How Important Is SPF Makeup?

The importance of wearing SPF makeup cannot be overstated. Sunscreen can be found in a variety of cosmetic products, most often foundations and moisturizers. If you are a regular makeup user, SPF makeup can be vital to protecting the skin from damage caused by UV rays. Dermatologists warn that unprotected sun exposure can cause visible skin aging and even precancerous and cancerous cellular activity in the skin. SPF makeup is one of the most effective anti-aging products for daily use.

Sun exposure can lead to an uneven pigmentation and wrinkles. Without the protection of SPF makeup or sunscreen, the dermis of the skin can become damaged. Once the dermis is damaged the appearance of the skin can be drastically affected. Fine lines and wrinkles naturally occur in aging skin but will appear prematurely if the skin is consistently exposed to the sun without some form of protection.

In order for SPF makeup to provide the best possible protection it should contain an SPF 15 or higher. The use of sunscreen not only helps protect the skin from developing wrinkles; it will also prevent existing fine lines and wrinkles from getting deeper. The overall appearance of the skin can significantly improve with consistent use of SPF makeup.

Exposure to the sun can cause changes at the cellular level that increase the risk of skin cancer. As a result, sunscreen should be used year-round, not just when the risk of sunburn is most obvious. One of the biggest misconceptions about sun exposure protection is that it is only needed during the summer months. In reality, the skin is exposed to UV rays whenever outdoors, even if the weather is cloudy. SPF makeup is ideal because in most cases makeup is worn regardless of weather conditions.

Dermatologists and skin care specialists recommend that sunscreen be the last product applied to the skin. It is believed that layering products on top of a sun protection product can dilute its efficacy. SPF makeup foundations and finishing powders solve this problem because they are almost always the last product applied to the skin.

There has been an increased awareness of the dangers of unprotected sun exposure. Cosmetic companies have realized that consumers are looking for natural sunscreens that are safe and healthy for the skin. In response to the demand for natural alternatives, there are a number of mineral SPF makeup products. Mineral makeup is believed to be less irritating and looks more natural on the skin.

Although the melanin in darker skin tones provides natural protection from burns caused by the sun, sunscreen is still essential. SPF makeup can be found in a variety of hues to match and blend well with just about any skin tone. There are product lines designed specifically for dark skin and many include makeup with sunscreen protection.