Is the SPF in my moisturiser the same as the SPF in my sunscreen?

If you’ve ever walked around a department store, you’ll have spotted skincare products that include SPF as one of their main selling points. The SPF that you find in your daily moisturiser undergoes the same testing for the SPF in sunscreen. If your moisturiser says that it is SPF 50, it will provide an SPF of 30. The difference between a moisturiser and sunscreen is that their formulas have a shorter staying power. These formulas are less resistant and have a thinner consistency than sunscreen, meaning that you don’t get the same protection from your moisturiser. It’s also worth highlighting that SPF moisturisers don’t necessarily also include UVA protection. If you’re looking for SPF, you want to make sure it’s also protecting you against UV ageing.

How do I know if my skincare routine is working?

When you spend hundreds (and possibly thousands!) on your skincare, you want to make sure that it’s working. Most skincare products can take weeks for you to start to see results. Consistency is key and you shouldn’t expect your skin to transform overnight. People get frustrated with their skincare routine when they’re not seeing results. The main problem is that people don’t know what they need and don’t need in their skincare routine. It’s easy to fall into the hype around the latest must-have skincare product, which might not work for your skin or even be needed in your routine. Niacinamide and tranexamic acid are two of these ingredients that not everyone needs, even though they’re constantly talked about. It’s easy to assume that you need to be using dozens of skincare products. The best skincare routines are those that focus on a smaller set of products that offer multiple benefits. You want every product to be working overtime to protect and rejuvenate your skin. Identify what your skincare concerns are and look for the ingredients that can target multiple issues. Vitamin A is one ingredient that almost everyone should be using. It can fulfil the place of retinol, niacinamide, and tranexamic acid. It’s an anti-aging ingredient that also works for tackling imperfections like acne and pigmentation. Most dermatologist end up taking their client’s skincare routine and removing products, instead of adding products. Take a close look at every skincare product in your routine and ask if you really need it. If it’s not working, swap it out for something that will.