Recent Medical and Health Science News Stories

The Truth About Sunscreen in Makeup: Types of SPF and What Actually Works

Written by Kelsea Pieters | July 14, 2025

Sun-shielding skincare is having a moment. In recent years, the protection afforded by daily layers of SPF has made its way into modern beauty routines, with foundations, creams and concealers offering some degree of sun protection. But is the 15% SPF as advertised on the bottle of your everyday foundation enough to protect your face from harmful rays? A recent proclamation from the American Academy of Dermatology says sunscreen makeup alone doesn’t cut it.

We asked Sapna Patel, MD, visiting professor of medical oncology at the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus  and CU Cancer Center member to give us some insight into appropriate skin protection.