Atomy Sunscreen SPF50+ PA+++ | Review

Let's talk about sunscreen (after a 2-week hiatus from final assignments and examinations). I'm quite certain that you've heard about the heated discussions about physical and chemical sunscreens and which is best for sensitive or acne-prone skin. The most confusing part of the debate is the meaning of "+" symbols, numbers and abbreviations of "SPF" and "PA". Today, I'll briefly explain all the scientific terms before I jump into my thoughts on Atomy Sunscreen. So, my understanding (after hours of meticulous research) of sunscreens is as below:

Physical Sunscreen

• Physical sunscreen is an ingredient that sits on top of the skin upon application and reflects or blocks the sun's rays.
• Physical sunscreen is effective upon application.
• PROS: less irritation for sensitive skin.
• CONS: some leaves white cast

Chemical Sunscreen

• Chemical sunscreen sinks into the skin and absorbs the sun rays and prevents UV rays from causing sun damage.
• Chemical sunscreen is only effective after 15-20 minutes upon application.
• PROS: more easily spread across the skin, wearable under makeup
• CONS: cause allergic reaction or irritation to sensitive skin.

SPF

Sun Protection Factor- the number that follows is the variations of sunscreen, some they list as 30, 45, 50 or more. However, the number does not matter as the coverage is similarly comparable with just a 1% difference. The "+" sign is the amount at least of SPF provided in the sunscreen.

PA+++

Protection grade of UVA and UVB. The "+" sign behind means the strength of protection against UVA rays. The higher the plus, the better it protects the skin from UVA harm.

UVA

• Longwave ultraviolet A
• Penetrate deep into the thickest epidermis of the skin
• UVA protection is measured by the Persistent Pigment Darkening (PPD) Protection Factor (In Korea, the measurement is called PA)

UVB

• Short wave ultraviolet B
• Burn surface layers of the skin
• UVB protection is measured by the product's SPF

If you need more information on more variations of sunscreen terms, check out this blog: the klog

Atomy Sunscreen Review

Atomy Sunscreen is a Korean sunscreen that is a hybrid, containing both chemical and physical sunscreen. Atomy has no colour or colour options for this sunscreen. The one I ordered was tinted in a beige colour. It claims to be moisturizing and high in protection. The protection includes blocking UVA/UVB rays. Atomy sunscreen is not a waterproof sunscreen (it melts off when sweating), but rather a makeup sunscreen as it has a slight tint that covers the skin in the slightest invisible and natural way. I can still see the redness of my acne scars even after applying this, so you know that this product has a light consistency suitable for everyday use. The lasting power is medium since it melts off due to heat and sweat, but you can always reapply.

In my opinion, this sunscreen does what it claims to moisturize and block harmful rays. I used this every morning as the last step of my morning routine. It does not dry up my face at all. The consistency is on the watery side but the coverage is impressive for an outing that exposes my skin to the sun in the mid-afternoon. Still, I experience no sunburn or burning sensation on my skin at all. My hands without sunscreen application experience sunburn.

Another two amazing things about this sunscreen are the affordable pricing and healing agent for my acne. Towards the end of the day of my application, some of my smaller active acne dries up, and for those gigantic pustules, it creates a dry layer to be peeled and easily squeezes out the gunk. Hence, I am a huge advocate of using sunscreen every single day. This helps to protect my skin from further inflammation or infections from the dirt particles in the air. The notable ingredient of the formulation is Centella Asiatica extract and the physical ingredients of titanium and zinc oxide.

I have combination skin, and this works well. One notable ingredient that suits oily skin as well as Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract. Although chemical ingredients may irritate the skin, this one from Atomy does not do that at all, instead, it heals my skin. Do also note that this product contains dimethicone. I know dimethicone is controversial depending on an individual's preference. However, it does not cause any harm or block the surface of my skin. Rather, it makes my skin feel smooth. At the end of the day, you must remove the sunscreen.

The amount of product (60ml) is worth its price tag of RM40 (non-member, cheaper if you're an Atomy member). This one tube lasts me for 6-7 months with the usage of once per day. Depending on how much you use, I still consider this an affordable option if you're a beginner or are prone to acne.

The active ingredients are Octinoxate (chemical), Octisalate (chemical), Zinc Oxide (physical), and Titanium Dioxide (physical).

The non-active ingredients are: water, cyclopentasiloxane, butylene glycol, dipropylene glycol, butyloctyl salicylate, dicaprylyl carbonate, peg-10 dimethicone, disteardimonium hectorite, portulaca oleracea extract, magnesium sulfate, dimethicone, aluminium hydroxide, phenoxyethanol, aluminium stearate, fragrance, triethoxycaprylylsilane, methicone, caprylyl glycol, glyceryl caprylate, stearic acid, polyglyceryl-6 polyricinoleate, dimethicone/vinyl dimethicone crosspolymer, camellia sinensis leaf extract, thymus vulgaris (thyme) oil, althaea officinalis leaf/root extract, melissa officinalis extract, borago officinalis extract, centella asiatica extract, jasminum officinale (jasmine) extract, perilla ocymoides leaf extract

Full list of the pros and cons of the ingredients listed above, do check out: skincharima

How I use sunscreen:

• Squeeze out a full finger of sunscreen.
• Divide the paste and apply it to 4 parts (both cheeks, forehead and chin, nose) of my face.
• Gently in stroke-down motion, glide the sunscreen downward on my face. The gliding down motion enables the rays from above to bounce off the rays. 
• Reapply if you sweat. Reapplication recommended is every 2-3 hours. However, if I'm lazy or staying at home, I only apply once. 
• Remember always to remove it with proper makeup removal and double cleanse as sunscreen is also a type of makeup.
• Wears sunscreen every day, so essential to avoid hyperpigmentation!

You can check out Atomy Malaysia's website for similar sunscreen (they have other sunscreen options as well): atomy

It's important to wear sunscreen all day every day, no matter which season or whether you experience it indoors or outdoors, you need to protect your skin with sunscreen. Hope this entry helps as I do know the struggle of finding the right sunscreen, especially for sensitive and acne-prone skin. Do check this out if you're considering one. If you have any more questions, do comment below, and I'll answer you soon x 

All photos by Prisc

Prisc

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