SKIN1004 Centella sunscreen: ingredients and how to use it

Which SKIN1004 Centella sunscreen do you mean?

SKIN1004 sells several Centella sunscreens, so "Centella" is a family name rather than a complete shopping instruction. Alongside Water Fit Sun Serum, the range includes Air Fit Suncream Light and the beige tinted mineral Air Fit Suncream Plus. Those are separate products, not different sizes of Water Fit.1

What does it feel like, and who is it for?

SKIN1004 describes the international formula as quickly absorbed, non greasy and non sticky, with no white cast. The brand describes a dewy finish, so "Water Fit" is not code for matte. SKIN1004 positions this version for normal, dry, sensitive and combination skin.1

If sensitive skin is your main concern, mineral sunscreens containing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are the AAD's preferred option. Water Fit is a chemical sunscreen, so choose by the formula you tolerate rather than the Centella name alone. Chemical and mineral sunscreens both form a protective layer that absorbs UV rays; mineral sunscreens also reflect them.3

What ingredients are in SKIN1004 Centella sunscreen?

Both Water Fit formulas contain Centella asiatica extract, hyaluronic acid, sodium hyaluronate and green tea leaf extract. The international formula also includes niacinamide, hydrolyzed hyaluronic acid and several plant extracts. The US formula includes panthenol, hydrolyzed sodium hyaluronate, rice extract, oat meal extract and soybean seed extract.14

The UV filters provide sun protection. In US sunscreen labeling, those filters are the active ingredients; the remaining formula ingredients are inactive ingredients. Centella is not a substitute for the sunscreen filters, and the word "serum" does not change the product's purpose.5

How do you apply it?

1. 1Finish your usual skincare first. SKIN1004 tells you to apply the international Water Fit sunscreen as the last skincare step, evenly over exposed areas.
2. 2Apply generously to dry skin before going outdoors. The US Water Fit Sun Serum UV directions specify application 15 minutes before sun exposure.
3. 3Cover all exposed skin, including your face, neck and ears. General AAD guidance calls for at least 1 teaspoon for the face and about 1 ounce to cover exposed skin on most adults.
4. 4Reapply at least every 2 hours while outdoors. Reapply after swimming or sweating, following your bottle's directions.

Applying sunscreen too thinly reduces its protection. Remember areas that are easy to miss, such as your hairline, backs of hands and tops of feet. Use an SPF lip balm for your lips rather than putting this cream in your mouth.56

What protection should you expect?

Sunscreen is protection for sun exposure, not a treatment you wait weeks to start using effectively. Apply it before exposure and maintain coverage with reapplication. SPF measures protection against sunburn, mainly from UVB rays; broad spectrum protection covers both UVA and UVB. A higher SPF does not let you stay outside longer without reapplying.35

Use sunscreen every day on uncovered skin when you will be outside, including cloudy days. Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and, with other sun protection measures, reduces the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. Add shade, protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses rather than relying on the cream alone.347

Can you wear it swimming or exercising?

For swimming or heavy sweating, choose a sunscreen explicitly labeled water resistant rather than treating "Water Fit" as a water resistance claim. US water resistant labels specify 40 or 80 minutes of protection during swimming or sweating. No sunscreen is waterproof.56

Reapply straight after leaving the water, towel drying or when sunscreen has rubbed off. Water resistant sunscreen still needs reapplication. Water reflects UV rays, and its cooling effect can hide the feeling that you are burning.6

When should you stop using it?

The US Sun Serum UV directions say not to use it on damaged or broken skin. Keep it out of your eyes and rinse with water if it gets into them. Stop using it and ask a doctor if a rash occurs. Keep the product out of children's reach; if swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control Center immediately.2

For babies under 6 months, prioritize shade and protective clothing and ask a doctor before applying sunscreen. For older children, follow the product's directions. If sunburn causes severe swelling, blisters or feeling unwell, seek medical help and stay out of the sun until the redness has gone.56

How should you store it?

Keep the tube out of direct sunlight and excessive heat. Outdoors, leave it in the shade or wrap it in a towel. Replace sunscreen past its expiry date; if there is no expiry date, discard it 3 years after purchase. Discard it if you do not know how old it is.5