A cleanser and a moisturiser are the basic foundations of skincare. They should be used every day, without exceptions. Another important step in skincare is the use of sunscreen. Not only sunscreen helps prevent sunburn, but it's also the best anti-aging measure you have against fine lines and wrinkles. However, when it comes to choosing the best sunscreen, a host of issues can arise. Some are too greasy, others are too messy and there are the ones that leave an unsightly white cast on the skin. A face moisturiser with SPF is often the solution to these issues.
What is a Moisturiser With SPF?
This product is nothing more than a UV protection moisturiser that combines the hydrating and SPF steps of your skincare routine. It is great for busy women on the go, but its benefits go further than this:
Sun Protection in a Skin Care Staple
You probably don't get as much sun protection as you need, and this may be probably because you forget to add the extra sunscreen step after your morning skin routine. Not having enough time to apply sunscreen and let it absorb also impact the amount of protection you get from the sun. Not using SPF regularly and properly cause sun damage to accumulate over time. With a UV protection moisturiser, you'll be more likely to use it. Plus, when sunscreen effortlessly becomes part of your routine, you have one less step to worry about.
Improved Anti-Aging Power
If fine lines and wrinkles are something that worries you, preserving your elastin and collagen levels should be one of your top priorities. An effective moisturiser with SPF will offer hydration, UV protection and antioxidants. Hydration ensures your skin barrier is happy and healthy so that it can better protect deeper layers of your skin - including the ones with collagen and elastin fibres. Antioxidants improve your sunscreen's protective power by defending against environmental damage, like free radicals and UV rays. UV rays are also known to cause dark spots on your skin. Keep in mind that the aging effects of UV damage don't always show up immediately, but they can certainly become more apparent as you age.
Ensures Your Moisturiser and SPF Play Nice
When you use moisturiser and SPF separately, a few issues can arise, such as pilling, or a heavy, greasy feeling. Pilling occurs when a product starts balling up after it's applied. The reason why this happens is that the product isn't absorbed into the skin fully. Pilling can be a big issue if you use moisturiser, SPF, primer and makeup - multiple layers of product don't always sit well. Furthermore, simply applying moisturiser and sunscreen on top can leave you feeling heavy or greasy. Many sunscreens contain ingredients, like beeswax, that create a blanket of moisture on top of the skin. You can eliminate these issues with a pre-blended face moisturiser with SPF. By combining two steps in one, you'll get to leave your skin with a light feeling as the product absorbs more quickly.
What to Look For In an SPF Moisturiser
As you know, the higher the SPF number, the stronger the protection against UV rays. A moisturiser with a factor 15 SPF will be probably adequate for protection during the winter months, at least. But as summer approaches, you'll want to consider getting a moisturiser with at least 30 SPF. If you are planning to spend time in direct sunlight, consider using sunscreen in addition to your SPF moisturiser. And don't forget to consider your skin tone need. This is the most important part of selecting any good product for your skin.
Best Practices for Applying an SPF Moisturiser
Like with any skincare product, there are a few simple rules you should follow to get the best sun protection and balanced moisture.
Use Enough Moisturiser for UV Protection
This should be easy given that moisturisers tend to be a bit more lightweight than sunscreen. Apply liberally! The rule of thumb is to use a nickel-sized amount for the face.
Use a Tool to Blend Your Moisturiser
A silicone makeup blender can help blend the product into your skin better without absorbing a lot of the product, like with foundation. This can also help minimize the appearance of a white cast when using mineral formulas. If the product leaves a white coast on your face, you can try resolving this issue by either rubbing it more or by using an SPF tinted moisturiser instead.
Wait for It to Dry Before Using Other Products
Waiting a few minutes will give your skin time to absorb the hydration it needs and helps to prevent the pilling issue mentioned before. Make sure to apply the product on the most neglected areas of your face like your hairline, eyelids, lips and ears. These areas are commonly forgotten but they still susceptible to sun damage.
