The ultimate sunscreen guide 🌸
With the summer heat bringing rising temperatures and strong sun across the Netherlands right now, there is no better time to kick off our very first blog post at Sakura Glow!
I didn't start this business just to bring you your favourite K-Beauty essentials at more affordable prices - I also created Sakura Glow to educate, simplify, and empower your daily skincare journey. So, what better way to launch our new blog series than with the ultimate, absolute, non-negotiable step in any routine: sunscreen.
What is sunscreen?
We often associate sunscreen with beach days and holiday trips, but daily UV protection is the single most effective thing you can do for your skin all year round, especially during intense summer heat waves!
Some of you may be wondering what the letters and numbers in sunscreen actually mean.
- SPF (Sun Protection Factor) measures how well a sunscreen protects you against UVB rays (the ones that cause sunburn).
- PA (Protection Grade of UVA) measures protection against UVA rays - the ones behind aging and pigmentation.
That's why K-Beauty sunscreens are usually labelled with both, like SPF50+ PA++++. The more pluses after PA, the higher the UVA protection, with four pluses currently being the highest grade available.
Why is sunscreen so important?
Here's what daily sunscreen can do for you:
- Prevents premature aging since up to 80% of visible skin aging (wrinkles, fine lines, and sagging skin) is caused by daily exposure to UV rays.
- Fades dark spots & hyperpigmentation protecting you from UV rays that trigger melanin production, making post-acne marks and stubborn discoloration last significantly longer.
- Protects your skin barrier from sun damage which weakens your skin's natural moisture barrier, leading to dehydration, redness, and sensitivity.
- Forms a vital protective shield against cellular damage caused by UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
When and how should you apply sunscreen?
To get maximum protection, timing and order in your routine are everything!
Sunscreen should always be the final step of your morning skincare routine, applied right after your moisturiser and right before any makeup.
Here is the perfect morning layering order:
- Cleanse your face to refresh your skin.
- Prep and hydrate your skin using a toner or essence.
- Lock in hydration using a moisturiser (optional for oily skin if using a hydrating sunscreen!).
- Apply two full fingers' length of sunscreen to your face and neck 15-20 minutes before heading outside.
- Optional: Foundation, concealer, or skin tints go on after your sunscreen has completely set.
Pro-Tip: Don't forget to reapply every 2 to 3 hours if you are spending time outdoors! A sun stick makes touch-ups over makeup fast, easy, and completely mess-free.
Find your perfect sunscreen match by skin type
Not all sunscreens are created equal, and finding the right formula for your unique skin type makes all the difference in making the best from your daily application.
Oily & Combination skin
If your skin tends to get shiny by midday, texture is everything.
We recommend the Relief Sun: Aqua-Fresh SPF50+ PA++++ by Beauty of Joseon which has a watery lotion texture with no white cast, formulated with Rice + B5 (Panthenol). Rice extract soothes and brightens, while panthenol calms and strengthens the skin barrier, so you get hydration without any heaviness or greasy finish.
For extra shine control on the go, consider a matte sun stick, like the Matte Sun Stick SPF50+ PA++++ by Beauty of Joseon. Along with oil-absorbing silica powder for a blurred, matte finish, it's built around Mugwort extract, known for calming irritation and helping regulate excess oil, perfect for quick touch-ups over makeup.
Dry & Dehydrated skin
Dry, tight, dull-looking skin needs a sunscreen that hydrates as much as it protects. Birch Juice Moisturizing Sun Cream SPF50+ PA++++ by Round Lab is powered by birch sap, naturally rich in minerals and antioxidants that help skin hold onto moisture all day for a plump, dewy finish.
Prefer something with more active barrier support? Relief Sun: Rice + Probiotics SPF50+ PA++++ by Beauty of Joseon combines hyaluronic acid and rice extract with fermented probiotics, which help strengthen the skin barrier and support long-term hydration - so it's protecting and repairing at the same time.
Sensitive & Barrier-Compromised skin
If your skin is easily irritated, reactive, or dealing with a compromised barrier, this one's for you. Madagascar Centella Hyalu-Cica Water-Fit Sun Serum SPF50+ PA++++ by SKIN1004 is built around Centella Asiatica, which is a hero ingredient known for calming redness, soothing inflammation, and supporting barrier repair. Combined with its serum-like, weightless finish, it's exactly why this formula is a go-to for sensitive skin: full protection without ever feeling harsh.
A special summer treat for your skin ☀️
To help you protect your glow and keep your summer skincare routine completely affordable, we are offering a limited-time deal on our entire sunscreen collection!
Use code needSPF at checkout to enjoy 10% OFF all sunscreens on Sakura Glow! 🌸
Valid until the 23rd of August 2026
Protect your barrier, stay safe in the sun, and let's make daily SPF your favourite routine habit.