Is SPF 15 enough? Throughout my childhood, I was always able to tan to a nice dark brown. With my dark hair and brown eyes, I was frequently mistaken for a local, when my family traveled to countries like Spain and Italy. Then, sometime in my late teens or early twenties, for no apparent reason, I started to burn and was only able to achieve a very light colour. It was perhaps during this time that my love affair with SPF began. I began doing research and finally decided that an SPF 30, for everyday, would be ideal for me during the summer months or when I spend a lot of time outdoors. An even higher SPF is necessary when I spend the entire day outdoors.
I generally wear a sunscreen over my face cream and under my foundation every single day. I’ve found, however, that there are many misconception about the effectiveness of SPF found within creams and makeup. The problem with relying on the SPF 15, which is frequently found in face creams, is that it most likely does not contain titanium doxide or zinc oxide, which are the most effective ingredients for long term sun protection. To truly get protection, you need to re-apply your face cream every couple of hours during the day. This is not practical and realistically no one is going to do it. The best thing to do instead is to layer. Start with your favourite moisturizer first thing in the morning as its purpose is to nourish your skin allowing it to stay young and healthy. Then apply a layer of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or even 50. This will create a protective barrier between your precious skin and the sun. The zinc in the sunscreen will help to reflect the harmful UV rays away from your skin.
As much as I love the sun, its rays are extremely damaging to our skin. No one wants wrinkles or sun spots and so, as I see it, its imperative to take the necessary precautions. As an added bonus, this could also be the perfect time to try on a new hat. Perhaps a hat that’s out of your comfort zone, or a hat you might never have dared try before!
Is SPF 15 enough? What type of sunscreen do you usually wear?
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15 Comments
Being fair skinned sunscreen is totally a life saver.. however I never use anything higher than 15, because of the chemicals in more powerful sunscreen I don’t want that absorbed in my skin… I freckle so as long as I’m prepared with a 15, I’m usually good to go! Thanks for sharing Caroline!
Hope
hchdesigns.blogspot.com
I think the idea is that 15 SPF is fine but you just have to reapply it every few hours to make it effective. Another tip is to use mineral based makeup because it helps create a barrier.
xo
SPF 15 isen’t enough for me… 🙁
Kisses honey!!!
Even though I am spanish, my skintone is very pale, and every summer I say to myself: “I will be responsible with the sun protection” but then I want to get tan as soon as possible! I use 10 SPF but I like to sunbathe from 5 to 8 pm, when the sun is not beating hard.
Interesting article 🙂
Kisses!!
Even though I am spanish, my skintone is very pale, and every summer I say to myself: “I will be responsible with the sun protection” but then I want to get tan as soon as possible! I use 10 SPF but I like to sunbathe from 5 to 8 pm, when the sun is not beating hard.
Interesting article Caroline 🙂
Kisses!!
I know what you mean but it’s still so important to take care of your skin!!!
xo
Dear Caroline, I’m very careful when it comes to UV rays. I always use 30+ sunscreens.
Baci,
Coco
Coco et La vie en rose / Bloglovin / Facebook
That’s excellent and I think your skin will thank you for it!
xo
I am extremely fair skinned and burn so easily I have to literally wear factor 50 on holiday to stop me looking like a lobster! As a result I love SPF based beauty products. I’ve found that the benefit facial emulsion with SPF 15 is great for wearing everyday and protects my skin too but If I’m on holiday then I use the Elizabeth Arden sunscreen stick which like factor 50.
Natalie x
http://thetalkingwardrobe.com
Oh I have to try the Elizabeth Arden sunscreen, thanks for the tip!
xo
I use high factor as well, 50 or 30 in the face:)
I need to buckle down and start wearing sunscreen. It’s horrible. I do wear BB cream that has SPF 25 in it, but when it comes to playing outdoors, I almost always forget. Great post– thank you for the reminder!! 🙂
xo,
Stephanie
Diary of a Debutante
http://www.thediaryofadebutante.com
Most of the BB creams I used these days particularly Korean ones have at least SPF 30 PA++ on this or even more. Personally I think SPF15 is not enough and you’re right about the missing ingredients too on some for long term protection. 🙂 xx Donah
Completely agreed sunscreen is so important to our everyday life. Everyone should be using it. When I was younger I used to think that I didn’t need sunscreen because I was black and I didn’t burn. Thankfully, I got wise and started using sunscreen!
xo, Jackie
http://www.stylemydreams.wordpress.com