Is SPF in Foundation Enough Protection?

Expert skin advice, as seen at NET-A-Porter

Sun exposure is a major contributor to premature skin aging and skin cancer. While we all know to slather on sunscreen before a day at the beach, many people mistakenly believe that the SPF in their daily makeup offers sufficient protection.

Dr. Barbara Kubicka, a leading aesthetic physician, provided her expert advice for a recent Net-a-Porter article, saying:

“While having SPF in makeup is a great add-on, the quantity of SPF is not sufficient to provide adequate sun protection.
“A dedicated sunscreen that is specifically formulated to provide concentrated amounts of protection is key.”

The Limitations of SPF in Makeup

Makeup with SPF can provide a touch of sun protection throughout the day, but there are several reasons why it shouldn’t be your sole line of defence:

Insufficient SPF Coverage: Most makeup products with SPF only offer SPF 15 or 30, which is far below the recommended minimum of SPF 30 for daily use.
Uneven Application: Makeup is typically applied for cosmetic purposes, not for thorough sun protection. This means areas of your face may be left exposed.
Sheer Coverage: Makeup formulations are designed to be lightweight and blendable, resulting in a sheer layer of protection that may not be strong enough to shield your skin from UV rays.

The Benefits of a Dedicated Sunscreen

A dedicated sunscreen offers several advantages over makeup with SPF:

Higher SPF Protection: Sunscreens come in a wider range of SPF options, allowing you to choose the level of protection that best suits your skin type and needs.
Broad Spectrum Coverage: Look for a sunscreen labeled “broad spectrum” to ensure it protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and contribute to wrinkles and age spots, while UVB rays cause sunburn.
Water Resistance: If you’ll be sweating or swimming, opt for a water-resistant sunscreen to maintain protection.
Thorough Application: Sunscreen can be applied liberally and evenly to all exposed areas of the skin, including your face, ears, neck, and lips.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

When selecting a sunscreen, consider the following factors:

Skin Type: For oily skin, choose a lightweight, oil-free formula. Dry skin benefits from a moisturizing sunscreen.
Activity Level: If you’ll be sweating a lot, choose a water-resistant sunscreen.
Sun Sensitivity: People with fair skin or a history of sunburn should choose a higher SPF sunscreen.
Sun Safety Beyond Sunscreen

In addition to using a dedicated sunscreen, here are some other sun safety tips:

Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 am to 4 pm).
Wear protective clothing, such as a hat and sunglasses.
Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more often if you’re sweating or swimming.

By following these sun safety practices, you can help protect your skin from the harmful effects of UV radiation and keep it looking healthy and youthful for years to come.

Remember, sun safety is an essential part of any skincare routine. Don’t let the convenience of SPF makeup lull you into a false sense of security. Invest in a good quality, dedicated sunscreen and make it a daily habit to shield your skin from the sun’s damaging rays.

Read this article in full

To read more, please see the full feature on the net-a-porter website https://www.net-a-porter.com/en-ae/porter/article-f91412cd325d0ef8/beauty/skin/sun-care-skin-protection.

Clinicbe Essentials Sunscreen

Skincare expert Dr Kubicka has developed her own sunscreen product, as part of the Essentials range of skincare.

Be Sun Protected

Highly effective sunscreen for daily use
SPF50 high protection
Broad spectrum
Tinted and lightweight non-greasy formulation
Clinically proven AHAs, citric and lactic acid

As well as sun protection, other benefits include:

Gently stimulate cell renewal
Moisturising
Subtle and natural tint for nice appearance – under or without makeup

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This product can be ordered via the ONLINE SHOP or purchased in person at Clinicbe based in Knightsbridge, London.

Skin Treatments, London

Clinicbe® in London was founded by experienced Aesthetic Physician Dr Barbara Kubicka MD, CIME/ICAM, MBCAM; a renowned Aesthetic Physician based in West London.

Dr Kubicka takes a holistic approach to skincare treatments; treating the patient as a whole in order to get the best possible results from any treatments they may have.

The clinic is based in the Knightsbridge area, easily accessible from and popular with those living or working in Chelsea and Mayfair.

For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please contact us on 0207 125 0521 or email info@clinicbe.com.