Can You Mix Sunscreen with Foundation?
It’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month! Though we want to focus on getting sun smart this May, you should always take steps to protect your skin from UV rays throughout the year, rain or shine.
Sunscreen is one of the best ways to protect your skin from the sun, but what happens if you want to wear foundation as well?
Luckily, you won’t have to choose one over the other. Finding the right moisturizer and foundation with built-in SPF is easier than you might think! One of our favorite SPF foundations is the I CONCEAL flawless foundation with broad-spectrum SPF 30 in porcelain, toffee, and mahogany shades to match your skin tone.
If you’d prefer to mix your own sunscreen with your favorite foundation or tinted moisturizer, always keep in mind that your sunscreen will be diluted. That is, if you mix makeup with SPF 50, whatever ends up on your face will no longer be SPF 50, and aside from visiting a lab, there’s no way to tell how much you’re protected then.
Why Use Foundation with SPF Coverage?
One of the biggest benefits of using a foundation that also includes SPF coverage is that you won’t have to pick one product over the other. You’ll be able to wear your favorite foundation and still be protected from UV rays throughout the day–while being absolutely sure what SPF number you’re getting.
Try to go with the highest SPF rating you can find. Since sunscreen is not additive, combining a SPF 15 moisturizer with a SPF 30 foundation will not give SPF 45 level protection. Additionally, look for a broad-spectrum SPF that protects from both UVB and UVA damage.
This level of protection is not only perfect when you’re outdoors in the sun, or indoors sitting near a window, but can also help reduce the effects from blue light on mobile devices, computers, tablets, and other electronics.
Moisturizer and foundation with built-in SPF is great for the skin on your face, but what about your lips? The skin on your lips is just as susceptible to UV damage as the rest of your face. We love our PREVENTION+ daily defense lip enhancer SPF 15 for total lip protection all year-round.
How to Choose the Right Foundation with Sun Protection
Whether you’re looking for a simple foundation with no additional benefits, or one that includes UVA and UVB protection, you should always find one that matches your skin tone. There are a wide range of foundations that can match your tone and undertone perfectly.
Additionally, looking for a lightweight foundation that doesn’t cake onto your skin is important. Lightweight foundations with or without SPF can be combined with a moisturizer to help reduce the damage from natural sun and blue light pollution.
Finally, just like you would while looking for a regular sunscreen, make sure your foundation with SPF covers both UVA and UVB rays. Look for the term “broad spectrum.”
Other Ways to Protect Your Face
In addition to finding foundation with SPF, you can find the opposite: a sunscreen with a tint, such as our PREVENTION+ daily tinted moisturizer SPF 30. You’ll likely be able to find a higher SPF number by going this route. The only downside? While the pigment will be enough to even out your skin tone in general, it won’t be enough to cover darker imperfections like acne scars or sun spots.
Of course you can always simply layer. Our favorite moisturizer is the PREVENTION+® daily ultimate protection moisturizer SPF 50 as it not only has an uplifting citrus scent, but it also includes a hydrolyzed pea protein to help defend against the premature aging of your skin. Then you can put however much foundation you want over, or just on certain spots with concealer.
If you’re unable to avoid the sun during peak hours, wearing a wide-brimmed hat can help by providing a portable shade for your face and neck. Sunglasses can also protect your eyes from strain and fatigue during bright days, while also providing an extra layer of protection around your eyes.
Some of the most damage-prone areas of your face are the delicate areas around your eyes and lips. Sun damage can show up in the form of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, dark spots, and other signs of aging.
Stay sun safe and have a wonderful summer!
