How can we apply sunscreen and still have makeup?

Some women neglect one of the most important steps in taking care of their facial skin during their makeup and skincare routine. When applying makeup to the face with various layers of moisturizer, powder, highlighter, and concealer, it may seem difficult and challenging to use sunscreens and protective products. But how can we use sunscreen products during makeup application in a way that our skin doesn't feel heavy and layered? How should we reapply sunscreen when the face is already made up? Can the use of sunscreen products along with makeup provide adequate protection against harmful UV rays? In this article, we will answer these questions and provide you with some tips for more effective use of sunscreen when applying makeup.

The Importance of Sunscreens and How These Compounds Affect the Skin

The presence of SPF, or Sun Protection Factor, indicates that your sunscreen can protect your skin from UV rays (UVA and UVB). UVA rays can penetrate deep into the skin and cause age spots, wrinkles, fine lines, and hyperpigmentation, while UVB rays can cause sunburn and even increase the risk of skin cancer. Sunscreens contain non-organic chemical substances that can deflect both UVA and UVB rays.

Most dermatologists recommend sunscreens with an SPF between 15 to 50. Sunscreen with an SPF of 15 can block 93% of ultraviolet radiation, while SPF 30 can block 97% of UVB radiation.

When buying sunscreen, in addition to paying attention to its SPF, it's better to look for the following ingredients in their composition:

• Zinc oxide
• Titanium dioxide
• Avobenzone

Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide act as physical protectors against sunlight and prevent the penetration and absorption of UV rays.

Avobenzone also contains organic and inorganic compounds that deflect UV rays.

The use and coverage of sun protection products under cosmetic products

Given the way sunscreens and products with SPF work on the skin, the question arises as to whether "can using sunscreen products along with cosmetics provide adequate coverage against harmful sun rays?" The answer to this question is yes; there is no doubt about the effectiveness of sunscreen products under makeup layers, but you must be careful in choosing the type of sunscreen product you use. Generally, there are a few ways to add an extra layer of protection against the sun before makeup:

• Use a moisturizer with SPF
• Use face sunscreen creams
• If you want your sunscreen to have a suitable appearance under your makeup, always buy a sunscreen cream specifically designed for facial skin. These sunscreen creams are lighter than regular sunscreen creams and won't make your skin heavy or layered. Also, if you use face sunscreen cream, it is better to use a primer on it.

An investigation of the performance of SPF in powders

Some of the powders available in the market have SPF and to some extent protect the skin against harmful sun rays. However, is the SPF in these powders enough to protect the skin from UV rays? No, it should be noted that the most important function of powders is to provide coverage to the skin, and the formulation of these powders is designed to cover blemishes and open pores and give a beautiful appearance to the skin. Therefore, powders will not be absorbed into the skin like sunscreens and lotions, and the SPF in these powders is not enough for complete protection against UV rays. That's why, whether in hot or cold seasons, when you plan to go out of the house, you must use sunscreen products under your powder.

After using sunscreen products, before using primer or powder, be sure to wait a few minutes for these products to be absorbed into your skin properly.

Tips for using sunscreen under makeup

Remember that full absorption of sunscreen products by the skin is very important, both in terms of protecting the skin against harmful sun rays by full absorption of the sunscreen and also in terms of having a more elegant and beautiful makeup if these products are fully absorbed by your facial skin. If they are not fully absorbed, your facial skin may appear heavy and oily. This step should be the first step of your daily makeup routine.

1.Prepare Your Skin

Before starting your makeup, you need to prepare your face for better protection. Apply sunscreen to your entire face and neck and massage it well. When massaging sunscreen onto your face, use gentle movements instead of harsh ones to avoid irritating your skin.

Focus on areas such as your forehead, near your hairline, the corners of your cheeks, and your jawline. These areas are more exposed to the sun. Try to use enough sunscreen. Once you have made sure the sunscreen is evenly applied on your face, apply a little more to your forehead, near your hairline, the corners of your cheeks, and your jawline, and massage your skin. Finally, wait a few minutes for the sunscreen to be well-absorbed by your skin. This should be the first step of your daily makeup routine.

2.Use a Primer

 Using a primer is optional and depends on your preference and situation. You can skip this step if you want. However, especially in hot seasons, using a primer is recommended for longer-lasting makeup. Just make sure to remember that all skincare products should be applied under the primer, so if you plan to use a primer, be sure to apply it after the sunscreen.

3.Using Moisturizer with SPF

 If you have sensitive skin, it is better to use colored moisturizers with SPF. BB creams can also be a suitable choice for your skin. BB creams are a type of combination cosmetic cream that not only have SPF but also create a suitable coverage for the skin. So, by following these steps and finally using BB creams, you can create the highest level of protection for your facial skin and, due to the coverage properties of these creams, your skin will have a suitable and beautiful appearance for makeup.

4.Using Powder Foundation

If you are not using colored moisturizer or BB cream, apply powder foundation on your entire face and neck, and then perform other facial makeup steps such as using concealer, highlighter, and blush.

5.Using Makeup Setting Sprays with SPF

Makeup setting sprays with SPF not only prevent makeup from smudging but also provide good protection against harmful sun rays. To do this, simply use these sprays during makeup application or after completing your makeup.

How to Use Sunscreen Products on Makeup?

On average, you should reapply your sunscreen every 2 to 3 hours to ensure proper protection against harmful sun rays. But how can you use sunscreen on your makeup? Certainly, washing off all your makeup and redoing your makeup routine won't be an easy task. On the other hand, if we use a sunscreen cream or lotion on our makeup, it will ruin our makeup. However, there are ways to renew sunscreen on makeup that we will introduce below.

1.Using Pancakes with SPF

Using Sunscreen Spray Using sunscreen spray is a suitable option for women with makeup on. Since these sprays do not provide as much coverage as lotions and creams, you need to spray a larger volume during use. In this way, all parts of the skin will get the necessary coverage. Be careful not to touch your face until the spray is dry.

 By using pancakes that contain SPF, you can renew your sun protection. These products, in addition to providing some protection against sunlight, also make your makeup look matte and more attractive.

2.Using Sunscreen Spray

Using sunscreen spray is a suitable option for women with makeup on. Since these sprays do not provide as much coverage as lotions and creams, you need to spray a larger volume during use. In this way, all parts of the skin will get the necessary coverage. Be careful not to touch your face until the spray is dry.

3.Using SPF-containing Setting Powders

 Using setting powders that contain SPF is another option you have for reapplying sunscreen over your makeup. The packaging of these setting powders is designed to be easily portable, so you can use them to set your makeup wherever you are. These powders are also very lightweight, and will give your makeup a natural and uniform look.

Final Word

Considering the important role of sunscreen creams in skin health, the way these creams are used should be in a way that maximizes their effectiveness on the facial skin. On the other hand, it is not possible to simply forego makeup just because of using sunscreen. Therefore, to both protect your skin from the sun and be able to have the desired makeup, you must pay attention to the order of using sunscreen and makeup products during the makeup routine, and be sure to use suitable products that we have discussed in this article for reapplying sunscreen.