When it comes to sun protection and SPF usage, there are some tricks that will help to ensure you’re being as sun safe as possible. One thing that’s not talked about often is the mixing or layering of sunscreen products. Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you’re using your sunscreen products properly.
Should you mix sunscreens?
There are a number of reasons you may want to combine two sunscreens. Maybe you want to use a favorite tube, but don’t have quite enough so you mix it with a new bottle, or maybe you’re trying to achieve a higher SPF. Whatever the reason is you’re thinking about mixing sunscreens…STOP!
Mixing sunscreen is not a good idea, and it can lead to less effective protection against UV rays. There are a few exceptions to this rule:
- It’s okay to mix an old bottle and a new bottle of the exact same sunscreen
- It’s okay to layer your sunscreens if you wait the proper amount of time (keep reading to learn more)
Should you layer sunscreen? Wait time is essential…
Applying multiple layers of different sunscreen products can be done safely and effectively if (and only if) you wait the proper amount of time in between. While layering sunscreen won’t mean less reapplication, it might mean more effective coverage.
One common instance where we might layer sunscreen products is when you’re using a tinted foundation with SPF with a facial moisturizer SPF. Usually, tinted foundations with SPF do not have enough sun protection alone, so pairing it with a traditional facial SPF means you get the protection you need and you might even like the way your makeup looks.
Important: In order to use layering as a benefit and not in a harmful way (like mixing), you need to apply each layer and let it dry for 15 mins or until dry to the touch. This ensures it has time to soak into the skin and is fully absorbed.
Rock it like a Redhead!
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