There are plenty of moisturisers with SPF on the market. They’re convenient and easy to apply as part of your morning routine in front of the mirror.
But can they really protect you all day?
Two researchers caution against assuming that a single morning application provides lasting protection throughout a summer day.
"Can create a false sense of security"
"Day creams and makeup are definitely not the same as sunscreen," Ellen Bruzell tells Science Norway. She is a senior researcher at the Nordic Institute of Dental Materials and has researched, among other things, additives in sunscreen.
Annonse
The lowest permitted SPF in Norway and throughout the EU is SPF 6, according to Bruzell. There is also a specified amount that must be applied each time.
"It can create a false sense of security, partly because people apply a thinner layer of day cream and don't reapply it as they would with sunscreen," she says.
SPF 15 in a day cream offers the same level of protection as SPF 15 in sunscreen, she adds.
"But sunscreens are subject to stricter requirements than day creams and other cosmetic products," she says.
For a sunscreen to be effective, you need to use enough of it, says researcher Ellen Bruzell.(Photo: Nordic Institute of Dental Materials)
"Applied more thinly and less often"
Bruzell notes that the UV filters used must be approved for both types of products, according to EU regulations.
"But day creams may contain pigments that can be affected by sunlight," says Bruzell.
Berit Granum, a researcher at the Norwegian Institute of Public Health, also points out that these products are typically used for completely different reasons. She studies chemicals in products.
"Sunscreen is specifically used to protect against sunlight, so people are more likely to reapply it while they are exposed to the sun," she says.
The same should be done with a face cream containing UV filters, says Granum.
Believe they serve different purposes
To be effective, it must be applied repeatedly and in adequate amounts. However, Granum believes this is more realistic with sunscreen than with moisturisers.
"Face creams are mainly used to moisturise the skin and are usually applied once in the morning and sometimes in the evening, in smaller amounts than sunscreen. With this kind of use, the UV filters in the face cream won't provide enough protection throughout the day," says Granum.
"Could moisturisers with SPF be sufficient during the winter months when UV rays are weaker?"
Annonse
"You don't need creams with UV filters in Norway during the winter months," says Granum.
Berit Granum recommends always choosing fragrance-free sunscreens for children.(Photo: Norwegian Institute of Public Health)
"Not the same as sunscreen"
Bruzell stresses that moisturisers are not a full replacement for sunscreen.
"It's not the same as a sunscreen. People may be misled into thinking they are better protected than they actually are," she says.
So what should you look for when choosing a sunscreen?
"Should protect against both UVA and UVB"
"In Europe, sunscreens must have both UVB and UVA filters and be labelled accordingly," says Bruzell.
This is not necessarily the case for day creams. Some only include UVB protection, meaning they don’t shield against radiation that penetrates deeper into the skin.
UVB rays affect the outer layers of the skin, while UVA rays penetrate deeper and remain relatively constant throughout the year. We are also exposed to UVA rays when it is cloudy. UVB is more hindered by the atmosphere.
There are many types of sunscreen to choose from, and it's not always easy to know what to pick.
"If you need to buy sunscreen abroad, it's a good idea to choose fragrance-free options, as some people react to perfume ingredients," says Bruzell.
Granum agrees.
"Fragrances are not necessary for the effectiveness of sunscreens. Some can cause skin irritation and contact allergies. This is especially important when choosing sunscreen for children. I always choose fragrance-free options for them," she says.
