Does the SPF in your make-up provide enough sun protection? 👇🏻

From our research into sunscreen habits in Australia, we found that only 54% of women wear sunscreen daily, and many rely solely on the SPF in their makeup. While foundations and tinted moisturisers may offer some protection, the real question is: are they enough to defend your skin against harmful UV rays?

What is SPF in make-up? Makeup with SPF is simply sunscreen added to makeup formulas. While it’s great that many cosmetic products include sunscreen ingredients, the reality is that makeup alone often doesn’t provide sufficient protection. Sunscreen ratings (and its effectiveness) are achieved based on a standard (and quite heavy) application of 2mg/cm2 of sunscreen standardise rating system. You would need over 6-7 times the required amount of traditional sunscreen when entirely relying on just makeup for your sun protection.

This means it would take a ton of makeup to provide the adequate protection that regular SPF would provide, and in most cases, people are not going to wear anything remotely close to that much foundation. Plus, makeup rarely covers every exposed area. We tend to skip our ears, neck, and chest — spots that are not only sun-prone but also common areas for skin cancer. The chest in particular is often left unprotected and is one of the first places to show visible sun damage.

Choose a TGA Approved Sunscreen When it comes to sun safety, using a TGA approved sunscreen is essential. Look for the AUST number on the product. If there’s no AUST number, it means the product isn’t approved for proper sun protection or is meant only for cosmetic use, which isn’t effective against sunburn or skin cancer.

For healthy, radiant skin now and in the future, never skip your daily sunscreen! Ensure you're incorporating it into your skincare routine for comprehensive protection against UV rays. To maximize your sun protection, here are three savvy tips to ensure you’re using sunscreen correctly:

1. Choose Wisely: Pick a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 that offers UVA & UVB coverage and is TGA approved (look for that AUSTL number).
2. Apply Generously: Don’t just put it on your face! Remember to coat your ears and extend it down to your chest if it isn't covered by clothing.
3. Be Generous with Quantity: Use about 1 teaspoon of sunscreen for each body area. This means one for your face and neck, another for your chest, and a teaspoon for each arm and leg.