Cosmetic manufacturers have increasingly included sun filtering agents within their products. So it’s not surprising that people assume that using such products might provide enough protection from both UVA and UVB rays. In general, makeup and other cosmetics that include sunscreens are not adequate for protecting your skin from the sun. While they certainly are beneficial, they shouldn’t be considered a replacement for a broad spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Today, I’ll explain how to combine sunscreen with your normal beauty routine to ensure your skin receives adequate protection.
Why Sunscreen Is Essential
Using a sunscreen that is not merely a portion of a cosmetic product is vital for filtering UVA and UVB rays. Without its protection, the skin can sustain sun damage, leading to premature aging, wrinkles, and even skin cancer. While makeup, foundations, and other cosmetics offer a level of protection, it’s not enough. Plus, using cosmetics with high SPF ratings doesn’t necessarily mean that you’re receiving protection from UVA rays. The SPF is only a measure of UVB protection, so you could be left vulnerable to long term skin damage from UVA rays.
Applying Sunscreen And Makeup
Sunscreens and sunblocks should be applied in the right order with your makeup and other skin care products to maximize their efficacy. Whether you rely upon a physical blocking sunscreen that contains zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, or a chemical type using filters such as Mexoryl SX or Mexoryl XL, it should be applied early on in your routine. Sunscreen filters work by either sitting on top of the skin or by being absorbed into the top layer. If you apply after your foundation or powders, those cosmetics may prevent absorption of the sunscreen.
A general rule of thumb when using a number of skin care products is to apply in order of lightest to heaviest texture, waiting a few minutes between applications. Serums, which tend to be very lightweight, are applied first, followed by lotions, then creams, and finally makeup. This order of application not only allows for absorption of ingredients, it also prevents a lighter product from dissolving a heavier one underneath, resulting in a potential mess on your face. If you use a moisturizer and a sunscreen, apply the product with the lighter consistency first, wait a few minutes to allow for absorption, then apply the second. Finally, apply your makeup.
Choosing The Right Formulations
A lot of cosmetic products (along with some sunscreens) lead you to believe that you are getting protection from the whole range of UVA and UVB rays. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. If your sunscreen doesn’t contain adequate levels of zinc oxide, Mexoryl SX, Mexoryl XL, Tinosorb M, Tinosorb S or stabilized avobenzone, you may not be at risk for damage from UVA rays.
Following are 3 sunscreens that do deliver:
Anthelios XL SPF 60 Cream – This sunscreen includes La Roche Posay’s filtering system that combines titanium dioxide, Mexoryl SX, and Mexoryl XL plus other filters to offer the highest level of protection available from a wide range of UVA and UVB rays.
Fallene Cotz SPF 58 – This formulation uses titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to offer broad spectrum UVA and UVB protection in a base ideal for children or those with sensitive skin.
La Roche Posay Hydraphase UV with SPF 30 – This moisturizer has been formulated with Mexoryl SX to provide protection from the sun’s UV rays while hydrating your skin.
Sunscreen really protects the skin.