![]() ![]() ![]() "SPF application should be a vital part of your routine, even when it's cold and cloudy, in order to avoid damage to the skin," says Dr Rita Rakus, renowned cosmetic doctor. And while it might sound a bit over-the-top, you should ideally apply SPF all year round, regardless of whether it's summer or winter. SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and measures the level of protection a skincare product will give you against harmful sun rays and infrared radiation. ![]() If you're not entirely sure what SPF is and why it matters, don't worry. A broad-spectrum SPF that suits your individual skin type is always worth the investment, especially when you consider that its main job is to minimise sun exposure, protect you from sun damage and reduce the chances of skin cancer. It's a popular misconception that you can't get sunburnt in gloomy, cloudy weather – and let's face it, that describes 95% of UK days between the months of December and February. Think of them as a powder sunscreen that you can apply to your face, particularly if you dislike the somewhat greasy and sticky feel of suncreams. Wong.Just because winter is almost here doesn't mean you should sleep on SPF powders. "The upcoming FDA monograph excludes powder sunscreens, even though Colorescience submitted data on their powder sunscreen to the FDA for consideration," says Dr. Instead, the agency recommends sunscreen in forms like creams, sticks, butters, and gels. "This is a big problem with powder, since it tends to apply more unevenly than other product forms like lotions and sprays."Ĭurrently, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not recognize powder SPFs as an authorized form of protection. "B ecause skin is uneven, if you apply less than half the recommended amount, you usually end up with a lot less protection since it'll be patchy and you end up with a lot of uncovered ' hills' on your skin," says Dr. Realistically, though, it's probably even less than that. In other words, if you're applying an SPF 30 powder, at best, you're getting SPF 15 protection. Michelle Wong, PhD, Sydney, Australia-based cosmetic chemist.Elizabeth Kream, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist based in New York City.Powder doesn't stick to skin very well, so it's very difficult to apply the correct amount." If you apply less, you generally end up with lower protection and it's a linear relationship-for example, if you apply half the amount, you end up with half the SPF. "The SPF of a product is tested using 2 milligrams per square centimeter applied very evenly to skin. "You need to cover your skin in enough UV-absorbing particles or molecules, otherwise too much UV can get through the gaps to your skin and cause damage," says Dr. The reason? The amount of powder you'd need to apply to actually get the amount of SPF listed on the bottle is impossible to apply. But, according to cosmetic chemist Michelle Wong, PhD, these products don't provide nearly as much protection as you may think. If you're wearing makeup, there's no way you're going to redo your face every two hours just to re-up with a liquid sunscreen, so powder SPF is really the only practical option. Powder sunscreen is often recommended as a good option for touching up your protection throughout the day. While our editors independently select these products, making a purchase through our links may earn Well+Good a commission. With the Well+Good SHOP, our editors put their years of know-how to work in order to pick products (from skin care to self care and beyond) they’re betting you’ll love. ![]()
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