In today’s beauty world, multi-step skincare routines are all the rage. From serums and moisturizers to primers and foundations, the perfect glow involves carefully layering products.
But one key step is often skipped or overlooked: sunscreen.
Despite its critical role in protecting skin from damage, only 17 percent of U.S. adults incorporate sunscreen into their daily routines. This leaves the vast majority at risk for sun exposure problems such as premature aging and skin cancer.
With new SPF products such as powders, mists and drops hitting store shelves, it’s important to learn how to blend sunscreen and makeup together seamlessly.
Why isn’t SPF in makeup enough?
A common misconception is that using makeup products containing SPF eliminates the need for a separate sunscreen or SPF moisturizer. While products with SPF do offer some protection, alone they may not protect you enough against the sun’s harmful ultraviolet, or UV, rays. Here’s why:
- Quantity matters. To achieve the SPF protection labeled on your makeup products, you need to use a significant amount. Most people don’t apply enough makeup to reach the necessary level of sun protection.
- Uneven coverage. Some makeup products with SPF, such as foundation, may not be applied consistently on the face. Product instructions often advise starting applying foundation in the middle of your face and blending outward, but this may leave some skin underprotected.
- Reapplication. For all-day protection, you must reapply your sunscreen, especially when you’re outdoors. You’re probably not going to want to reapply foundation or powder so often – it would quickly disrupt your polished look.
Integrating sunscreen into your routine
Start your day with a broad-spectrum sunscreen or a moisturizer with SPF as the basis of your sun protection routine.
Even if your makeup products contain SPF, consider them bonus protection, instead of the main source.
Sunscreen should be reapplied every two hours for proper protection. Whenever you touch up your makeup throughout the day, it’s also a great opportunity to reapply your sunscreen. Consider using a sunscreen stick instead of liquid sunscreen to minimize smearing your makeup.
What to look for in a sunscreen
When it comes to sun protection, not all sunscreens are created equal. Look for products that guard against UV damage and are free from chemicals of concern.
EWG’s 2024 Guide to Sunscreens revealed a concerning trend: Only one-quarter of nearly 1,700 SPF products sold in the U.S. meet EWG’s standards for providing balanced UVA and UVB protection while avoiding the use of concerning ingredients.
Sunscreens that offer broad spectrum protection, such as the ones that do well in our evaluation, help safeguard from harmful UVA and UVB rays. Avoid concerning ingredients such as oxybenzone and octinoxate, which can behave like endocrine disruptors.
And to reduce inhalation risk and provide a more even coating on your skin, choose sunscreen in lotion or stick form instead of spray.
Look for sunscreens with the EWG Verified® mark, which means they have been reviewed by EWG’s scientists and meet our rigorous standards for health and transparency. For sunscreens, it means they must meet a higher standard for broad spectrum protection.
EWG’s Skin Deep® database can also help, as it scores sunscreens and tens of thousands of other personal care products based on their hazards and ingredient data availability.
Sunscreens without harmful ingredients should be accessible to everyday consumers. The Food and Drug Administration should finalize its proposed sunscreen order, which would take an important step toward making sure all products on the market are safe for everyday use.
Overall sun protection
When it comes to sun safety, sunscreen should be used with other protective steps.
Wear protective clothing, hats and sunglasses when you’re outside. When the sun is at its peak, find shade under a tree or make your own with an umbrella. And remember to protect the often-overlooked exposed skin, such as your lips and the tops of your feet.
By making these steps part of your daily routine, you’ll enjoy glowing, protected skin – and be able to step out into the sun with confidence.
