If you’ve been reading my blog for a while, you know that I’m big on SPF. I encourage my friends, family, and community to apply sunscreen daily to help prevent skin cancer, signs of aging, and more. However, something people often say to me is that their foundation has SPF, so they don’t need a designated sunscreen. Whether or not this is true is complex, so today I’m answering the question “is the SPF in my makeup enough?” Read on to find out.
SPF in Makeup
When asking, “is the SPF in my makeup enough?” it’s important to understand the background of how sunscreens are formulated in the US. Technically, all products with sunscreen active ingredients on the label (see photo above) are regulated as drugs by the FDA. This means that you can get the advertised SPF from your makeup – but only if you’re applying enough product.
The main problem with SPF in makeup
So here’s the issue. Dermatologists recommend applying about 1/3 to 1/2 a tsp of sunscreen to get the full SPF protection. However, most people don’t apply anywhere close to this amount, so you’re not getting the advertised SPF on the bottle. SPF in makeup leaves a false sense of security as it’s often advertised as a 2-in-1 product, but it’s not really acting as a sunscreen unless you’re using enough.
What should I use instead?
I recommend using a regular sunscreen under your makeup instead of relying on your makeup with SPF to provide protection. There are many great sunscreen options that work great under makeup! Some of my personal favorites are the Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen (this feels just like a silicone primer) and the Beekman 1802 Milk Primer (leaves a smooth canvas for makeup). The SPF in your makeup is not enough on its own, but it can be a nice bonus!
Are there benefits to layering?
It’s important to apply enough sunscreen, so the first layer of regular SPF is an essential. Applying makeup with SPF can have its perks, but it doesn’t double the amount of protection you’re getting. Many people believe that SPF numbers “stack”, meaning if you use an SPF 30 sunscreen and an SPF 50 foundation, you’re getting SPF 80 protection. While I’m all for maximizing sun protection, this unfortunately isn’t how it works. Even if you’re applying two different SPF products, the maximum sun protection you’ll achieve will be the highest SPF of the two products.
Fun fact: foundations that are formulated with iron oxides can actually provide blue light protection, which is great if you’re prone to melasma or hyperpigmentation. This isn’t a replacement to your sunscreen, but it’s a nice bonus for sure! Alternatively, you could use a broad-spectrum tinted sunscreen with iron oxides to get UVA, UVB, and blue light protection from the sun.
So there you have it! I love a multi-purpose product as much as the next person, but this isn’t the place to take shortcuts. Using a separate sunscreen alongside your makeup is the best way to ensure you’re properly protected. Don’t forget to use broad-spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 to protect your skin against UV rays. I recommend using 2-3 finger lengths (or 1/3-1/2 a tsp) to make sure you’re using enough product too. Read more about some drugstore mineral sunscreens or my favorite sunscreens!
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~ Annie
