Sun protection for your skin is absolutely both a health and beauty necessity. When talking about sun protection, it is important to define terms, and debunk some dangerous myths. ‘SPF’ only refers to UVB protection (shorter, ultraviolet B rays that are associated with skin burning) and says nothing about whether the product blocks UVA (longer, ultraviolet A rays that are associated with skin aging and cancer). The majority of sunscreens – particularly American-made sunscreens which work with fewer and older ingredients – do not protect against UVA rays adequately, even though UVA rays penetrate the skin more deeply, and can even penetrate airplane, car and home windows. So broad spectrum (meaning a screen of both UVA and UVB) is the only way to go.
I created my SUN DROPS SPF 50 with these realities in mind. They can be applied before and after makeup and create a broad spectrum shield on your skin that protects it against UVA and UVB rays, while also providing skin with healing, moisturizing and anti-oxidative ingredients.
Can I Mix my Sunscreen with My Foundation?
It’s important that your choice of sunscreen does not come pre-mixed with makeup because you could be diluting the protective nature of your SPF, causing it to be less effective. I’d also always avoid mixing your sunscreen with your makeup – some of the ingredients in your moisturizer or foundation may compromise your sunscreen’s UV filters, making it less effective.
Does a High SPF Protect My Skin Better?
A sunscreen with SPF 30 will protect you from around 96.7% of UVB rays, and an SPF of 50 means protection from about 98% of UVB rays. Anything beyond SPF 50 makes very little difference in terms of risk of sun damage. Ideally, you should be using an SPF 50 and looking for broad-spectrum formulas, which protect from both UVA and UVB rays.
I’m Not Going Abroad, Do I Still Need Sunscreen?
Sun protection for your skin is absolutely both a health and beauty necessity, no matter where you are. Sunburn isn’t something that happens only when you’re on holiday, you can get sun damage anywhere you are, even on cloudy days and UVA rays (which play a greater role in premature skin aging) are a year round skin damager. So sun protection should always be part of a daily skincare routine.