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Whenever I open Instagram, someone I know is in Japan; and each time, I have to stop myself from swiping up to ask them to bring me back one a Japanese sunscreen or two. I quickly remember that as J-beauty becomes increasingly accessible stateside, you no longer need to book a flight to Tokyo to get your hands on the good stuff.<\/p>\n
Understanding Japanse sun protection culture makes it easy see why these SPFs so good. In Japan, sun protection is treated as a daily ritual. It\u2019s not uncommon to see people shielding themselves from UV exposure with wide-brim hats, gloves, and even parasols. To wit, brands have created dozens of options that make sunscreen something anyone would want to wear\u2014often with an optimized sensorial experience to those formulated in the West.<\/p>\n
And because much of the year in Japan is hot and humid, these formulas are often exceptionally lightweight, melting seamlessly into skin without leaving behind the tackiness or chalkiness associated with traditional SPF. Similar to Korean sunscreens<\/a>, many also incorporate skincare-forward ingredients like hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. \u201cThese additives bolster sun protection and contribute to overall skin health, providing hydration and combating signs of aging,\u201d Superegg founder and licensed esthetician Erica Choi says.<\/p>\n