in skin cells, raising the risk of skin cancers, including
melanoma.
Skin Inflammation
The blue light emitted from
electronic devices is linked to various skin issues, potentially causing
inflammation and contributing to conditions like acne and pigmentation
disorders.
What’s in My Latest UV Defense Beauty Arsenal?
In my quest to protect my skin from harmful UV
rays, I recently added the Wardah UV Shield Essential Gel Sunscreen Serum SPF
35 PA+++ (40ml) to my beauty arsenal. I purchased this sunscreen from Aeon Big
in Bukit Rimau, drawn by my appreciation for halal products tailored to my skin
in my 60s. Wardah, an Indonesian brand, emphasizes safe and natural ingredients
in its formulations, making it an appealing choice.
This sunscreen offers broad-spectrum protection, providing 30 times optimal defense against UVA and UVB rays, as well as excess blue light radiation. Given my long hours spent working on laptops and smartphones, a reliable sunscreen is essential.
One standout feature of this product is its 0% alcohol content, which is vital for my dehydrated skin. Alcohol can strip away natural oils, and at my age, I prefer formulations that help retain moisture. The serum is enriched with Vitamin E and Pro Vitamin B5, which nourish the skin and protect against free radicals.
Most of this information is conveniently displayed on the plastic tube packaging - there's no outer box, just a protective cover on the flip-top. The packaging highlights several key features, including:
Glow finish
Fresh, lightweight texture
No white cast
Dermatologically tested
While the packaging includes essential details in English, much of the information is presented in Bahasa Malaysia, which may pose a challenge for non-Malay speakers.
At around RM14.00, this sunscreen is truly affordable for me.
What’s in the Mix? Sunscreen Ingredients Explained
I often wonder why brands use scientific names for
ingredients. While deciphering them can be challenging, understanding what they
are can help us make informed choices. Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients,
along with their common names and functions:
Aqua: Water; a common base for many cosmetic
products.
Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate: A UV filter that
protects the skin from sunburn by absorbing UVB rays.
Propylene Glycol: A humectant that helps retain
moisture in the skin.
4-Methylbenzylidene Camphor: A UV filter that
provides additional protection against UV rays.
Acrylates Copolymer: A thickening agent that
stabilizes and improves product texture.
Polyacrylamide: A thickening agent that enhances
the feel and spreadability of the product.
Butyl Methoxydibenzoylmethane: Also known as
Avobenzone, this ingredient protects against UVA rays.
Dimethicone: A silicone that provides a smooth
application and helps lock in moisture.
Panthenol: Known as provitamin B5, it hydrates and
soothes the skin.
Cyclopentasiloxane: A lightweight silicone that
gives a silky feel and aids in spreadability.
Triethanolamine: A pH balancer that helps stabilize
the formula.
Phenoxyethanol: A preservative that prevents the
growth of bacteria and fungi.
C13-14 Isoparaffin: A synthetic oil used for
texture and emollience.
Aloe Barbadensis (Aloe Vera) Leaf Extract: Renowned
for its soothing and moisturizing properties.
Laureth-7: An emulsifier that helps mix oil and
water.
Dimethicone Crosspolymer: A silicone that enhances
the texture and feel of the product.
Carbomer: A thickening agent that stabilizes and
maintains product consistency.
Tocopheryl Acetate: A form of vitamin E that acts
as an antioxidant and protects the skin.
Disodium EDTA: A chelating agent that stabilizes
the formula and improves efficacy.
Triethylene Glycol: A humectant that helps retain
moisture in the skin.
Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer: A
silicone blend that enhances texture and smoothness.
Dimethiconol: A silicone that provides a silky feel
and aids in moisture retention.
Potassium Sorbate: A mild preservative that helps
prevent mold and yeast growth.
Sodium Benzoate: A preservative that helps prevent
microbial growth.
These ingredients work synergistically to provide
sun protection, hydration, and a smooth texture.
Application
Steps
To
begin my morning skincare routine, I cleanse my face, then apply eye cream and
moisturizer before using the The design of the flip-top
cover allows the serum to dispense easily into my palm. True to the brand's
claims, this product has a lightweight texture and absorbs quickly without
leaving a sticky residue. I apply it by dotting it on my face (avoiding the eye
area) and gently blending it in.
The serum effectively leaves no oily surface, and after three months of use, I have not experienced any breakouts. It integrates seamlessly into my routine, and I find that a small amount is sufficient for my smaller facial area.
While I initially believed the Wardah UV Shield Essential Sunscreen Gel SPF 30 PA+++ to be a natural product, I later discovered that it contains a blend of both natural and synthetic ingredients. It features beneficial components like Aloe Vera extract and Panthenol for moisture and soothing benefits, yet around 88% of its formulation is synthetic. Although it provides effective UV protection, some ingredients, such as silicones and triethanolamine, may clog pores or irritate sensitive skin. I've experienced some congestion around my nose, a common issue with other products, so I accept that with Wardah.
The
packaging is modest at 40ml, indicating that with daily use, I might need to
replenish it every four months.
Will
I Buy Again?
There are other UV shield products from Wardah that I’m eager to try!
Would you consider buying the Wardah UV Shield Essential Gel Sunscreen Serum SPF 35 PA+++?
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