It’s September and with temperatures dropping, the sun playing hide and seek and rain clouds making an all too frequent appearance, you may be tempted to ditch your sunscreen and switch to SPF makeup instead. Tempting though it may be, fall (or any time of the year for that matter) isn’t the time to do it. SPF makeup may seem like a serious win-win – who doesn’t love multi-tasking products, after all – but it’s better in concept than in theory.
SPF products, including sunscreens and makeup, achieve their rating via testing methods that involve precise application of a specific amount of product skin (2 mg of product per square centimeter of skin, or a dollop equivalent to the size of nickel). Studies have shown that most of us don’t apply enough sunscreen and this almost certainly applies to SPF makeup. When was the last time you applied that much foundation to your skin? Yup, me too!
So in theory, while SPF makeup could offer up enough protection against UVA and UVB rays, the reality is that most of us use it in a way in which it just won’t happen. Foundations and powders are helpful, there’s no doubt about that, but they shouldn’t be used as your primary source of sun protection. They can however, bump up protection to your daily sunscreen and that’s the way to get the most out of them.
How To Use SPF Makeup
For optimal sun protection, choose a dedicated broad spectrum sunscreen instead. Apothekari Shade SPF 30 is a zinc-oxide, mineral sunscreen that delivers non-whitening UVA/UVB sun protection and is designed for all skin types. It is especially suitable for sensitive skin and contains antioxidant support to protect against free radical damage. For maximum benefit, we recommend applying it directly over an antioxidant serum (like our Apothekari Bespoke Vitamin C) because sunscreens work in tandem with antioxidants to protect against UV damage in separate ways. For a wide selection of UVA/UVB sunscreens, our sister site PhaMix.com stocks a large selection.
There’s no reason to shun SPF makeup; just keep in mind that it’s not meant to replace your sunscreen. If you want to use makeup with SPF, apply it on top of your sunscreen. Try to seek out a formulation that protects against both UVA and UVB rays to help protect against premature aging, sunburns and skin cancer. Additionally, aim for an SPF rating of 30 or higher to ensure maximum protection. Think of sunscreen as the cake, with SPF makeup as the icing on the cake. It’s not the main event, but it can add to it.
