Is your SPF Day Cream as effective as a Sun Protection Cream?
Sun protection is a crucial aspect of maintaining healthy, beautiful skin. Faced with the many options available, such as creams moisturizing with FPS and sun creams As a result, it is legitimate to ask whether these products are equivalent in terms of efficacy.
The importance of daily sun protection
Why is Sun Protection Crucial?
The sun's UVA and UVB rays cause considerable damage to the skin, including premature aging and the appearance of dark spotsThis can lead to sunburn, loss of firmness and, in the most serious cases, skin cancer. That's why we recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, every day of the year, regardless of weather conditions.
Differences between Moisturizers with SPF and Sunscreens
Creams moisturizing with SPF are often perceived as less effective than conventional sun creams. However, they are formulated to simplify the daily skincare routine while offering sun protection. Is there any truth to this perception of lesser efficacy? Let's take a closer look.
Comparison between Moisturizers with SPF and Sunscreens
Formulation and Efficiency
Moisturizers with SPF and sun creams contain similar ingredients for sun protection. The main difference lies in their texture: moisturizers are generally lighter, while sunscreens are lighter. sun creams are often thicker. However, a product claiming a certain SPF has been tested for this effectiveness, regardless of its type.
Correct application for optimum protection
Dosage and Application
To guarantee the effectiveness indicated by SPF, it's crucial to apply the correct amount of product, i.e. 2 mg/cm² of skin. This corresponds to around half a teaspoon for the face, neck and décolleté. However, most users don't apply enough product, reducing protection.
Clinical Studies and Usage Behaviors
A 2019 study revealed that users cover fewer areas of the face with an SPF moisturizer than with a traditional sunscreen. For optimum protection, it's recommended to reapply the cream every 2-3 hours, especially during prolonged exposure to the sun or after swimming.
Protection complements
Additional protective measures
Even with an SPF day cream, it's necessary to take other sun protection measures: seek shade, wear protective clothing, and reapply sun protection regularly. These complementary measures help maximize UV protection.
Mixing Products: Good Idea or Bad?
It's not advisable to mix moisturizer and sunscreen together, as this can dilute the SPF and lead to incompatibility of active ingredients. For optimum protection, it's best to use separate products and layer them on top of each other, allowing you to benefit from the combined advantages of SPF and hydration.
Choosing the right FPS
Recommended degree of protection
For effective protection, a minimum SPF of 30 is recommended. Below this threshold, protection is insufficient. For mature skin or prolonged exposure to the sun, an SPF of 50 is preferable for better defense against UV rays.
Understanding SPF
It's important to note that SPFs don't add up. For example, using a day cream with SPF 15 followed by a foundation with SPF 15 does not offer SPF 30, but only enhanced protection. It's crucial to choose products with a sufficiently high SPF to guarantee adequate protection.
A day cream with SPF can offer effective sun protection if applied correctly and in sufficient quantity. However, for optimal protection, it's essential to complement with other sun protection measures, such as wearing protective clothing and reapplying sunscreen regularly. By understanding these nuances, you can make informed decisions for your daily skincare routine, ensuring the long-term health and beauty of your skin.
