Are Tinted Moisturizers With SPF Enough?
For Charlotte’s Book
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Almost everything has SPF in it these days: but does a moisturizer, foundation, or BB cream offer enough sun protection all by themselves, or even layered? Recently, this reader wrote in to what our experts thought:
THE QUESTION
“I have a ton of foundations, BB creams, and tinted moisturizers with SPF—I wear one every day. Is that enough protection from the sun though? Should I also use a regular sunscreen to prevent sun damage?”
To find out, we spoke with Dr. Robert Anolik, cosmetic doctor, laser surgery expert and Clinical Assistant Professor at NYU School of Medicine and Weill Cornell Medical College. Here’s his reply:
THE ANSWER
“Tinted moisturizers and foundations with SPF are usually not adequate sun protection because people don’t use enough of it. You need to apply a full teaspoon of sunscreen to get the benefits of its SPF number. If you wear a tinted moisturizer with SPF 30 and don’t use that full teaspoon amount, you’re not receiving the amount of sun protection that you think you are. I recommend patients apply sunscreen first, and then go ahead and put on anything they want. If their makeup products have sunscreen in it, it’s just giving you more protection. Wearing a full-on sunscreen every day ensures you’re getting true coverage and protection from the sun.”
Related: Does Rob Lowe Wear Sunscreen?
CHARLOTTE KNOWS
Finding a day cream with sunscreen that doesn’t feel sticky or heavy is no small feat. Our faves are here. Earlier this summer, we decoded some sunscreen lingo—it’ll probably come in handy.
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