Cosmetics and SPF: fact or fiction

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Most women are aware that countless beauty lines offer a plethora of products containing SPF. What few women know is SPF in makeup and moisturizers offers inadequate protection.

Although many modern cosmetics and particularly certain moisturizers contain SPF ratings as high as 15, this protection is actually far more limited and should not be considered sufficient without additional suncreen for prolonged exposure.

Cosmetic SPF is usually absorbed by the skin rather than kept on the surface as makeup seeps into our pores. For minimal durations (walking to your car) the SPF in your moisturizer or makeup may be sufficient. But for any extended summertime exposure, it is necessary to have additional protection. Sunscreen must be re-applied at least every three to four hours to be effective. Generally, women do not re-apply moisturizer or foundation throughout the day.

SPF in moisturizers is not particularly effective because sun block should be applied to clean, dry skin. Mixing SPF with moisturizers prevents the sunscreen from effectively adhering to the skin and protecting the skin. And SPF in moisturizer is actually less effective then SPF in makeup.

The SPF in makeup or moisturizers lasts as long as the product does. As your makeup fades, so does it's protection.

The effectiveness of SPF in lipsticks and glosses is also suspect as these products are typically formulated not to be absorbed. Not only does makeup not bind to the skin as well as sunscreen, but when sunscreen is combined with something else, it often does not retain all of it's UV filtering properties.

At the best of times, even those who use traditional sunscreens are not being adequately protected. Sunscreen must be applied liberally and most sunscreen users are only applying 50 per cent of the recommended amount so they are only receiving 50 per cent of the SPF protection.

Applying that logic to cosmetics, it is extremely unlikely that women apply enough product to get the SPF protection promised on the label, assuming that SPF in makeup was effective in the first place. To make matters worse, many women mistakenly believe using more than one product that contains sunscreen increases their protection. Not only do two sunscreens not add up to a larger SPF number, but combining two suncreen products often diminishes SPF values.

One must ask: if it isn't effective, why are an increasing number of skin care and cosmetic companies including SPF in their products? It's confusing, misleading and potentially dangerous. Clearly, as a consumer today, you must be informed, be vigilant and beware.

We are approaching the nice weather. The sun is shining (well, hopefully it is when you are reading this), so grab your suncreen and let's get ready for an amazing spring!

Suzanne DeLong is the owner of Made You Blush, located on Main Street in Woodstock.