Is an SPF in a moisturiser really enough?

If a day moisturiser contains a sunscreen it will usually have a SPF15 to SPF30 maximum. The sunscreens in the day moisturiser are sometimes not broad spectrum i.e. they do not cover UVB as well as UVA. The longer wavelength of light UVA can penetrate the glass of a car window and it is the UVA that is more prone to cause pigmentation.

Your moisturiser with an SPF will be sufficient:

• If you work indoors / in an office during the day
• Experience little to no sun exposure during the day
• You are not doing sport, swimming or sweating during the day

What is a Broad Spectrum Sunscreen?

A broad-spectrum sunscreen protection means that the sunscreen protects against both types of UV rays: UVA and UVB

UVA

Penetrates deeply into the skin causing skin ageing such as wrinkles, pigmentation, uneven skin tone, rough texture and also skin cancer. UVA = Ageing

UVB

Penetrates the top layer of the skin and can cause sunburn and skin cancer.

• The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) number is the UVB guide as to how long you can stay in the sun without getting sunburnt
• The amount of UVB radiation will depend upon the time of day, cloud cover and also the season. UVB = Burning

Treatment tips that can help with using an SPF moisturiser

• People with fair or sun-damaged skin, who work outdoors, play sports or drive long distances in their vehicle should apply an SPF50, broad-spectrum sunscreen on top of the day moisturiser in the morning and keep re-applying it as necessary during the day
• People with a darker skin tone are more prone to hyperpigmentation or melasma. UVA as well as High Energy Visible Light can precipitate and worsen hyperpigmentation. Therefore, in these persons, it is essential to use a high factor, broad spectrum SPF50 sunblock on top of their day moisturiser even if it contains sunscreen
• Choose a sunscreen that contains a tint (iron oxide) as this protects the skin from pigmentation aggravated by High Energy Visible Light
• If a person has normal skin, without significant sun damage or pigmentation, acne or blemishes and they do not spend long hours outdoors during the day, a moisturiser with a sunscreen of SPF30 should be sufficient

Skincare ingredients found in SPF moisturisers & SPFs

• UVA & UVB Filters
• Zinc Oxide
• Titanium Dioxide

Skincare products containing a SPF

Moisturisers with a SPF provide hydration as well as sun protection. Moisturisers with a lower SPF may not provide adequate protection if you have extended periods of sun exposure during the day.  Dr Webster recommends:

Normal or Combination

• CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50

Dark Marks

• MartiDerm DSP Cream SPF 50+
• NeoStrata® Skin Brightener SPF 35

Early Ageing, Fine Lines

• Obagi 360 HydraFactor Broad Spectrum SPF 30

Dry & Sensitive

• Dermaceutic K Ceutic

Oily, Acne-Prone

• NeoStrata® Sheer Hydration SPF 40

Red, Rosacea-Prone

• MartiDerm Rosarepair Fluid Emulsion SPF30

Mature, Sun Damaged

• NeoStrata® Skin Active Matrix Support SPF 30
• ISDIN FotoUltra Age Repair SPF 50

By using a broad-spectrum SPF, you can help safeguard your skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s entire range of UV radiation. Remember to apply and reapply the sunscreen as directed to maintain its effectiveness throughout the day. Dr Webster recommends:

Normal or Combination:

• Huxley Stay Sun Safe Essence SPF50+ PA++++
• MartiDerm Active D Fluid SPF 50+
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Invisible Fluid SPF 50+

Dark Marks

• ISDIN FotoUltra100 Spot Prevent SPF 50+
• mesoestetic mesoprotech melan 130+ pigment control
• Heliocare 360° Pigment Solution Fluid SPF 50+

Early Ageing, Fine Lines

• La Roche-Posay Anthelios Age Correct SPF 50
• Huxley Stay Sun Safe SPF 50+ PA++++

Dry & Sensitive

• Heliocare 360° Mineral Tolerance Fluid SPF 50
• Dermaceutic Sun Ceutic
• Heliocare 360° Fluid Cream SPF 50+

Oily, Acne-Prone

• Heliocare 360° Gel Oil-free SPF 50
• La Roche-Posay Anthelios UVMUNE 400 Oil Control Fluid SPF 50+

Red, Rosacea-Prone

• Heliocare 360° MD A-R Emulsion SPF 50+
• Bioderma Photoderm AR SPF50+

Mature, Sun Damaged

• Heliocare 360° Age Active Fluid SPF 50
• ISDIN FotoUltra Age Repair SPF 50