SPF… where to start?
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SPF. You’ve probably heard about it, you hopefully wear it, and now you want to know which one you should be using. I am going to cover all things SPF today as well as provide some of my absolute favorites (all different price points).
Sun protection factor (SPF) is incredibly important on our faces. We are exposed to UVA/B light and blue light daily now. It is imperative you are wearing your SPF daily to help combat signs of aging. Fun fact, SPF and retinol are the only two clinically studied products that have actually proven to help slow the signs of aging. That alone should get you on board with wearing it daily.
Which brand? What factor? Well, typically, I always suggest wearing an SPF on your face with at least a factor 30 or higher. Many of the sunscreens being introduced onto the market now are SPF 50+, which is amazing. However, it is incredibly important you are wearing the correct amount to actually have the full factor protection. Usually a quarter size amount is what is recommended for your face and neck (don’t forget your neck!). If you are wearing makeup as your SPF, I hate to tell you, it just ins’t enough. The amount you apply is no where near the amount needed to get the full protection it claims. Realistically, you’re probably getting a protection factor of SPF 10 at best if you are relying solely on makeup with SPF in it.
Some of my favorite SPF’s and why: If you are looking for one that has been clinically backed and recommended by the skin cancer association as well as most dermatologists, look no further than EltaMD. Most dermatologists offices sell it and it truly is an incredible product. My favorites are the UV Clear (tinted or non) and UV Physical. If you love Sephora, my favorites from there right now are the Supergoop unseen sunscreen and the glow screen. If you like drugstore, you really cannot go wrong with anything from La Roche-Posay. My favorites in the U.S. right now are Anthelios Melt in Milk face and body and Anthelios tinted sunscreen. My personal favorite sunscreen I have tried this year has to be the La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVmune 400. This is unfortunately not sold in the U.S. right now and so it’s a little bit of a pain to get. But, the texture is incredible and it leaves the skin so hydrated and dewy. I have gone through two of them already. Finally, two sunscreens I find myself constantly reaching for is the Sorella Apothecary tinted dew drops (amazing for layering under makeup and has the added benefit of being a serum as well as SPF with antioxidant benefits) and the Alastin Hydratint pro mineral board spectrum SPF (love this one for no makeup days around the house).
Bottom line, SPF should be the one product you don’t forget to apply daily. I hope you found these recommendations helpful! As always, let me know if you have any questions!
