Is Using a Moisturiser with SPF Included Enough for Adequate Sun Protection?

At Nakin we often get asked if our face moisturisers contain SPF as some customers like this to be included in their face cream. The answer is no, as we see SPF as a very separate product. SPF only has one benefit for skin and that is to protect it from the sun. So, including it in a moisturiser is not the best way to nourish your skin, and applying it on top of a moisturiser is a much better option. Our moisturisers are also for day and night use and so free from SPF for this reason too. This is because they are rich in natural actives and extracts that give all the hydration, nourishment and protection for both day and night use, and we see SPF as a separate product that needs to be applied just before going out, and reapplied during the day. Read on to find out why we believe that using a moisturiser with SPF included does not give adequate protection from the sun.

Most of us have been taught that using a moisturiser with SPF protection is enough to protect our skin from the sun’s harmful rays. Unfortunately, this is a common misconception. In this post, we’ll delve into the reasons why using a moisturiser with SPF included just doesn't give you adequate protection.

1. Insufficient Protection

The reality is that using a moisturiser with SPF included is insufficient protection as they do not meet the general guidelines that recommends using an SPF of at least 30 and reapplying every two hours. Some moisturisers contain sunscreen with the lowest SPF of 15, which, according to skin experts, is the least adequate level of protection required for the skin. Moisturisers are also not normally reapplied during the day and so their protection wears off.

2. Incomplete Coverage

When you apply moisturiser, you may not apply it thick enough or evenly to your face and neck. It's most likely that there will be areas with a thick layer while other parts receive only a little layer, resulting in incomplete coverage. This not only leaves certain areas unprotected but also increases the risk of developing skin issues and ageing your skin prematurely.

3. Wrong Amount

To receive adequate protection from the sun, it's important to use the right amount of sunscreen. Dermatologists recommend that you use a coin size amount for the face of SPF in moisturiser, which is often more than we use when applying a face cream and can make regular use very expensive.

4. Skin Irritation

Combining moisturiser and sunscreen into one product can be too much for individuals with sensitive skin or those with rosacea and more susceptible to sunburn. A moisturiser that is free from SPF provides some barrier protection when sunscreen is applied on top.

5. Lack of Consistency in Protection

The consistency of your sunscreen application determines how effective your skin is at blocking UV rays. Unfortunately, moisturiser is not the perfect solution to fight against UV rays since it does not provide you with consistent protection. Moisturizer can be rubbed off quickly by water, sweat, and clothing, ultimately affecting your sun protection.

A moisturiser with an SPF only provides some sun protection and does not provide enough coverage against harm caused by direct sunlight. Sunscreen should always be a separate product with an SPF of at least 30 when your skin is exposed to bright sun. A moisturiser with sunscreen might be better than nothing, but it is no match for a proper sunscreen. Remember, adequately taking care of skin requires reapplication of sunscreen with sunscreen every two hours, avoiding the sun when it is strongest and wearing protective clothing like hats and sunglasses. For more skincare tips and advice, take a look online at www.nakinskincare.com