You probably slather on sunscreen if you’re sitting at the beach or lounging by the pool. Or at least, you know you’re supposed to. But what about the rest of the year? Wearing sunscreen is one of the easiest things we can do to protect ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays (even in the winter) and keep ourselves looking young. Not only does SPF help prevent skin cancer — one in five Americans develops skin cancer by age 70, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation — but as a bonus, it’s also one of the best anti-aging ingredients. Rather than treating wrinkles and sunspots that have already formed with pricey serums or professional treatments, you can prevent them if you use your sunscreen correctly. For some individuals adding yet another skincare product into our routine can feel exhausting. For that reason, you may turn to makeup to handle skin protection.

Makeup with SPF will it really protect your skin?

It can be difficult to find a face sunscreen that you love. Some formulas pill under makeup, others feel too thick and heavy for everyday wear. It’s easy to turn to the makeup products you already love that include sunscreen. That’s what I had done until I learned the truth. SPF in makeup should be considered an additional layer of sun protection, not your only way of blocking harmful rays.

To really get the full SPF listed on your makeup, you’d have to apply seven to ten times more than the usual amount of foundation or powder which is just not practical.

Pump out your typical amount of foundation into your hand. Now times that by seven. That’s a lot of makeup, more than you’d wear for even the most full-coverage glam look.

Why makeup containing sunscreen won’t protect you!

In addition, makeup does not always stay put, it can absorb into the skin, it can rub or sweat off. Have you ever seen the shoulder of a person that has been hugged by someone wearing makeup. There’s your proof.

Think of SPF makeup as a backup, not your main shield. I always recommend starting with a large-number sunscreen of at least SPF 50 before you apply any liquid, powder or BB cream makeup. This way, your skin gets the solid protection it needs right from the start. Then when you add on your makeup that has SPF, you are just adding another layer of protection.

How Much SPF Do You Need?

You may have heard of the “two-finger rule” when it comes to sunscreen, which is applying a line of product down two fingers and then rubbing that in. It really should be more like the four-finger rule, amounting to about 1/2 teaspoon of product to cover your face, neck, and ears.

The two-finger rule is not sufficient, especially if you have a larger face or are outside for long periods of time. Not using enough can reduce your sunscreen’s effectiveness, increasing your risk of sun damage.

What about reapplying over makeup? Try powder sunscreens or Image Skincare’s Mist sunscreen. Using these on top of your morning routine will improve your sun protection all day without affecting your makeup and allow you to reapply every 90 minutes when outside.

Chemical vs. Mineral Sunscreen

Sunscreen falls into two categories: chemical and mineral. Mineral sunscreens sit on the skin’s surface and reflect UV rays. Chemical sunscreens penetrate the skin and absorb the rays, converting them to heat and releasing them from the skin.

Chemical sunscreens are often better at leaving no white cast behind and since they don’t sit on top of the skin, they feel much lighter on your face. Mineral sunscreens might work better for those with sensitive skin or rosacea, as they won’t irritate the skin further. Both are effective, so it’s up to your personal preference to decide which type you go with.

Our Favorite Sunscreens are Image Skincare Prevention Plus

If you have been relying on your favorite makeup to protect you from the sun, it’s time to invest in great SPF and call us for a complimentary skincare consultation for more advice.

Are you super active in sports? Need sweat proof? Image Skincare has that too.