Japan’s top-selling sunscreen d program shields, neutralises and is mask-friendly too

The reality of global warming is hitting us hard. Located along the equator; we are feeling its effects more than anywhere else. According to the Meteorological Service Singapore (MSS), our island is heating up twice as fast as the rest of the world – at 0.25 degrees Celsius per decade. This is almost one degree Celsius hotter today than in the 1950s. Gasps. If this news doesn't make you reach out for sunscreens, I don't know what will.

Take last weekend, for example. With the temperature hovering around 34 degrees Celsius and the weather app showing a "feels like [temperature of] 41 degrees Celsius", we must take note of the harmful effects of the sun’s rays more than ever. If you have yet to use sunscreens daily, come rain or shine, read my horror story about how a sunburnt experience made me a sunscreen convert.

New to sunscreens, looking for a gentle yet effective formulation or one that allows you to use under your makeup? Read on for application tips from dermatologists, plus recommendations on effective sunscreens you should consider using, pronto!

More than a sunscreen

According to d program's website, the brand claims to be Japan's number one selling sensitive skincare brand. So if you are looking for a sunscreen that goes beyond protection from UV damage, d program’s reformulated Allerdefense sunscreen range is the answer. Upgraded with the Allerdefense Technology Neo, it "shield[s], absorb[s] and neutralise[s]" and performs the added function of protecting our skin from not just the harmful UV rays but also the harsh pollutants in the environment all at the same time.

Shop d Program's Allerdefense sunscreen

The upgraded formulation protects against external aggressors such as pollen, dryness, grime and fine particles. It also comes with an anti-static electricity function that prevents the skin from attracting dust and fine particles. Best of all, its hypoallergenic formula is specially formulated for sensitive skin.

The new and improved range’s friction resistant and anti-static technology makes it rub-resistant – a boon for those who can’t keep their hands off their faces and especially useful during these mask-wearing times. The Allerdefense Technology Neo enhances the durability and efficacy of its sunscreen range, maintaining its protection layer by absorbing and neutralising direct adherence to airborne particles.

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For normal and combination skin (face & body)

Allerdefense Essence, SPF 50+, PA+++, 40ml

Allerdefense Essence, SPF 50+, PA+++, 40ml. PHOTO: d program
Allerdefense Essence, SPF 50+, PA+++, 40ml. PHOTO: d program

Key benefits:

  • Mineral Sunscreen with SPF50+/PA+++ UV Protection

  • Protects skin from UV rays, pollutants and allergens

  • Anti-friction formula promotes better adhesion to skin

  • Rose Apple Leaf Extract helps prevent oxidation on the skin, and prevents static electricity by maintaining moisture on the skin and avoiding skin irritation

  • Formulated with Super Hyaluronic Acid which protects the skin from dryness

  • Waterproof and sweatproof

  • Formulated with a non-sticky and lightweight texture

For dry skin

Allerdefense Cream, SPF35, PA+++, 35g

Allerdefense Cream, SPF35, PA+++, 35g. PHOTO: d program
Allerdefense Cream, SPF35, PA+++, 35g. PHOTO: d program

Key benefits:

  • Daytime Protective Cream with SPF35/PA+++ UV Protection

  • Protects skin from UV rays, pollutants and allergens

  • Anti-friction formula promotes better adhesion to skin

  • Rose Apple Leaf Extract helps prevent oxidation on the skin, and prevents static electricity by maintaining moisture on the skin thereby avoiding skin irritation

  • Formulated with Super Hyaluronic Acid to protect the skin from dryness and promote moisture retention

  • Sebum controlling technology helps prevent makeup from smudging

  • Formulated with a non-sticky and moist texture

For skin tone correction & hydration

Allerdefense BB Essence, SPF50+, PA+++, 30ml

Available in Light & Medium shades

Allerdefense BB Essence, SPF50+, PA+++, 30ml. PHOTO: d program
Allerdefense BB Essence, SPF50+, PA+++, 30ml. PHOTO: d program

Key benefits:

  • Daytime Tinted Essence/ Makeup Base with SPF50+/PA+++ UV Protection

  • Protects skin from UV rays, pollutants and allergens

  • Provides 12 hour smudge-proof and lightweight coverage

  • Anti-friction formula promotes better adhesion to skin

  • Rose Apple Leaf Extract helps prevent oxidation on the skin, and prevents static electricity by maintaining moisture on the skin thereby avoiding skin irritation

  • Formulated with Super Hyaluronic Acid to protect the skin from dryness

  • Contains ingredients that filter blue light to protect skin from both UV rays and blue light

Part of the Shiseido family

Never heard of the d program and need that extra dose of confidence? Rest assured, as the brand is backed by 50 years of research and development under the Shiseido group.

d program Allerdefense range. PHOTO: d program
d program Allerdefense range. PHOTO: d program

Shop Allerdefense sunscreens on d program | Shopee | Lazada | Amazon

Get it right with pro-tips

We know products are only as efficient when applied correctly. Yahoo Shopping asked d program’s dermatologist how to get the most out of your sunscreens.

Pat it in

We recommend patting your sunscreen into the skin and applying it like a moisturiser. When you rub the sunscreen into your skin, you could remove some sunscreen here and there, reducing the thickness of the protection film in some areas. In addition, patting sunscreen helps ensure that the sunscreen forms a uniform and even protection layer on the skin.

Leave it on for 15-20 minutes

You may have heard of this before: It is best to wait about 15-20 minutes upon application before stepping out into the sun. This is because when you touch your face before the sunscreen settles on the face, you risk removing the sunscreen in those spots. Anything that touches your face while the film is drying has the potential to remove your sunscreen and compromise its protection.

Apply it last, unless…

Apply sunscreens as the last step of your skincare routine. However, we advise applying sunscreen before insect repellents.

Use sunscreen even on rainy days

If you’re stepping outside, you need to apply sunscreen even if it's rainy or cloudy. The clouds don't block the harmful UVA and UVB rays from penetrating your skin. Sun rays can still pass through the clouds when raining. The bottom line is never to skip sunscreen, regardless of the weather. Even when indoors, it is still necessary to apply sunscreen as UVA rays can still penetrate through your windows.

Shop Allerdefense sunscreens on d program | Shopee | Lazada | Amazon

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