The proper application of sunscreen is important to ensure protection of the skin against ultraviolet (UV) damage. 

 

A new study published in Skin Research and Technology compared the sun protection factors (SPF) of sunscreen and makeup products after consecutive layering of the products.

 

The findings revealed that the SPF of each sunscreen and makeup product was dramatically lower than stated on the label—upon application of a typical amount used by a consumer—which was lower than recommended. For high-SPF products, the drop in effective protection was proportionally greater than those for the low-SPF products—upon application of lower doses. On the other hand, layering sunscreen and makeup products greatly increased the effective SPF compared with that achieved by single application of each product, even when the amount of each product used was below the recommended level.

 

It was inferred that layering sunscreen with makeup may compensate for insufficient sunscreen application in real-life conditions—by providing an additional source of UV protection and improving the homogeneity of coverage. Therefore, recommending consecutive application of sunscreen and makeup products may be a practical and useful approach to improving UV protection that would not require additional steps in the facial care routines of many individuals.

 

Source: Skin Research and Technology. 2021 Mar 3. doi: 10.1111/srt.13010.