Sun protection factor or SPF is a game changer in the skincare regimen. A good sunscreen with adequate SPF prevents fine lines of aging and protects the skin's elasticity. The higher the SPF a product has, the more UV radiation exposure you can withstand before getting sunburned. For instance, a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 offers sufficient protection, but an SPF of 30 or 50 offers even better protection to your skin.
Currently, the market is filled with products having SPFs in cosmetics like lip balm and makeup. Spf-labeled cosmetics shield your skin from sunburn and can be a good option for your skin. But do they really help? Does your best foundation with SPF provide you with enough protection? Let's find out about it from this article.
How does SPF work?
Applying sunscreen when stepping out of your house has become crucial, especially during summer. Nowadays, dermatologists advise applying sunscreen even if you stay indoors as ultraviolet A (UVA)/ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are predominant in the environment. Two types of sunscreens are available in the market these days: Physical or mineral sunscreens and chemical sunscreens. Both offer different ways of protection for your skin. Mineral sunscreens like zinc oxide and titanium oxide create a physical barrier between the skin and the sun's harmful rays, whereas chemical sunscreens like oxybenzone and octinoxate absorb UV rays before they hit your skin.
Is SPF in your makeup enough for your skin?
These days, makeup brands have introduced a wide array of products containing some amount of SPF like SPF makeup spray, SPF setting spray, and SPF foundation. Although it is good to have SPF in makeup, even the best foundation with SPF cannot completely protect you from UV rays. You need almost a two-finger amount of sunscreen with at least SPF 30 to adequately protect your skin. Your sunscreen-makeup hybrids are no different. Assuming your best foundation with SPF is formulated with a minimum of SPF 30, which means you would need to apply at least a quarter-sized amount (or 1 to 1.5 teaspoons) of foundation to your face, which is practically not feasible.
The best solution to this is to wear SPF under your makeup for ample protection. This should be done even if you have applied sunscreen makeup. Having additional protection is always beneficial. SPF will inevitably degrade throughout the day (which is why it's crucial to reapply every 2–3 hours); therefore, having an SPF-infused foundation is like a cherry on top of your skincare regime.
Are you better protected if you use several SPF-containing products?
SPFs of different products cannot be combined; you cannot achieve SPF 50 coverage by using a 15 SPF setting spray and an SPF 35 foundation. Your level of sun protection, in this case, would only be the highest SPF-applied product which is SPF 35 foundation in this case. There is no harm in using SPF-containing makeup products but the wise thing is to always use the best SPF sunscreen for the face under makeup for better coverage.
The best sunscreen for the face under makeup includes DerDoc Sun Protection Gel Cream with SPF 30 & PA+++ and DermDoc UVA & UVB Broad Spectrum Sun Protection Gel Cream with SPF 50 & PA+++.
How much sunscreen should you use?
The SPF number does matter and so does the right quantity. According to dermatologists, almost everyone uses half or even a lesser amount of sunscreen than is advised. It is advised to apply a liberal amount of sunscreen to the face and neck combined, which is equal to two-finger lengths or the equivalent of half a teaspoon. You must always apply enough sunscreen if you want younger-looking skin, whether the formula is mineral or chemical, where you are, or what time of the year it may be.
Make sure the sunscreen has a broad-spectrum label, which indicates that it offers protection from UVB and UVA rays, in addition to looking for one with a high SPF. Always reapply sunscreen every 2–3 hours, and more frequently if you are swimming or perspiring. But reapplication is not as necessary if you spend the entire day indoors and away from the sun. Also, remember that UVA ray protection is necessary even indoors. If you work at a desk next to a window with sunlight streaming in, you should use sunscreen because UVA can pass through glass.
What's the ideal SPF level?
The SPF rating tells you how long it would take for UV rays from the sun to turn your skin red. Although there might not be a huge difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50, experts say that high-SPF products might offer better defence against skin cancers caused by exposure to the sun and long-term skin damage.
Irrespective of the SPF you choose, you should always reapply sunscreen after 2–3 hours and more often if you are living in very high altitudes or staying outside for an extended time period.
Conclusion
SPF in makeup is fine as long as you are getting ample protection from sun exposure. However, it is always better to wear SPF under the make-up or sunscreen over make-up for complete protection from damage.
Investing in good sunscreen can do wonders for your skin. Choose DermDoc Sun Protection Gel Cream with SPF 30 & PA+++ and DermDoc UVA & UVB Broad Spectrum Sun Protection Gel Cream with SPF 50 & PA+++, the best sunscreens for face under makeup to get that perfect look and prevent sun damage.