Is Beauty of Joseon Relief Sun Aqua Fresh good for combination skin?

What will it feel like?

Aqua Fresh is a lightweight fluid designed to absorb quickly, without a sticky feel or white cast. A natural glow is still a glow, even when the name sounds like it belongs on a bottle of water. Choose it for a lighter finish, not as a treatment for excess oil.2

Rice seed water provides lightweight hydration. Panthenol, also called vitamin B5, moisturizes, soothes and supports the skin's moisture barrier. The formula is fragrance free and alcohol free, and provides broad spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays.123

Should you choose Aqua Fresh or the original?

Choose Aqua Fresh if your priority is avoiding a rich sunscreen feel. Choose the original if you prefer creamy hydration. Combination skin appears in both camps, so the skin type label does not get to make the entire purchasing decision.4

How should you apply it?

1. 1Apply Aqua Fresh as the last step of your morning skincare routine. Beauty of Joseon tells you to spread it generously and evenly over skin exposed to the sun.
2. 2Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. Cover your face, neck and ears, rather than stopping at the edge of your face.
3. 3Use enough sunscreen. General application guidance gives at least 1 teaspoon for the face alone; your neck and other exposed areas also need coverage.
4. 4Reapply at least every 2 hours while outdoors. Reapply sooner after sweating, swimming, towel drying or rubbing sunscreen off.

Using less than the recommended amount reduces protection. Do not solve an unwanted finish by applying a thinner layer. Sunscreen is needed on cloudy days and in winter too, not just when the weather looks suitable for a beach.35

What about swimming or exercise?

For swimming or sweating, Beauty of Joseon directs you to use a water resistant sunscreen. Choose one labelled water resistant with broad spectrum coverage and SPF30 or higher, and reapply after swimming or sweating. Add shade, a hat, protective clothing and sunglasses rather than relying on sunscreen alone.167

What if your combination skin is sensitive?

Aqua Fresh has undergone testing for sensitive and acne prone skin. Before using a new sunscreen, test a small amount on your inner forearm and check for a reaction after 48 hours, especially if your skin is sensitive. Stop using that sunscreen if you develop a rash, itching or another reaction. Ask a healthcare professional about a concerning reaction or a known ingredient allergy.23

Beauty of Joseon says pregnant women can use Aqua Fresh, but recommends checking with a doctor before introducing it because pregnancy can increase skin sensitivity.1

Keep the tube effective

Check the expiry date and keep sunscreen out of direct sunlight and hot cars. Extreme heat and expiry can reduce effectiveness. If buying in Canada, check the packaging for a DIN or NPN: sunscreens approved for sale in Canada must carry one.3