As a dermatology PA, I routinely ask my patients about sunscreen usage during annual skin cancer screenings. This is how the conversation usually goes:
Me: “Do you wear sunscreen on a daily basis?”
Patient: “Yes I do.”
Me: “What sunscreen do you wear?”
Patient: “Well it’s a makeup (or lotion) with SPF. That is the same as sunscreen, right?”
Sun protection is critical in keeping your skin healthy and preventing damage from harmful UV rays. Today, there is a wide range of sun protection products, including sunscreens, makeup products with SPF, and lotions with SPF. But how do they differ, and which ones should you be using to provide optimal protection? In this blog post, you can explore the nuances of these sun protection options to help you make the best choices for your skin.
1. Sunscreens
Sunscreens are skincare products specifically designed to shield the skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. They come in various formulations such as creams, gels, and sprays, further categorized by mineral (physical) and/or chemical ingredients. Sunscreens are tested for their Sun Protection Factor (SPF) and provide targeted protection against UV rays on a graded scale of 15-100 SPF.
Benefits:
- Formulated specifically for sun protection to protect against photoaging and skin cancer.
- Come in broad-spectrum variations, providing comprehensive UVA and UVB protection.
- Available in a range of different strengths, such as SPF 30, SPF 50, and higher.
- Tinted versions are available to simplify your skin routine.
Limitations:
- It may take some time to find a product that you like (ie: no white cast, non-greasy, etc.) - everyone has different preferences and it won't provide full makeup coverage.
2. SPF Makeup
SPF makeup refers to cosmetic products like foundations, BB creams, and powders that incorporate SPF into their formula. While SPF makeup offers some level of sun protection, it cannot replace a dedicated sunscreen. Unfortunately, most of the time users aren’t applying enough of the makeup product on the skin to reach the indicated “SPF” on the bottle/compact.
Benefits:
- Provides additional sun protection in combination with your sunscreen.
- Simplifies your routine by combining makeup and sun protection.
Limitations:
- Under application can lead to inadequate SPF coverage.
- May not be broad-spectrum, which means it may not protect against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Requires consistent reapplication, which can be inconvenient or unsightly with multiple layers of makeup.
3. Lotions with SPF
Lotions with SPF are daily moisturizers that include an added sun protection factor. They offer basic sun protection but may not always provide the extensive coverage that a dedicated sunscreen can offer.
Benefits:
- Combines two skincare steps (moisturizing and sun protection) into one product.
- Suitable for daily use during low sun exposure situations, like working indoors or running indoor errands.
Limitations:
- Does not provide sufficient sun protection for prolonged exposure or outdoor activities.
- Not all SPF lotions are broad-spectrum, leaving you at risk for UVA or UVB damage.
The Bottom Line
Although makeup and lotions with SPF provide some degree of sun protection, they should not replace a dedicated sunscreen, especially when you plan on having extended sun exposure or outdoor time. My recommendation is always to start with a dedicated sunscreen each morning and then if you want to use makeup with SPF or lotion with SPF afterwards or for a “touch up” mid-day as an extra cherry on top that is great.
"Although makeup and lotions with SPF provide some degree of sun protection, they should not replace a dedicated sunscreen."
Remember that the key to effective sun protection is using the right products and regularly reapplying them throughout the day. By incorporating a combination of sunscreens, SPF makeup, and SPF lotions into your routine, you can enjoy a healthy, radiant complexion all year round.
