MOISTURIZERS WITH SPF – DO THEY REALLY WORK?

Moisturizers with SPF sun protection have become the top choice for busy people, or anyone who doesn't want to layer on many products at once, precisely because they combine hydration with sun protection. But choosing the right SPF moisturizer for your skin depends on many factors. So do these multitasking products really work well, and what should you keep in mind when choosing a moisturizer with SPF?

1. What is a sun-protecting moisturizer (with SPF)?

A sun-protecting moisturizer is a moisturizing product for the skin with sunscreen ingredients added to its formula. It works in two ways: besides maintaining moisture, a moisturizer with SPF also helps protect the skin from the sun's harmful UV rays.

Moisturizers with SPF are becoming increasingly popular as people tend to simplify their skincare routines. These creams still have the advantage of a light texture that doesn't clog pores. Sun-protecting moisturizers have been tested and approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), so we can feel confident in their ability to help protect the skin.

SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how well a product protects against the sun over a certain period of time, shielding the skin from the UVB rays in sunlight and helping prevent sunburn and skin cancers.
By international standards, 1 SPF protects the skin from UVB rays for 10 minutes. The higher the SPF, the longer the protection lasts and the more effective it is against UV rays. Today, sunscreens range from SPF 15 at the lowest to SPF 100 at the highest.
However, these figures are only approximate, so a sunscreen's real-world effectiveness still varies with many factors such as the environment, the product's texture,…

Based on research by Franz Greiter, who invented the SPF rating in 1962.

In a daily skincare routine, sunscreen is applied last before makeup, after the moisturizing step, to form a protective layer over the skin. That is why many moisturizers come with built-in SPF.

The FDA treats sunscreen as a skin-protecting drug, with strict rules on ingredient ratios. SPF ingredients cannot moisturize or restore the skin's moisture. After about 90 minutes at most, sunscreen loses effectiveness and needs to be reapplied. So moisturizers with added SPF cannot replace sunscreen. They can only add extra sun protection for the skin.

2. What to keep in mind when choosing a moisturizer with sun protection

2.1 A texture that suits your skin

To find your skin's "perfect match", the first thing to consider is the texture of the moisturizer. Depending on your skin type, choose a gel, oil or cream texture… To pick the most suitable moisturizer with SPF, you first need to know your skin type. From there, you can work out which kind of moisturizer suits your skin.

• Dry skin: Choose an oil-based product with a rich cream texture.
• Oily skin: Choose a water-based or hydrating gel texture with a light cream feel.
• Sensitive skin: Choose a cream with soothing ingredients such as aloe vera extract,
• Normal and combination skin: Choose a hydrating gel moisturizer with a light texture.

2.2 Moisturizing ingredients

One of the keys to choosing a good product for your skin is checking the ingredient list. To keep your skin from drying out, the following moisturizing ingredients are essential:

• Hyaluronic Acid: Moisturizes and slows the appearance of wrinkles. It also helps firm the skin.
• Ceramides: Form a moisture-locking layer that protects the skin and improves dryness. This ingredient also soothes irritation and softens wrinkles.
• Niacinamide: Nourishes the skin from deep within while strengthening the skin's protective moisture barrier.
• Vitamin E: Has anti-inflammatory effects and speeds up wound healing. Vitamin E also forms a moisture-locking layer on the skin.

2.3 Sun protection factor (SPF)

SPF is an essential factor, because it determines how well a product hydrates and protects against the sun. Choose a moisturizer with SPF that protects you from both UVA and UVB rays. UVA rays cause premature aging, while UVB rays cause sunburn. Both can cause skin cancer. So choose a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher and use it regularly as directed.

2.4 Buy from reputable, quality-assured brands

Brand reputation is also something to look at when choosing a moisturizer. Major brands usually list full ingredient details as well as the expiry date and origin. This helps users understand the product and feel more confident.

Powerbright Moisturizer SPF50 – a 2-in-1 sunscreen and moisturizer that helps prevent dark spots

2.5 Read product reviews before buying

One way to find out which sun-protecting moisturizer is good is to read product reviews. Look for trustworthy reviews to get a clear picture of the product and see how effective it actually is and whether it causes unexpected irritation.

Benefits of sun-protecting moisturizers

Using a moisturizer with SPF is also an effective way to cut down the number of products in your skincare routine. You no longer need to apply a facial moisturizer and then layer a sunscreen on top. Protecting your skin becomes much simpler when the two are combined and you only use one product.

A good sun-protecting moisturizer helps shield your skin from the sun. It also keeps your skin hydrated and slows the appearance of wrinkles. At the same time, these products can help prevent the development of cancer and reduce the risk of skin darkening.

2.6 Tips for reapplying

Apply a layer of moisturizer before sunscreen for better hydration, so your skin doesn't lose water or feel rough. The best way is to apply moisturizer about 5 minutes beforehand, then apply a sunscreen with SPF 30 to 60 every morning before putting on makeup.

If you don't have time for sunscreen, or you have to rely on a moisturizer with SPF, make sure to apply it evenly over the eyelids, and reapply every 2 hours.

3. Moisturizers with SPF for each skin type

For the best skincare results, you should know how to choose a moisturizer that suits your skin's condition:

• Moisturizers are mainly made of oils, lanolin, glycerin, proteins, urea and vitamins. Some also contain alpha hydroxy acids (AHA), which exfoliate the skin and suit some very dry skin types. Choose a moisturizer with these ingredients for the best hydration. Glycerin can irritate the skin, causing redness, itching or stinging. So some people with very sensitive skin should avoid moisturizers containing glycerin.
• Choose a moisturizer with SPF 30 or higher that both hydrates the skin and protects it from the UVB rays in sunlight.

For common skin types, Luna would like to suggest a few ways to use these products:

• Facial skin is thin, easily damaged and more directly exposed to the sun than the skin on other parts of the body. So choose a moisturizer made specifically for the face.
• For oily skin, choose a light, gel texture that absorbs easily. The product should contain natural extracts with antibacterial properties. Avoid creams with exfoliating or oil-drying ingredients.
• For dry skin, the moisturizer should contain stronger hydrating ingredients. It should have a rich texture, with added oils, collagen, vitamins B and E, and exfoliating ingredients (AHA).
• For combination skin, dry on the cheeks and oily in the T-zone, pay attention to whether your skin leans dry or oily when choosing a moisturizer. Sometimes you need to choose your moisturizer by season and weather to suit your skin's condition at the time.
• If your skin is excessively dry, you should see a qualified doctor, because advice on the right medication or cosmetics is very important. Make a habit of moisturizing daily to keep your skin smooth and plump, boost collagen production, slow down aging and help your skin look brighter and healthier.

In this article, we've learned about sun-protecting moisturizers. If you'd like personal advice for your own skin concerns, let the Skin Master at Lunaria help you. Book an appointment at Luna via our HOTLINE ((+84) 36 347 4849) or book directly.

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