Cosmetics SPF Ingredients

The Dangers of Sun Damage

It's not just that nasty burn that makes the sun public enemy number one, it's also the host of other ailments it causes as a result of prolonged exposure to its rays. The list reads like an encyclopedia, but one of the worst things it can do is cause photoaging. This is essentially a premature form of aging that can make a person look years older than he actually is. As the skin is exposed to ultraviolet rays, it begins to weaken. These symptoms are just a few that manifest themselves with prolonged sun exposure:

• Reduced strength and elasticity
• Thinner skin that almost looks translucent
• Red, blotchy patches and veins
• Extremely parched skin
• Deep, stubborn wrinkles
• Facial and/or shoulder freckles
• Brown spots and liver spots

Sun exposure can, of course, also result in skin cancer, as well as benign tumors. Even a suntan is considered a "symptom" of sun exposure; it's not the fabulous bonus people might believe it is! In fact, a suntan is the skin's way of defending itself against those harmful UV rays. The skin produces extra melanin to protect the skin's deepest layers. That extra melanin results in the dark tan you achieve.

Fighting the Dangers of the Sun

Once you're up to speed on the dangers of regular exposure to the sun, you might be interested in learning how to combat its effects. There are several things you can do, but the first is obviously to commit to spending less time soaking up those rays. This includes limiting, or even discontinuing, any time spent in tanning beds. These beds expose the skin to the same harmful UVA and UVB rays that the sun does.

You'll also want to add a broad-spectrum sunscreen to your regimen. The sunscreen industry is enormous, with a product for everything from the face and body to hair and nails. Clearly, everyone is capitalizing on the growing interest in sun protection.

Even cosmetics companies are getting in on the act. Recognizing the crucial importance of sunscreen, many manufacturers now offer SPF-enhanced makeup. The primary ingredients are usually zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. These products are certainly a helpful addition to any beauty regimen, but it's important to note that they can not be relied on as your only line of defense against the sun.

The Effectiveness of Cosmetics' SPF Ingredients

There's a certain comfort involved in knowing that even your cosmetics contain ingredients formulated to protect your skin from the sun. Not only do they moisturize and last for hours; now they also ensure your skin's long-term health!

Not so fast, though. The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) advises that makeup enhanced with SPF does not provide a suitable amount of protection. In fact, say the AAD, the makeup would need to be reapplied every two hours in order to achieve a state of near-effective protection!

This means that foundation containing SPF ingredients is simply not enough to protect your skin from the sun. The product sinks so deeply into the pores that it isn't able to protect the actual surface of the face.

Ideally, you'll need to go the extra mile to really save face, so to speak. Roughly one teaspoonful of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 is recommended (try Clinique Super City Block Oil-Free Daily Face Protector SPF 40 – it's ideal for all skin types and it doubles as a primer for your makeup).

Makeup with SPF

There's no harm in using cosmetics' SPF ingredients as long as you're not relying on them as your sole source of sun protection. Here are a few noteworthy items:

• Tarte Smooth Operator: This lightweight foundation is great for those brutal summer days. It contains SPF 20, as well as a powerful cocktail of antioxidants (including rosemary extract and vitamins C and E).
• Laura Mercier Lip Kisses: Pamper your lips with color and protection all at once. Lip Kisses are infused with SPF 15 and are available in seven versatile shades.
• Sephora Bronzer Powder: Here's a way to enhance your glow without sacrificing your skin's health! This natural bronzer is available in two shades and contains SPF 15.
• Clinique City Cover Compact Concealer: Increase your defense with this clever little concealer. Use it to cover up those trouble spots and you'll instantly add some extra SPF 15 to your regimen.