Does my Foundation Count as SPF?

A typical dialogue from me to clients goes something like this. Hello and welcome to Essential Esthetics by Zoey. I am excited to meet you! Let's go over what you already use for your skin. Cleanser? Check. Exfoliant? Check. Mask? Moisturizer? Eye Cream? Check, check, check. What about an SPF? ... Well, I wear foundation and it has SPF in it. Does that count as my sunscreen?

I may try not to cringe or be harsh, but remember that I'm a shoot straight from the hip kind of gal and esthetician. The answer is no, it doesn't count, but it is great for an extra added layer of protection!

I once saw a YouTube video where I watched the amount of foundation that had to be applied in order for it to have the amount of SPF as it said it had. Do you know how many pumps? (Well, I do, because honestly, I couldn't believe that it was actually happening...) It was NINE pumps! N-I-N-E PUMPS of foundation to get the protection on the skin. Could you imagine? Our faces aren't that big. For foundation wearers, the average amount would be two pumps. This is a generous amount but allows you to use a brush or sponge or beauty blender to make it look like your normal skin and to blend down your neck. Watching him apply NINE pumps to the skin was absolutely hideous. 

The absolute BEST thing that you can do for your skin is to wear a daily SPF. This is your insurance policy. A broad spectrum sunscreen will protect you against UV-A and UV-B rays. Many also contain ingredients that also help with free radical damage, which is a major contributor to early aging. Don't have one you love? No problem. I do!!! And I'm happy to show you how to use it so that you'll be a raving fan!

Don't forget to 

Breathe. Let Go. Relax.

Zoey Jolley, LE