Do a quick Google search and you’ll find countless articles reminding you to wear sunscreen – even when you’re indoors. Because UV rays aren’t just an “outdoor” thing. UVA rays, for example, can penetrate through glass. They also penetrate deeper into the skin, causing premature ageing, like wrinkles. UVB rays aren’t much better. They damage the surface layers of skin, leading to sunburn. And both types of UV can cause skin cancer.
While I don’t need any convincing when it comes to applying sunscreen, I’m also extremely picky about my sunscreens. Quite a lot of them leave a telltale heavy texture and chalky finish after application, which doesn’t feel comfortable on my skin. And if they happen to be lightweight in texture, they leave my skin looking overly shiny and feeling somewhat sticky.
Finding a sunscreen that ticks all the boxes – lightweight, absorbs easily, has no white cast and leaves skin shine-free and non-sticky – is an ongoing quest for me.
So imagine how surprised I was to discover that the new Yves Saint Laurent Beaute Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender comes with a tag that says its texture is 8 times thinner than other sunscreens available on the market. That piqued my interest right away!
Then, the next piece of news – that this sunscreen is packed with niacinamide, which is the It skincare ingredient at the moment. Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide is touted to be one of the most hardworking, all-rounder active ingredients in skincare. It has been found to help repair skin damage, minimise enlarged pores, refine and brighten skin, keep excess sebum under control, reduce the appearance of lines and wrinkles, and strengthen the skin barrier.
In addition, the Pure Shots Airthin UV Defender also promises to strengthen the skin while protecting it not only from UV rays but also pollution and dust too – exactly what my skin needs, especially in an urban environment like Singapore.
Here’s my honest review:
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