Best Drugstore Sunscreen : L'oreal UV Perfect Advanced 12 H UV Protector in Transparent Review





I have such an unhealthy obsession towards UVA and UVB Protection. This started since I was in university. In fact, one of my biggest regrets in life is not buying the popular La Roche Posay Athelios in France. The reason is simple, your expensive anti -aging products mean nothing if you don't protect your skin from the Sun.


UVA, UVB and UVC: The wavelength and danger

There are three types of ultraviolet radiation but not all UV is equal. UVC ( the shortest wave) is filtered out by ozone in the stratosphere, so we don't have to worry much for the moment. 

If UVB (B means burning) is infamous skin burner and carcinogens, UVA  ( A is for Aging) is skin tanner which can penetrate through glass, clouds and your skin layer, aging our skin and forming wrinkle.  Recent research suggests UVA also screws the basal cell so it might also take part in causing skin cancer.

Sunblock, Sunscreen, Physical and Chemical Sunscreen

Have you ever questioned the difference of sunscreen and sunblock (aka mineral sunscreen)? Sunblock works mainly as the UVB blocker, reflecting the light. It tends to be thicker and leaving white cast, thanks to the minerals Zinc Oxide (which also protects you from UVA) and Titanium Dioxide. Due to its thick layer of protection, sunblock might suit those who spend all day under the sun, protecting skin from burning.

On the other hand, sunscreen mostly offers protection toward UVA by absorbing the rays. The chemical filters such as Avobenzone, Oxybenzone (banned in Hawaii) and  Mexoryl/ Ecamsule ( patented by L'oreal) filter the UVA while Octinoxate (also banned in Hawaii) filters the UVB. The chemical filters will absorb UV rays then convert them into heat.

Which one should you choose? the physical sunscreen or sunblock will be great to those who want to spend all day outdoor, while the chemical sunscreen is suitable for daily use. If you have sensitive skin, Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide in Physical Sunscreen might suit sensitive skin since it is believed to be non-irritating. On the other hand, chemical sunscreen is also believed to cause brown spots due to the heat it produces. But worry not, recent sunscreens such as L'oreal UV Perfect Advanced 12 HR UV protector SPF 50+ PA++++ Long UVA in Transparent, are blend of both worlds.






L'oreal UV Perfect Advanced 12 HR UV Protector SPF 50+ PA ++++Long UVA in Transparent

There is an on-going debate regarding the origin of the best sunscreen. Some are European sunscreen fanatics, some enjoy the lightweight and watery texture of Japanese sunscreens. Since anything French is my north star, I hold a believe that French sunscreens are the best.

L'oreal suncreen isn't a new one on my vanity, but I stopped using it since the anti-dullness variant was thick and leaving white cast. However, I 'm very pleased to find the transparent version is way thinner, doesn't leave any white cast and give such a beautiful sheen finish. Free of Cyclopentasiloxane, I don't experience any breakout, though it gives a feeling that my face is radiating heat.




Mexoryl Filters which are developed and patented by L'oreal are the star of any L'oreal sunscreens. Mexoryl SL or Ecamsule gives stable and safe protection towards UVA. Though you don't see any protection against UVB stated on the bottle, this sunscreen contains Eusolex 2292 (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate), Mexoryl XL (Drometrizole Trisiloxane) and Titanium Dioxide, which protect our skin from UVB.

Do you notice the sheen  L'oreal Sunscreen gives?

In short, you don't have to layer two types of sunscreen since this stuff offers protection against UVA and UVB.


Final Thoughts

Are you tired after reading this lengthy post? I am.  So far, I enjoy this sunscreen, but I have to wait and see whether this sunscreen causes more brown spots to show up. These few months since I started to use the COSRX Aloe Soothing Sun Cream, I notice I have more brown spots on my skin  even though it's a blend of both, but I don't blame the sunscreen, the UV level in Jakarta can reach 7 up to 8 in the midday.

At this moment, I'm pleased with the protection it offers and the absent of white cast. This stuff has a mild citrus scent which doesn't bother my extra sensitive skin and nose. It's also rather easy to be found than Korean sunscreens.

My final verdict, this is a great daily sunscreen which available almost everywhere in Jakarta, but still, avoid sun from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m and check the UV index forecast on your phone. If you plan to spend a day at the beach, pick the water-resistant Banana Boat sunscreen, that is my all time favorite holiday sunscreen. 


Disclaimer : This isn't a PR Post, for further information, head to my PR and Inquiries

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