Combination moisturiser with an SPF OR a separate moisturiser and SPF?

Our founder Bruce Green gives us his insights into whether a combination moisturiser with SPF is sufficient?

Due to the structure of our skin, we should be integrating both ‘hydrating’ and ‘moisturising’ products into our daily skincare since good moisturisation gets over a dry skin. Don’t think that because its cold and there is little sun that you can dispense with your sun block. Look for a moisturiser with at least SPF 30. SOS H20 Day Cream with SPF 30 is a must-have for any skincare routine; a lightweight daily moisture boost that leaves skin hydrated and nourished, or if its hot out there, choose an SPF 50 such as SOS SPF 50 Sun Cream – the UV rays reflect. SOS SPF 50 can also be used as a daily moisturiser and makes the perfect base prior to make-up application.

Does one provide more coverage than the other?

Double-duty products may make steps shorter and seem more efficient however you cannot always rely on your daily moisturisers or make-up products to give you adequate protection as often the SPF is too low (SPF 15) and to maintain an optimum level of sun protection requires regular application and re-application.

Whilst SPF is important to wear every day, the type of sun cream you apply can affect its effectiveness. Check the label to see if the sun cream you have protects against both UVA and UVB. SPF only accounts for the UVB rays, so it's imperative to choose a sunscreen that says “broad spectrum” on the label, as this indicates the product helps protect the skin from UVA rays as well. For example, SOS SPF 50 Sun Cream is a 5*, broad-spectrum formula that delivers UVA and UVB protection to help prevent premature skin ageing.

I recommend products with SPF 20/30 during the winter months (SOS H20 Day Cream has SPF 30) and SPF 50 during summer time (SOS SPF 50 Sun Cream).

Is just a moisturiser with SPF enough coverage if you were tanning on a beach for example?

If you’re using a serum or cream that is less than SPF 30, you should opt for a higher SPF in order to have effective skin protection. There’s also the matter of whether you’re relying on a makeup product with SPF such as foundation to protect against SPF, as this won’t give adequate sun protection. Wear a separate SPF product and apply this last in your skincare steps. My advice is to look for an SPF 50 Broad-Spectrum Cream.

Does one need more frequent topping up than the other?

Remember, no matter how good or effective your sun protection purchase is, it will only be as good as its application and re-application. We recommend every 2 hours – lots of swimming and sweating then more frequently. But apply liberally and uniformly for the best protection possible.

SOS SPF 50 Sun Cream is photo stable however you must always remember that in use the product will gradually be absorbed by the skin. Warm weather skin perspiration will dilute the actives hence in warmer weather we always recommend more than one application per day. 

So should we use SPF formulations all year round? In one word YES.

This will reduce / prevent cumulative sun exposure damage which can result in fine lines, wrinkles, discolouration and even skin cancer.

I recommend products with SPF 20/30 during the winter months (SOS H20 Day Cream has SPF 30) and SPF 50 during summer time (SOS SPF 50 Sun Cream).  Also look for Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide content as very effective physical protectants.