Are moisturizers with SPF as effective as sun creams ?

Moisturizing cream with SPF is a practical solution that combines skin care with daily sun protection. It is suitable for all skin types: normal, dry, combination or oily. Thanks to its built-in sunscreen, often with SPF 30 or higher, this facial moisturizer provides effective protection against UVA and UVB rays. In addition to nourishing the skin and preserving its natural hydration, it prevents skin damage linked to sun exposure, while reducing the need to apply several different products.

Enriched with ingredients likehyaluronic acid, this cream boosts the moisturizing effect, making it an ideal choice for daily use. It’s perfect for those looking for a balance between a moisturizing cream and a facial sun protection, while simplifying their skincare routine.

Why look for a 2-in-1 ?

Opting for a moisturizer with SPF means choosing simplicity andeffectiveness in your skincare routine. Here are the main advantages of this hybrid product:

• Time-saving: By combining moisturizing and sun protection in a single step, you simplify your routine, making it quicker and smoother. No need to apply moisturizer and sunscreen in succession.
• Effective UV barrier: these creams offer broad-spectrum protection against UVA and UVB rays, reducing the risk of sunburn and premature photoaging.
• Continuous hydration: As well as protecting your skin from the sun, they ensure optimal hydration, often reinforced by ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, renowned for its moisturizing properties.
• Adapted formulation: Most of these creams are non-comedogenic and suitable for all skin types, including combination, oily or sensitive skin. Their light texture prevents pores from becoming clogged.
• Protection against environmental aggression: some SPF skincare products also protect against the blue light of screens, limiting skin damage caused by the urban environment.
• Cost-efficiency: By replacing two products with one, you benefit from a multifunctional product at a more attractive price, while simplifying your routine.

How does an integrated SPF work ?

Index 30, 50 or 50+: what is the minimum threshold ?

The SPF, or sun protection factor, represents the level of protection a cream offers against UVB rays, the main cause of sunburn. When an SPF is incorporated into a moisturizing cream, it means that the product combines both skincare and sun protection, making daily use more convenient.

In general, SPF 30 is recommended as the minimum threshold for effective protection of facial skin. This level of protection blocks around 97% of UVB rays, which is sufficient for most situations.

Higher SPFs, such as 50 or 50+, offer a reinforced barrier, particularly useful for prolonged exposure to the sun or for sensitive skin. However, it’s important to note that choosing a higher SPF doesn’t mean doubling protection, but slightly increasing the ability to filter UV rays.

The SPF built into a moisturizing face cream acts by filtering or reflecting UVA and UVB rays, depending on the filters used in the formulation. For this protection to be fully effective, it must be applied correctly and renewed regularly, even when combined with a moisturizer.

Finally, it’s important to follow application instructions, particularly in terms of quantity and frequency, to ensure protection adapted to your skin type and level of sun exposure.

SPF moisturizer vs. sunscreen face cream: the differences

Although SPF moisturizers and facial sunscreens share the same protective function against UVA and UVB rays, there are several key differences.

First of all, texture: sun creams are often thicker, formulated specifically as sunscreens to form an effective physical or chemical barrier on the skin. Moisturizing creams with sun protection, on the other hand, are designed to provide a lightweight treatment with enhanced moisturizing power, often enriched with active ingredients such as hyaluronic acid.

Secondly, the concentration and type of sunscreens can vary. Facial sunscreens generally offer a higher SPF and broad-spectrum coverage, suitable for prolonged or outdoor exposure.

Moisturizing creams with SPF target moderate daily protection, sufficient for everyday use in town or in less intense exposure conditions.

Another point to consider concerns the application dose: to achieve the efficacy indicated on the packaging, the quantity applied must be sufficient. However, users often don’t apply enough SPF moisturizer, which reduces its effective protection compared to a properly applied sun cream. Finally, sunscreen is often formulated to resist water and perspiration, which is not always the case with SPF moisturizers.

After the sun, your skin deserves care that’s as gentle as it is effective.
Redness, tightness, dryness, discomfort… Exposure to the sun and heat can make sensitive skin even more fragile. Hormonal changes, oxidative stress, pollution, humidity or dry air disrupt the cutaneous barrier, leaving skin dehydrated and vulnerable.

[MY] Velouté Corps Douceur has been specially formulated to provide a genuine plant-based dressing for skin weakened by external aggression, particularly after a day in the sun.

