Could two-in-one cosmetics that smooth the appearance of your skin and deliver SPF be the answer to save time in your beauty routine? It seems not. Unfortunately, while the beauty industry is overflowing with makeup products containing SPF including foundations, primers and even powders, they just don’t get the job done on their own and should by no means replace sunscreen altogether.
Many people think that having an SPF in their moisturiser or foundation will suffice as protection against the sun’s harmful rays. But, it’s important to remember that SPF only refers to protection against UVB. UVA is a longer wavelength that can penetrate glass. It’s the main wavelength that damages our collagen and also can increase our risk of skin cancer.
Therefore, a factor 50 sunscreen with both UVB and UVA protection and preferably anti-oxidants are the safest to protect against the more visible light spectrum. The British Association of Dermatology said, “SPF used in moisturisers are tested the same way as sunscreens, so an SPF 15 moisturiser should provide an SPF of 15. However, these formulas are less likely to be rub-resistant and water-resistant, and most importantly are likely to be applied a lot more thinly than sunscreen. They therefore are unlikely to offer the same level of protection.
“A moisturiser with an SPF will help protect you against small amounts of UV exposure, such as when you walk to the car or pop outside to hang out the washing, but sunscreen is better suited for longer, more deliberate UV exposure, such as spending your lunch hour outside.”
Cosmetics containing SPF aren’t completely pointless. However, they should be used in conjunction with sunscreen and other SPF products.
