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Is the SPF in My Makeup Enough?

By March 3, 2020May 11th, 2023Skin Care

At first glance, makeup products with built-in sun protection appear to be an obvious solution for narrowing down the number of products used in your morning routine while getting the most out of each. There are many options to choose from, with varying degrees of protection and coverage, but is your current foundation or setting powder getting the job done? Using products that fall short of the recommended daily SPF protection before exposing your skin to sunlight may contribute to skin damage. Learn more about how to choose products that can help protect your skin without the chalky combination of sunscreen and makeup.

Are Two-in-One Products Effective?

 

Sun damage can have an impact on the visible aging of the skin and its overall health, including increasing the risk of skin cancer. However, layering makeup over sunscreen can result in a less-than-optimal finished look that includes an uneven complexion and visible streaks. The temptation to skip sunscreen and opt for makeup with SPF to preserve your look may be strong, but many of these products require a heavy application to deliver the protection your skin needs. It’s not necessary to completely rule out makeup with SPF—extra defense is always a plus. When shopping for a new foundation or setting powder, be on the lookout for the amount of SPF in each product. We recommend searching for makeup that contains broad-spectrum sunscreen, which can help protect your skin from the damage UVA and UVB rays cause, with an SPF of at least 30.

Moisturizing: Your Skin’s Best Friend

Moisturizers with SPF should always precede other tinted products used in your daily routine. Applying a moisturizer and foundation that both include sun protection is beneficial, but keep in mind that if each contains varying amounts of SPF—for instance, a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 and foundation with an SPF of 45—you won’t be benefiting from a combined SPF protection of 60. Your degree of protection is determined by the product with the higher amount of SPF; in this case, SPF 45.

Consult a Dermatologist

Protecting your skin should be a priority when you know you’ll be exposed to the sun’s rays. Makeup that includes SPF protection provides an added shield for your skin but isn’t an adequate replacement for sunscreen. A dermatologist will be able to provide proper recommendations for protecting your skin with SPF makeup.

Baton Rouge residents can turn to the board-certified dermatologists at The Dermatology Clinic for skincare solutions. Our line of products includes makeup with sun protection, so you can get your day started without the worry of excessive damage. Schedule an appointment today to learn more about how we can help you protect your complexion.