If you want to take your skin health seriously please read this blog! SPF in your moisturiser is not enough!
In our fast-paced lives, multitasking products like moisturisers with added SPF have become incredibly popular. They promise hydration and sun protection in one easy step, making them a convenient choice for many. However, while using a moisturiser with SPF is better than skipping sun protection altogether, it is not enough to provide the level of protection your skin needs. Here’s why you should consider using a separate SPF 50 product for maximum sun protection.
SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, measures how well a sunscreen can protect skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer.
During consultations especially for those being treated for pigmentation I always ask about SPF usage and if it is being used daily, the answer is either no or yes, its covered in my moisturiser. I want to express that SPF in your moisturiser isn’t enough protection and here are some of the limitations:
Insufficient Application: The amount of moisturiser most people apply is typically not enough to achieve the SPF level indicated on the product and most people do not include their neck and hands.
Uneven Coverage: Moisturisers are often applied more sparingly and less evenly than dedicated sunscreens. This can leave parts of your skin exposed and vulnerable to UV damage.
Not Long-Lasting: Moisturisers with SPF may not be formulated for long-lasting sun protection. They often lack the water-resistant properties of dedicated sunscreens, meaning they can wear off more easily with sweat, water exposure, or natural skin oils.
Limited UV Protection: Many moisturisers with SPF primarily protect against UVB rays and may not offer broad-spectrum protection, which also covers UVA rays. UVA rays penetrate deeper into the skin, contributing to premature aging and increasing the risk of skin cancer.
Here are some benefits of using a Separate SPF 50
Adequate Protection: Using a separate SPF 50 sunscreen ensures you are getting the full protection indicated on the label, provided you apply it correctly. This level of SPF is particularly important if you spend a lot of time outdoors or have fair skin that is more susceptible to UV damage.
Broad-Spectrum Coverage: A dedicated sunscreen is more likely to offer broad-spectrum protection, shielding your skin from both UVA and UVB rays. This comprehensive coverage is essential for preventing sunburn, skin aging and reducing the risk of skin cancer.
Durability: Sunscreens are formulated to be more resilient against sweat, water, and natural oils, making them more effective for extended wear. Many sunscreens also come with water-resistant formulas, ensuring longer-lasting protection.
Better Formulation: Sunscreens are specifically designed to protect your skin from UV damage, often including additional ingredients that help to stabilise the SPF and enhance its efficacy.
Here are some top tips for optimal sun protection
Layering: Apply your moisturiser first and let it absorb into your skin. Follow with a generous layer of SPF 50 sunscreen to ensure full coverage and don’t forget your ears, neck and hands.
Reapplication: Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating, to maintain protection.
Year-Round Protection: UV rays can damage your skin even on cloudy days and during winter months. Make sunscreen a daily habit, regardless of the weather. This is a huge one!
Complete Your Routine: Don’t forget to protect often-overlooked areas such as the ears, neck, and the back of your hands. Use a lip balm with SPF to protect your lips as well.
While moisturisers with SPF offer a convenient way to incorporate sun protection into your skincare routine, they shouldn’t be relied upon as your sole method of defence against UV rays. For maximum protection, a separate SPF 50 sunscreen is essential. By making this small adjustment, you can significantly reduce your risk of sun damage and maintain healthier, more youthful skin in the long run. Which is what we all want.
For me personally, if you were only to ever use one product (especially for anti-ageing) you need to be using SPF 50 everyday!
When people think about factor 50. I know what they are thinking – thick, white, oily, greasy and not something you really want to put on your face.
So, I would like to invite you into the clinic to try the ones we have on offer. I promise, once you have tried these products you won’t ever look back.
- Lynton Light Protect spf50 – great for those having laser and ipl (I use this one)
- Dynamic skin recovery spf50 moisturiser – great for ageing skin
- Protection 50 sport spf50 – great for sports / outdoor enthusiasts
- Powerbright moisturiser spf 50 – great for those who suffer with hyperpigmented skin
- Porescreen spf40 – great for all skin conditions
- Clearing defence spf 30 – great for younger, acne prone skin
Let me know which one is your favourite?
Be sun safe always
Amy xx