South Korea issues sunscreen guidelines amid 'record heatwave' warnings

As South Korea braces for what is predicted to be a summer of record-breaking heat, the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety has issued essential guidance on sunscreen use. The ministry emphasizes that proper application is crucial for maintaining protection against harmful ultraviolet rays.

Officials advise applying a generous amount of sunscreen about 15 minutes before stepping outdoors. For those who sweat heavily or spend extended periods in the sun, frequent reapplication is necessary to ensure continuous protection. This advice comes as daytime temperatures in Seoul have already surpassed 30 degrees Celsius, signaling the early arrival of summer.

When selecting a sunscreen, consumers are urged to verify that the product is recognized as a 'functional cosmetic' by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety. The effectiveness of sunscreens is measured by SPF (Sun Protection Factor) for UVB rays and PA (Protection Grade of UVA) for UVA rays. Higher SPF and PA ratings generally offer better protection, though the difference in effectiveness becomes marginal beyond SPF 50.

For water-based activities like swimming, the ministry recommends choosing "water-resistant" or "persistent water-resistant" products. Even with these specialized formulas, reapplication is advised approximately every two hours to maintain adequate sun protection during prolonged periods in the water.

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Apply a sufficient amount of sunscreen 15 minutes before going out and reapply frequently when you sweat a lot or are exposed to sunlight for a long time to maintain sun protection effects.