Miths x Facts – How much SPF we really need

We’ve heard a lot about SPF before; never leave home without sun protection, no matter what, or else! But how much of what we hear is true?

There are so many products promising to protect our skin against the damaging sun rays UVB and UVA and now, the blue light from electronic screens as well. If you are lost with the vast choice and different opinions, keep reading. In this article, we will debunk the myths and present the real facts about sun protection.

However, before we delve into that, it’s important to note that dermatologists have observed a worrisome rise in skin cancer cases among young individuals. Therefore, it is crucial to incorporate a daily habit of applying a cream with SPF. And if the prospect of skin cancer isn’t compelling enough to alter your routine, let’s appeal to your sense of vanity: The sun is responsible for 90% of the visible changes we notice in our skin, often attributed to the ageing process.

Myth 1

The more beauty products with SPF, the better.

Reality

Doubling up products with SPF won’t give you extra protection. For example, if you use an SPF 15 primer, then an SPF 30 powder and an SPF 15 face mist, the sun protection you’ll get will be only as high as the highest number, in this case, 30. So you don’t need to buy all your moisturisers, primers and makeup-containing sun protectors. A sunblock over your moisturizer is enough.

Myth 2

You don’t need sunscreen if you wear foundation.

Reality

Makeup alone is not a barrier against UV rays. In fact, even foundations with sun protection have such a small amount of it that they won’t protect you. It is better to wear under your makeup a moisturiser and then sun protection. For more results, many dermatologists prefer to use a hydrating cream without sunblock and apply the sunblock over it.

Myth 3

SPF 15 is enough.

Reality

No matter whether you’re at the office or outside in the sun, the minimum you should wear on your face is SPF 30. But even so, to get total protection, you should spread half a teaspoon of the product on your face.

Myth 4

Anything over 30 is the same.

Reality

The higher the SPF number, the stronger the protection. As said, SPF 30 is the least you should use on your face, although we recommend you go higher if you live in a bright and sunny place. But be careful, this doesn’t mean that you will be protected for a more extended period.

Myth 5

No need for reapplying sunscreen during the day.

Reality

Sunscreen can only protect your skin for a couple of hours. You need to reapply the sunscreen every two hours and when at the beach, after swimming too. So what to do if you have already put on your makeup over the sunscreen? Will you need to start all over every two hours? We suggest that, instead of destroying your makeup, you dust a powder with sun protection over it when needed, et voilà.

Check our selection of SPF products to wear in the city

• CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion SPF 30: A budget-friendly option that provides both moisturization and sun protection. It is also formulated with ceramides to help restore the skin barrier.
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Ultra Light Fluid SPF 60: A lightweight, fast-absorbing sunscreen suitable for all skin types, including sensitive skin.
• EltaMD UV Daily Broad-Spectrum SPF 40: Sydney Sweeney is a fan. EltaMD is considered the best dermatologist-approved sun protection. It’s a lightweight, moisturizing sunscreen with hyaluronic acid and antioxidants.