Its melting, non-greasy whipped cream texture envelops the body in a soothing, ultra-nourishing veil.
At the heart of its formula :
– Chicory inulin & oats, two natural prebiotics that rebalance the skin’s microbiota and strengthen its protective barrier.
– Red algae, aloe vera and roucou seed, soothing and antioxidant active ingredients that combat oxidative stress linked to sun exposure.
– Omegas 6 & 9, for intense nutrition and suppler, more comfortable, stronger skin.

Result: rehydrated, soothed, soft and luminous skin.

Choosing your formula: mineral or organic filters ?

Ingredients to avoid in daily formulas

For everyday use, it’s essential to avoid certain potentially irritating or allergenic substances in moisturizers with SPF or facial sunscreens. Here’s a list of ingredients to avoid:

• Oxybenzone: This chemical sunscreen is controversial because of its allergy risk and negative impact on the environment.
• Octocrylene: Another chemical filter often associated with skin reactions and possible marine pollution.
• Allergenic fragrance: Used to mask filter odors, it can cause irritation, especially for people with sensitive skin.

By choosing formulas without these components, you protect your skin while reducing the risk of irritation, especially if it’s fragile or prone to allergies. It’s also worth noting that mineral filters such aszinc oxide and titanium dioxide are often better tolerated by sensitive skin. These filters offer immediate, natural protection against UVA and UVB rays, making them an ideal option for everyday use.

Application & reapplication: 4 essential steps

To make the most of the protection offered by your SPF moisturizer, it’s important to adopt the right application and reapplication technique. Here are four essential steps to incorporate into your routine:

• Apply a generous amount: For optimum protection, use around two phalanges of face cream. This ensures sufficient coverage of all exposed areas, including the nose, forehead, cheeks and chin.
• Spread evenly: Gently massage the cream from the center of the face outwards. This ensures even distribution. Also consider often-overlooked areas such as the temples, eye contour, jawline, neck and nape of the neck.
• Apply before exposure: For maximum effectiveness, apply moisturizer with SPF about 15 to 20 minutes before exposure to the sun. This allows the sunscreens to adhere properly to your skin.
• Reapply regularly: Reapply your moisturizer at least every two hours. Reapply immediately after perspiring, swimming or toweling off, to maintain constant sun protection throughout the day.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your skin has an effective sun barrier, while enjoying the moisturizing benefits of your skincare product. This is particularly important for all skin types, whether normal, dry, combination or oily.

FAQ

Is an SPF moisturizer enough in midsummer ?

A moisturizing cream with SPF may be suitable for moderate sun exposure, such as in town or on short outings. However, in midsummer, with prolonged or intense exposure, it’s best to use a specific sun face cream with a high SPF (50 or more) and a water-resistant formula. This ensures better protection against UVA and UVB rays, which are particularly powerful at this time of year.

Can it be used under make-up ?

Yes, moisturizing cream with SPF is ideal as a base under make-up. It provides hydration while protecting the skin from the sun. Remember to apply a sufficient quantity and wait for the product to penetrate well before applying make-up, so as not to alter the sun protection barrier.

How much to apply to the face ?

For optimum SPF protection, we recommend using about two phalanges of cream. This ensures even coverage of the face and neck. Insufficient application significantly reduces the effectiveness of protection against the sun’s rays.

Are there fragrance-free formulas for sensitive skin ?

Absolutely, there are moisturizers with SPF designed specifically for sensitive skin. These formulas avoid potentially irritating ingredients, such as allergenic fragrances, oxybenzone or octocrylene. They often favor gentle mineral filters, guaranteeing optimal tolerance for reactive skin.

Can I use an SPF moisturizer every day ?

Absolutely. Applying a moisturizer with SPF every day is an essential habit to protect your skin against premature aging caused by UV rays, as well as to reduce the risk of skin damage.

Whether in winter or on cloudy days, this protection acts as an effective barrier against harmful rays, helping to preserve your skin’s health and radiance.

The essentials about SPF moisturizers

Moisturizing creams with SPF are the ideal solution for combining facial care and sun protection in your daily routine. They provide a perfect balance between optimal hydration and an effective barrier against UV rays, while adapting to most skin types. What’s more, they considerably simplify your beauty routine.

However, in the event of intense or prolonged exposure to the sun, we strongly recommend complementing their use with a specific sun cream offering high protection.

Remember to apply your product evenly and reapply regularly for optimum effectiveness. Adopt a moisturizing cream with SPF today to protect your skin while caring for it on a daily basis.