Body moisturizer with SPF: how to choose and use it

What is an SPF body moisturizer?

An SPF body moisturizer is a moisturizing product that also contains sunscreen ingredients to protect skin against ultraviolet radiation, called UV. The sunscreen ingredients provide the sun protection; the moisturizing function does not replace them. Combining the two functions is fine, but the bottle's second job does not excuse it from sunscreen duties.12

SPF describes protection against sunburn, primarily from UVB rays. Broad spectrum means protection against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA contributes to skin aging and can penetrate clouds and window glass. A high SPF number alone does not tell you that a product provides broad spectrum protection, so look for both claims.23

What should you look for on the bottle?

• Choose SPF 30 or higher and broad spectrum protection. In the UK, look for at least four star UVA protection; UVA inside a circle also indicates that a product meets the EU standard.
• Choose water resistance for outdoor use, particularly if you will sweat or swim.
• Choose a formula intended for your skin type. For sensitive skin, look for a product labeled for sensitive skin.
• Check the expiry date and application directions before buying or using the product.

Effective sunscreen and moisturizing options exist across price ranges, so the receipt is not a protection rating. Put the protection claims, skin type and directions ahead of promises about looking younger. A hypoallergenic label means a lower risk of an allergic reaction, not that a reaction is impossible.1

Sunscreen formulas can contain mineral filters, chemical filters or combinations of filters. Mineral sunscreens commonly use zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. Both mineral and chemical filters protect mainly by absorbing UV radiation. Smaller mineral particles can reduce visible white residue. Choose by the finished product's protection ratings rather than assuming that one ingredient name settles the choice.3

How do you apply SPF body moisturizer?

1. 1Read the product's directions. Apply before sun exposure, not after you have arrived in the sun. General sunscreen guidance is to apply 15 minutes before going outdoors.
2. 2Cover all exposed skin generously and evenly. Rub the product thoroughly into your skin rather than spreading a small amount as thinly as possible.
3. 3Include commonly missed areas such as the backs of your hands, neck, ears, shoulders and tops of your feet. Ask someone to help with your back if it is exposed.
4. 4Reapply every two hours outdoors. Reapply promptly after swimming, sweating, towel drying or rubbing the product off, following the label.
5. 5Use clothing and shade alongside sunscreen. Covering more skin reduces the area that needs sunscreen, but sunscreen alone is not complete sun protection.

For an adult's entire body, a useful guide is about seven teaspoons, or 35 ml. That includes roughly one teaspoon each for the face and neck, each arm, each leg, the front and the back. The amount needed depends on body size and how much skin is exposed. Applying sunscreen too thinly reduces its protection.456

For prolonged sun exposure with a risk of burning, UK guidance advises two applications: one 30 minutes before going out and another just before leaving. Whichever routine you follow, cover every exposed area and follow the product's directions. Use an SPF lip balm for lips rather than putting body moisturizer in your mouth or near your eyes.24

Is one morning application enough?

No, not for a day outdoors. The two hour reapplication rule still applies when sunscreen comes in a moisturizer. Sun exposure happens during ordinary walks as well as holidays, including cloudy days and winter. Checking the UV index helps you plan: daily sunscreen is recommended when the index is forecast to reach three or higher.157

Water resistant does not mean waterproof. In the US, water resistant sunscreen labels state whether protection lasts for 40 or 80 minutes during swimming or sweating. Water, sweat and towel drying still make reapplication necessary. A higher SPF is not permission to stay outside longer or skip the next application.24

What results should you expect?

Correctly applied sunscreen helps protect against sunburn, skin cancer and premature skin aging. Moisturizer can reduce the appearance of fine lines. Give a sunscreen and moisturizer routine a few weeks before judging visible changes. Aging claims should stay modest, because a moisturizing cream is not a facelift with a screw cap.15

No sunscreen blocks all UV radiation. Use shade, a hat and clothing that covers exposed skin, especially during strong sunshine. Tightly woven fabrics offer protection, and clothing with a UPF rating of 30 or higher provides good protection. Change into dry clothes after swimming because wet fabric is often less protective.37

Who should be careful?

Consider testing a new SPF moisturizer on a small patch of skin first. Stop using the product if you develop a rash, itching or another skin reaction. Ask a health professional about concerns or choose a product with different ingredients. For babies younger than six months, ask a health professional before using sunscreen and keep them out of direct sunlight.6

Take extra care if you burn easily, have many moles or freckles, have a condition that increases sun sensitivity, or have a family history of skin cancer. People of every skin tone can get skin cancer. Seek medical help for sunburn if you feel unwell or your skin swells badly or blisters. Report a new growth or a mole that changes size, shape or color to a doctor promptly.4

How should you store it?

Keep the container away from excessive heat and direct sunlight. Outdoors, keep it shaded or wrapped in a towel. Discard expired sunscreen. For US sunscreen without an expiry date, discard it three years after purchase; if you do not know how old it is, discard it. Check any stated limit on how long the product lasts after opening, too.24