This Spring Must-Have is Not Your Average SPF Moisturiser
BY SOPHIE CHUNG
Put your budget into defence.
14 OCT - 2025
Let's delve into the ingredients that make this formula ahead of the curve.
When it comes to deciding which skincare belief to align with, there are a myriad of options that you can choose from. While my pre-frontal cortex developed, I dipped my toe into quite a few different skin religions. At first, there was the ‘renewing’ era - alpha-hydroxy and beta-hydroxy acids (AHA and BHAs) were the hero ingredients on everyone’s lips. Fooling for all the hype, I ended up with redness and irritation from peeling my face off. Then I went down an ‘organic only’ phase and that calmed my skin for a while but it wasn’t quite hitting the mark. Then, I went to a skin clinic for the first time and that opened my eyes to cosmeceuticals - performance-driven skincare that’s backed by science. The development of my skin was astronomical. My skin was bright and gleaming from the vitamin B serum; the pigment reduced dramatically from the vitamin C serum; the texture and freshness was thanks to the vitamin A serum. But at some point in time, there is a plateau that you hit. It hovers at the halfway-to-perfect mark. I started craving ‘the glow’. Fine lines, the final bits of stubborn pigmentation, bumpy texture, all traces of acne, irregular skin tone - these were all the concerns I wanted to resolve and expectations I had set for myself to achieve the ultimate skin goal.
In 2017, I started a new skin system - corneotherapy. It’s a philosophy that focuses on protecting and nurturing the outermost layer of the skin. I can see how I could sound like an MLM cult leader but it’s this exact perspective I adopted that changed the game. A lot of products and procedures weaken the skin barrier with its ‘break it down to build it up’ mentality, thus removing the skin’s first level of defence. And it did - but as you can imagine, it was not very sustainable. It turns out, those ‘dead’ skin cells were playing a much bigger role of preventing water loss and providing protection against pathogens, UV rays and chemical threats. A compromised stratum corneum was the reason why everyone was suffering from dehydration and sensitivities.
SIMKA Day Cream SPF 15
Now, you may be asking, how does corneotherapy work? Well, there is a lipid matrix in the stratum corneum that is composed of ceramides, cholesterol and free fatty acids. By using skin-identical ingredients, the skin would be replenished in depleted lipids and allowed the time and space to heal and function optimally on its own.
Once I started supporting my skin instead of stripping it off and feeding it too many actives, it surpassed that plateau and revealed my skin in its prime. If you’ve been around here for a while, you’ll know that dermaviduals is the skincare brand I will die on a hill for. This is what levelled my skin up to a quality that I did not think was actually achievable for me.
Following the principles of corneotherapy, the Australian distributors of dermaviduals launched a brand called SIMKA. Relatively new in the space, but already making huge waves across Oceania, they launched with two omega 3 products which I have been taking religiously the past couple of years. It’s a revolutionary next-generation plant-based omega-3 that’s extracted from a wild type algae strain, grown in pure water. This means it’s ethically sourced, environmentally friendly, vegan and has the most concentrated form of 99% DHA and EPA! Taking omega 3 in a dosage that reaches the skin will help you resolve a myriad of skin issues such as eczema and dermatitis. The first 4000mg goes to the brain, the next 2000mg goes to your organs (which is why doctors prescribe heart patients 6000mg of omega 3 per day) and finally, the next 2000mg reaches the skin. I know it seems like a lot but the amount of people I have helped by putting them on omega 3 is truly remarkable. It’s such an easy cure that evades the use of steroids - we’ve all seen what topical steroid withdrawal can do! If you haven’t, google it.
Back to SIMKA, after the launch of their incredible Alpha Omega-3 line, they then brought out a series of SPF products, followed by cellulose masks, and finally, as anticipated, made their way into skincare - which is what I’m here to tell you about.
SIMKA Day Cream SPF 15
Last month, SIMKA brought out their Day Cream, which isn’t just another SPF moisturiser. It uses a prebiotic peptide complex with incredibly advanced ingredients to provide barrier-repair and environmental protection. It’s redefining the meaning of prevention into one that includes intelligence, intention and a tunnel-vision purpose to defend.
Upon first use, I noticed that SIMKA had nailed the texture for the *perfect* day cream. Lightweight yet non-greasy, the formula instantly hydrated my thirsty post-shower face (unfortunately, I do love a steaming hot shower that will make the average human question if I have masochistic tendencies) and the finish was incredibly fresh-looking. It also has a delicate cucumber scent which is just so delightful when applying.
Delving deeper into what makes this formula ahead of the curve, there are three key intelligent antioxidants that work to defend the skin. Let’s break it down.
I can see how I could sound like an MLM cult leader but it’s this exact perspective I adopted that changed the game.
Acetyl Hexapeptide-51 Amide
Acetyl Hexapeptide-51 Amide is a synthetic ingredient composed of peptides (protein building blocks) and amides.This specific peptide is an advanced peptide that stimulates the skin’s natural DNA repair mechanisms and promotes skin integrity. It protects the skin against age-related damage and environmental stressors like UV rays. It promotes skin repair, cellular longevity and strengthens the skin’s resistance to environmental stress. So basically, what I’m hearing is that it slows down the skin’s natural ageing process.
SIMKA Day Cream SPF 15
EGCG Glucoside
EGCG stands for Epigallocatechin Gallate and is a major antioxidant component of green tea. It’s especially effective in soothing inflammation and helping the skin defend itself against the effects of sun damage. It also inhibits the degradation of hyaluronic acid in both the epidermis and dermis. A powerful yet gentle ingredient, it works great for those with sensitive skin who still want to see visible results. It’s been described to be the Marie Kondo of skincare ingredients and comes highly recommended for those with sensitivities like dermatitis.
It works by modulating key cellular signalling pathways involved in inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell survival. In skincare, it’s known for its ability to protect against UV-induced damage and support skin resilience. Beyond skincare, EGCG has been extensively studied for its potential role in cancer prevention and adjunctive treatment, where it may help regulate tumour cell behaviour and inhibit carcinogenic processes. Fascinating!
SIMKA Day Cream SPF 15
Tocopherol Acetate (Vitamin E)
Vitamin E is pretty well known for its antioxidant properties. It works to prevent lipid peroxidation which is the process in which free radicals attack and degrade the fatty acids in cell membranes. As you can imagine, oxidation of our lipids can be quite harmful and cause irreversible damage.
If there’s one thing that I would like you to take away from this, it’s to think about whether your skincare products are offering barrier support and cellular protection. If they don’t have the ingredients that are serving you, then why would you smear it all over your skin?
The way you do anything is the way you do everything, right? Start treating your skincare products like your friends. At the end of the day, these are the choices that you can make. You wouldn’t keep someone toxic around who gaslights you and makes you feel yuck and less than. Why would you want that from your skincare? Intentionality is the key to living a better life.
P.S: if you’re looking for sheer coverage to slap on before you head out the door for a no-makeup look, the SIMKA Tinted Facial Fluid SPF 50 is a real godsend that applies beautifully and gives the skin a golden sun-kissed glow.
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