Is your make-up’s SPF doing enough to protect your skin? Dermatologists weigh in – from SPF foundations’ efficacy, to combining products and applying them to best effect
Is your make-up’s SPF doing enough to protect your skin? Dermatologists weigh in. Pictured: Estée Lauder Double Wear Sheer Long Wear Makeup SPF 20. Photos: Handout
Having SPF in make-up is convenient, but it’s usually not enough to protect the skin from the sun’s harmful rays – from common misconceptions to proper application, here’s what to know
Ever catch yourself thinking, “My foundation has SPF, so I’m good to go”? It’s a comforting thought, imagining that a dab of make-up can double as sun armour. The truth is, while it feels like a clever short cut, it’s more like a short cut to sunburn. Many believe their SPF foundation is enough to keep their skin safe from harmful UV rays, but this common misconception can lead to some serious skin woes.
Dior Solar The Protective Creme is specially formulated with SPF 30
The allure of multitasking products is strong. Who wouldn’t want to simplify their routine with a foundation that promises coverage and sun protection? However, it’s essential to understand why this seemingly convenient option might not be as protective as it appears, and why protecting your skin at all times is crucial.
Understanding SPF
La Prairie Skin Caviar Concealer Foundation has SPF 15, but probably wouldn’t be enough to protect the skin on its own
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First things first: SPF stands for sun protection factor. It’s a measure of how well a sunscreen protects against UVB rays, the kind that cause sunburn and contribute to skin cancer. However, there are two types of UV rays to worry about: UVA and UVB. Both types can cause the skin to tan and age prematurely, but UVA rays are the more intense and lead to more tanning, wrinkles and damage to collagen and elastin in the skin, while UVB rays are the more likely to cause sunburn, melanomas and skin cancer. A good sunscreen should offer broad-spectrum protection, which means it defends against both UVA and UVB rays.
Why SPF in foundation isn’t enough
Clean beauty brand Ilia produces a Super Serum Skin Tint with SPF 30 that works like a tinted moisturiser, but should be paired with a proper sunscreen for best effect
Many cosmetics companies add SPF to their foundations to offer sun protection. It sounds like a win-win: make-up and sun protection in one. However, there’s a significant gap between those marketing promises and the practical benefits. Dr Hannah Kopelman, a dermatologist at Kopelman Aesthetic Surgery, says that foundation with SPF can provide some level of sun protection, but it’s often not as effective as stand-alone sunscreen. “This is because the amount of foundation typically applied is much less than the amount needed to achieve the labelled SPF protection,” she explains.
Chanel’s Les Beiges foundation offers dewy coverage, but its SPF 25 probably won’t be enough to protect the skin on its own
To get the SPF protection listed on the bottle, a surprisingly large amount of foundation would need to be applied. “Sunscreens are formulated to be applied generously and evenly to provide full coverage, whereas foundation is usually applied in a thinner layer, which can result in inadequate sun protection,” Kopelman adds.
Shiseido’s Ultimate Sun Protector Lotion with SPF 50+ offers a high level of protection for the skin if used correctly
