Actress Han Go-eun (50) shared a story about how she developed melasma on her face due to incorrect skin care methods.
Han Go-eun recently stated on her YouTube channel, “In the morning, my face was dry, so I applied 3 to 4 good cosmetics and then put on sunscreen,” and added, “But instead, I developed melasma on my face.”
During a visit to the dermatologist because of the melasma, the doctor gave an unexpected warning. It was said that applying a lot of cosmetics and putting on sunscreen like Han Go-eun is ‘the worst habit for developing melasma.’
Han Go-eun advised, “When going out in the morning, it’s best to simply apply a toner and sunscreen so that the skin can breathe.”
Even in her 50s, Han Go-eun maintains moist and smooth skin. As she said, applying a lot of cosmetics before going out might actually be harmful to the skin.
Transforming UV rays into heat energy or reflecting them… The importance of sunscreen adherence
Sunscreens are divided into chemical and physical types. Chemical sunscreens contain ingredients that absorb UV rays and convert them into heat energy before dissipating. Physical sunscreens form a thin layer on the skin to reflect UV rays.
The most important factor for sunscreen to work effectively is adherence. A sufficient amount of sunscreen must be applied evenly and closely to achieve the desired effect. Unlike nourishing creams that penetrate the skin, sunscreen forms a barrier to protect the skin.
“I applied too much nourishing cream, and now I have melasma,” Han Go-eun's words, is it true?
Applying cosmetics like nourishing cream too thickly and then putting on sunscreen can reduce the sunblock effect. The reason is simple. If the skin surface is too slippery and oily due to cosmetics, the sunscreen may not adhere to the skin and can slide off or move around. In short, the sunscreen may float on top of the cream instead of adhering to the skin, reducing its blocking efficiency.
Due to the oiliness, the sunscreen can clump or slide off. This phenomenon is more likely to occur in areas with contours, such as the cheekbones, around the eyes, and the sides of the nose. As a result, it creates holes in the protective barrier.
Sunscreens have a UV protection factor (SPF) indicated by a number. It is usually marked from 1 to 50, and anything above that is shown as 50+. Generally, an SPF of 15 to 30 is sufficient for daily UV protection. If too much nourishing cream is applied, causing gaps in the protective barrier or preventing adherence, the effectiveness indicated by the sunscreen's SPF may not be achieved. If this happens repeatedly, melasma may develop, or the color of existing melasma may darken.
To fully enjoy the benefits of sunscreen
Apply only as much basic skincare products as can be absorbed. Be careful not to apply too much nourishing cream that makes your face shiny. After applying basic skincare products, wait about 2 to 3 minutes for absorption. Sunscreen should be patted on rather than rubbed to prevent clumping or sliding off. It is recommended to reapply sunscreen on areas with melasma.
