Cracking the code on SPF - Your most asked questions answered.

It’s your daily non-negotiable and one thing everyone (credible) agrees on. 

There's no point using active skincare like exfoliants and serums if you're not protecting your skin by wearing SPF every day?

And with so many options now available it's easier than ever. From lightweight to sheer and glowy. There is an SPF for everyone. 

Here was answer your most asked questions on beauty's number one essential. 

 

What is the best SPF for me?  

3 simple answers:

1. One that you love and will use EVERYDAY.   

• Affordable enough for you to apply and re-apply in sufficient amounts, as needed. 

• Has a UVA recognised international symbol, or is Australian :) They have the best SPF laws for good reason. 

• Finding an SPF you love may take some trial and error, but it’s well worth the process of discovery for your daily beauty must have. 

As a guide: choose your SPF based on your skin type, i.e. normal, dry, oily skin types will likely want an oil-free formula. 

 

Do you need a separate face and body SPF? 

It’s really a question of personal choice.  

Face SPFs are more luxuriously and intelligently formulated which is why you tend to see a higher cost per ml. 

Face SPF are typically formulated to be non-comedogenic (it won’t clog your pores) and many come with additional benefits, such as antioxidants and vitamin E to reduce harmful free radicals caused by the sun. 

At team Skincare Edit, we are all for using a separate SPF for the face — including on our kids. 

 

Can I use my face SPF as a moisturiser and go without a moisturiser? 

Yes!

Most SPFs are a mix of occlusives, humectants, and emollients that all help with hydration, skin conditioning and most importantly locking it all in preventing TEWL (Trans Epidermal Water Loss)

So yes, you can definitely try using your SPF as a one-step combined moisturizer too. 

You can either cut the skincare step of moisturising, or add in an additional, more potent, serum to two.

If you have very dry skin, you will likely want to use a separate moisturizer.  It will all depend on you! 

 

Do you need to wait before applying make-up over my SPF? 

To get into the more technical aspects, like using a black light to examine UV coverage, it has been widely shown that makeup application can displace your SPF. Sometimes more than others. 

 

There are things you can do to help prevent this including waiting a few minutes before applying your makeup to allow the SPF to set and using a gentle hand. 

 

How do I re-apply SPF over make-up?  

A few members of the beauty community get obsessed with this and we’re all for that too.. But if you are not outside or in the direct sun - once a day application is absolutely fine. 

For days when re-application is needed: Sprays are one option.

Same goes with applying a light fluid SPF with a gentle make up brush. When done properly, it won't budge your makeup. 

  

How much SPF to apply? 

The general guide has been: 

• Face and Neck - 1/2 teaspoon. Then 2 finger approach. 
•  Chest, back, arms and back - 2 tea spoons each 
•  Legs and feet - 2/3 teaspoons each. 

The problem here is it doesn’t account for body size.  If you are taller, or larger in size – simply apply more.