SPF ISN’T ENOUGH
Many beauty products such as foundations, tinted moisturisers and BB creams come with a built-in sun protection factor (SPF) and it can be tempting to rely on these all-in-one creams as a daily substitute for sunscreen.
They advertise SPF ratings of 15, 30, and even 50 – which can seem like ample protection. But many of the products with SPF factors don’t contain the key ingredients needed to protect against burning and aging.
Skin Institute appearance medicine nurse Smitee Ranchhod says women should not rely on their makeup with SPF for protection.
“Although these makeup products do have sunscreen ingredients, they don’t have the proper amount of coverage or the capabilities to protect against UVA and UVB rays,” Ranchhod says. Exposure to UVA rays leads to premature skin aging and wrinkling, while UVB rays burn skin.
When selecting a moisturiser that doubles as a sunscreen, check it’s a broad-spectrum product (which means it blocks both UVA and UVB rays).
To get the best protection, look for a product with at least one of these active agents: zinc oxide, niacinamide or astacanthin.
Zinc oxide blends well under makeup and is also unlikely to cause irritation on the skin, even sensitive skin, Ranchhod says.
Fiona Mawley, manager of the Cancer Society’s commercial branch, Daffodil Enterprises, agrees with Ranchhod, adding that although some SPF is better than none, makeup with SPF is only effective for brief periods of exposure.
She says the SPF in makeup is sufficient if you’re out in the sun for a short length of time, but for extended all-day protection, skip the beauty products. Instead, use a dedicated sunscreen and reapply it throughout the day.
“Although makeup products have sunscreen ingredients, they don’t have the sufficient amount of coverage or the capabilities to protect against UVA and UVB rays.
“Unlike your body, your facial skin is exposed to the elements all day, every day. It is also where some of the most delicate skin is, so take extra precautions with protecting your skin especially during peak summer hours,” Mawley says.