Sunscreen, Why You Need it in Your Moisturizer

In my quest to find the latest and greatest moisturizer to purchase, I came across a long debated issue, to purchase a moisturizer with sunscreen or to go sans sunscreen. In the end, if you must know, I opted for a moisturizer with SPF 30. Why? Well for one, after seeing countless pictures of young actresses with premature wrinkles and messed-up skin due to excessive sun exposure (likely in the form of tanning), I've decided that SPF is a must. Secondly, I have fair, thin skin so I'd likely get red and not be all tan and glowy like other people so it's just better for me to purchase a moisturizer to prevent me from becoming a red tomato face. But that's all about me. What about you, right? Why should you look for a moisturizer with sunscreen and what number SPF if so? And who even cares, right? What about some product recommendations? Well this article will hopefully address these questions.

Why should you look for a moisturizer with sunscreen?

Having sunscreen in your moisturizer, even if it's winter or fall, will help you fight off UVA and UVB that comes from the sun. These types of radiation can cause skin cancer, premature wrinkles, leathery skin effect, and physically faster skin aging. Many people don't spend that much time out in the sun on a normal basis so they think that buying a moisturizer with sunscreen is useless and a waste of money. It's quite the contrary in my opinion because being out in the sun for only a few hours a day doesn't mean that these UVA and UVB won't affect your skin. This includes time spend driving in the car, walking to classes, or going from building to building. Thus, if you really add up all the time you're outside during the day for those "minute" periods of time, you'll probably be surprised that you spend a lot more time in the sun than you think. So to cut down on time wasted applying two products like a moisturizer then a sunscreen, it's best to just buy one that has a combination of both. This saves time and money in the end. Also, moisturizers with built-in sunscreens tend of have less of a greasy look and feel as the products are marketed to typically be more for moisturizing purposes than sunscreen benefits. However, it's all the same! In any case, being safe that sorry, especially when it comes to your face, is always the better option.

What number SPF and why?

The truth of the matter is, it is recommended that people wear SPF 30 and up. I use to wear SPF 15 on my face but have recently switched to SPF 30 for added protection. I must note that while there are benefits to higher SPF numbers, the higher up you go the more of a greasy, milky, white sunscreen effect your moisturizer will have. So...in other words, if you don't like the effects of SPF, try using something with SPF 15. The low number will result in minimal, if any sunscreen effect (oily feel or look, white, milky texture, sunscreen smell, etc.) on your face. If you can handle a little greasy-ness and choose to do so to protect your skin, then SPF 30 is your best bet. For those with the fairest of the fair skins, please opt for SPF 50 or higher as this will prevent freckles and skin cancers.

Who cares?

Most of my readers, you guys, are still young so I know it's hard to think about the future sometimes. But just realize that each time you go outside without sun protection, you're adding years to your skin. And trust me, while you may not be bothered with what you look like in ten years right now, you will regret it later on. Also, if you take a look at stars like Britney Spears and Lindsay Lohan (especially Lindsay), it's SOOO NOTICEABLE the sun damages their faces have suffered. On the pic I included in this article, take a closer look at Lindsay's face. She has sun spots, uneven skin coloring, leathery effects, and she looks like she's 29! You don't want this to happen to you, so start caring now!

Some Recommendations:

-DDF Ultra-lite Oil-free Moisturizing Dew with SPF 15 (HAS A MATTE FINISH FOR NO GREASY EFFECT AND IS OIL-FREE!!)

-DDF Mattifying Oil Control UV Moisturizer SPF 15 (GOOD FOR THOSE WITH ACNE PROBLEMS)

-Peter Thomas Roth Un-Wrinkle Day SPF 20 (HAS RETINOL TO HELP WITH ACNE; EXPENSIVE BUT WORTH IT)

-Neutrogena Healthy Defense Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 (CHEAP)

-Olay Complete SPF 30 Defense Daily UV Moisturizer (CHEAP)