Most women have regular skincare and daily makeup routines, but many may be leaving off one important piece - sunscreen.
Protecting your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays must be a regular part of your daily routine. Can cosmetics and beauty products offer reliable protection, or is it possible to use sunscreen in combination with makeup?
Dermatologist Leslie Baumann, MD, says, "Makeup does not provide enough coverage. You need seven times the normal amount of foundation and 14 times the normal amount of powder to get the sun protection factor on the label. No one does this."
So the short answer is yes, you do need a separate sunscreen in addition to your makeup. The key is to choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a rating of SPF 30, and apply it to your face and neck (don’t forget your ears too) before applying makeup. A sunscreen that is specially formulated for more delicate facial skin is best as it will not clog pores or cause breakouts.
After letting the sunscreen dry for 15 minutes, you can apply your regular makeup. You can choose a foundation or powder that includes a sunscreen for additional protection from the sun’s rays if you like. If the skin around your eyes is extra-sensitive, there are also eye creams available that contain sunscreen.
Don’t forget that your lips can also absorb and be damaged by UV rays. An opaque shade of lipstick can provide protection from the sun, but if you prefer a lighter, high-gloss look, choose a brand that contains SPF 15 or higher.
It’s also a good idea to reapply sunscreen at least once during the day, and as often as every two hours if you spend a lot of time outdoors. One way to do this is to use a translucent powder on top of the newly applied sunscreen. The powder will cut down on the shine and, being particulate, it will provide additional protection from the sun, as well as helping to keep your sunscreen and moisturizer in place.
Finally, your nighttime skincare routine is very important too. Take the time nightly to wash the sunscreen and makeup from your face with a gentle cleanser before you go to sleep. Your pores will thank you in the morning!