Living in Africa, pretty much underneath the hole in the ozone layer, means that we are more prone to UV damage than those living up north. We also know that to try to prevent this damage, we should be wearing sunscreen every day regardless of the season. Some people think that by using a foundation with SPF they can skip the real thing, but is this enough protection to avoid getting sunspots, wrinkles and even skin cancer?
Related: How to reapply sunscreen when you are wearing foundation
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Foundation with SPF: is it enough?
Many moisturisers and foundations now contain SPF because brands know that we have become more sun-savvy. The problem is that now many consumers think that they will get enough protection from their makeup and so they skip applying regular sunscreen completely. While this might seem like the right thing to do, unfortunately foundation alone is unlikely to offer the same broad-spectrum protection you would get from a high-quality sunscreen.
SPF refers to protection from UVB rays and not UVA, which is a longer wavelength and is the main culprit when it comes to damaged collagen. In order to keep your skin safe, you need to use a sunscreen with broad-spectrum coverage that protects skin from both UVB and UVA rays. Antioxidants – another ingredient found in many modern sunscreens – are also great for preventing environmental damage. And sadly, most foundations don’t include these ingredients or offer the level of protection required. Sorry!
Related: How to tell if your sunscreen is expired, according to dermatologists
This doesn’t mean you should toss out your foundation with SPF, though, as it can still give you some additional protection when worn over your broad-spectrum sunscreen. And, when it comes to your skin, the more protection the better!
Photo: iStock/Ridofranz
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