Creating products with SPF, or sun protection factor, helps individuals simplify their skin care routine and utilizes a beneficial ingredient for healthy skin. A formulation chemist helps create products with the right combination of elements in a stable formula. Freelance Formulations is a development laboratory certified to make all-natural, over-the-counter formulas. Here are five reasons to add SPF to your skin care products:
1. Block Sunburn
Sunburns are caused by too much ultraviolet (UV) light, from either sunlight or tanning beds. UV damage is possible even on overcast days and affects even the darkest skin tones. Repeated sunburns damage the skin and lead to aging, discoloration, and an increased risk of skin cancer. Sunburns can be painful and involve redness, skin sensitivity, and inflammation. SPF blocks UV radiation from skin absorption, allowing you to be in the sun longer before getting burned.
2. Lower Risk of Skin Cancer
Repeated sunburns and overexposure to UV radiation can be associated with cases of skin cancer. Wearing SPF products daily significantly reduces the risk of skin cancers, including melanoma. Sunscreen and other SPF products rub off, so reapplication is needed every few hours. A higher SPF number relates to how long protection lasts, and broad-spectrum varieties protect against UVA and UVB radiation.
3. Reduce Signs of Aging
Premature aging from the sun, called photoaging, results in wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, leathery skin, and collagen breakdown. Investing in high-quality SPF products designed by a formulation chemist prevents early signs of aging. Photoaging isn’t always immediately visible and often results from damage done during sun exposure in your twenties or thirties. Start daily SPF use early to reduce signs of aging when you’re older and keep your skin healthier for longer.
4. Even Skin Tone
“Sunspots” or “liver spots” appear later in life and range in tone from light tan to dark brown. These age spots are a result of overactive pigment cells. They show up prematurely from overexposure to UV light, which speeds up melanin production. When used alone, retinol, vitamin C, or other skin care ingredients won't prevent sun spots. A product with SPF is more successful at warding off these blemishes.
5. Prevent Inflammation
Conditions like psoriasis and rosacea are aggravated by inflammation from sun exposure. Wearing SPF products protects the skin from harmful rays and reduces redness in sensitive skin. Mineral sunscreens with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide are extra gentle and don’t dry out the skin. Sunscreens marketed as “baby” or “child” have ingredients that are targeted toward sensitive skin, and are acceptable for adult skin, too. Formulation chemists like those from Freelance Formulations create effective SPF skin care products for individuals with sensitive skin.
Work With a Formulation Chemist
Adding SPF to a skin care product isn’t as simple as mixing in a pre-formulated sunscreen. The two may not react correctly and dilute the power of the SPF. A formulation chemist creates a skin care product with applied scientific knowledge of balancing ingredient types and amounts. The team at Freelance Formulations can work with you to develop top-notch SPF and other skin care formulations. Contact us to book your consultation today.