One of the biggest skin concerns during the summer season is sun protection. In the short term, you are protected from tanning and dullness while in the long run, daily use of SPF can keep premature signs of ageing like fine lines and wrinkles at bay. This is why dermatologists recommend using sunscreen all year round to keep your skin healthy and happy.
Speaking of SPF, there are several makeup products on the market that come infused with sunscreen. But the question is, is it even effective? We wanted to settle the debate once and for all and say that yes, they do. However, there is a slight catch. Read on to get properly informed about SPF-infused makeup before you shell out your savings on them…
- SPF-infused makeup are often diluted
- SPF in makeup degrades faster
- The benefits and proper way of using SPF infused makeup
SPF-infused makeup are often diluted
Any product that has SPF on its label has been thoroughly tested for its Sun Protection Factor and only then earned the name. However, they are definitely not enough to block UV rays as compared to an actual SPF. In order to get full protection, you might need 7 times the normal amount of foundation or layer on 14 times the normal amount of loose powder. It is impossible to wear this amount of makeup, which is why they are not to be replaced with actual SPF lotions and creams.
SPF in makeup degrades faster
Physical sunscreens work by forming a protective layer on your face to provide broad-spectrum blocking of UVA and UVB rays. But the SPF in makeup is chemical in nature and gets absorbed into your skin and degrades faster. This is why they do not work as a sun-protecting agent on their own, even though they are formulated with potent ingredients.
The benefits and proper way of using SPF infused makeup
Even though SPF-infused makeup products are diluted and degrade faster, there are benefits to them. Most of us only apply half or the 1/3rd quantity of SPF than what is recommended on the bottle. This is why when you layer your SPF-infused makeup on top of sunscreen, it does amp up the amount of sun protection you’re getting. Plus, since you need to reapply sunscreen every 3-4 hours, an SPF-infused product like the Lakmé Sun Expert Ultra Matte SPF 40 PA+++ can come in handy.
The best way to use SPF-infused makeup is to layer them on your regular sunscreen. We are loving the Pond’s Sun Protect Non-Oily Sunscreen SPF 50 for the super hot summer. Make sure the makeup you are layering on has an SPF of at least 15 or above for it to really make a difference. Our pick for keeping our makeup grease-free and budge-proof is the SPF 20 infused Lakmé 9 to 5 Primer + Matte Perfect Cover Foundation. Do not forget your lips, the SPF 15 infused Lakmé Lip Love Chapstick is perfect for using as a nourishing base under your matte and creamy lipsticks.
Written by Sumona Bose on Apr 09, 2021
Sumona Bose is a writer, skincare junkie and a self-professed makeup connoisseur. Equipped with a Master's degree in Fashion Management and over 3 years of experience writing in the beauty and fashion space, her passion for learning new things has no bounds. Working closely with dermatologists, beauty excerpts, makeup artists and hairstylists, she brings you the best of all things beauty. From trending skincare ingredients to makeup looks that help you slay, she manages to bring something new (and vital!) to our readers every single time. Her hobbies include home workouts, watching foreign films and binge-watching makeover shows!