Does My Makeup Count As Sun Protection?
Here comes the sun. With the summer sun around the corner, lots of people start to wonder if the SPF in beauty products protects skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Many experts note that while the SPF found in makeup and cosmetics is convenient, complete sun safety requires multiple applications and a specific level of protection. To shield skin and lower the risk of developing cancer, dermatologists suggest choosing a sunscreen with broad-spectrum protection, SPF 15-30 or higher, and water resistance.
Keep your protection broad
Broad-spectrum sunscreen is foundational to minimizing sun damage. Broad-spectrum protection shields against both UVA and UVB rays, increasing protection to the skin. UVA rays, which can pass through windows, cause premature aging and skin damage. On the other hand, UVB rays cause sunburn but cannot pass through windows. Any makeup which includes SPF must specify broad-spectrum protection; otherwise, patients will be safe from UVA rays but exposed to UVB rays. Numerous healthcare professionals suggest applying a thick layer of broad-spectrum SPF to exposed skin every day before going outside.
Is higher SPF better?
While patients may think that high SPF means increased protection, medical research tells another story. Physicians suggest an SPF of 30 or higher, which blocks the vast majority of the sun’s rays. Furthermore, sunscreen with high SPF does not negate the need to reapply sunscreen every 2 hours. While SPF is found in many makeup products, cosmetics are rarely applied throughout the day. An essential part of sun protection is frequently and generously applying a broad-spectrum SPF.
Water resistance is key to keeping skin safe
While reapplying sun protection every 2 hours is an excellent rule of thumb, dermatologists recommend applying sunscreen even more frequently when in the water. Similar to many topical products, sunscreen wears off with use. While many sunscreens are water-resistant, no formula is entirely waterproof. To maintain protection against UVA and UVB rays, patients must reapply SPF after swimming, sweating, or toweling off.
SPF: not just for beach days
While SPF in makeup is an added benefit to using cosmetics, sun protection requires broad-spectrum protection an SPF of 30 or higher, and overall water resistance. In addition, since many makeup products do not include additional safety measures against sun damage, experts suggest applying extra sunscreen along with cosmetics. By limiting sun damage, patients can maintain glowy skin without beauty products.
