If you’re a beauty enthusiast, chances are you’ve heard of the popular BB cream. This multitasking product has become a staple in many makeup bags for its ability. To provide coverage, hydration, and sun protection in one easy step.
This article explores whether can I mix BB cream with Sunscreen. Is that even possible? In this article, we’ll dive into the world of BB creams and sunscreens to explore the compatibility of mixing these two products.
Can I Mix BB Cream With Sunscreen?
Yes, you can mix BB cream with sunscreen, but it’s not the most effective way to protect your skin.
To fully understand if you can mix BB cream with sunscreen, let’s first break down what BB cream is. BB cream, short for “beauty balm” or “blemish balm,” is a versatile product that blends the advantages of skincare with makeup.
Explore can I mix BB cream with Sunscreen? Originally developed in Germany, BB cream gained popularity in Asia before making its way to the Western beauty market.
BB creams typically provide lighter coverage than a foundation. However, it provides greater coverage compared to a tinted moisturizer. They often contain ingredients such as antioxidants. Anti-aging properties, and UV protection for added skin benefits.
Understanding The Compatibility
Now that we have a better understanding of BB creams, let’s explore their compatibility with sunscreen. The short answer is yes; you can mix BB cream with sunscreen. However, there are factors to consider when doing so.
Make sure that both products are water-based or silicone-based. Mixing oil-based and water-based products can result in a patchy finish on the skin. Additionally, check the ingredients in each product to ensure that. They don’t contain any active ingredients that could cancel each other out. If you want to mix aloe vera in it, read this guide to get better solutions.
How To Mix BB Cream With Sunscreen
- Cleanse Your Face: Begin with a clean slate by thoroughly cleansing your face. Dirt and oils can interfere with the effectiveness of the products.
- Apply Sunscreen: Apply a generous amount of sunscreen directly onto your skin, making sure to cover all areas exposed to the sun. This should include your neck and ears. Allow it to fully absorb into your skin; this usually takes around 15 minutes.
- Apply BB Cream: Once your sunscreen has fully absorbed, apply your BB cream. Use a brush, sponge, or your fingers to blend it gently onto your skin. Remember, the BB cream is not a replacement for sunscreen, but a supplement to enhance your skin’s appearance.
- Set with Powder: If desired, you can set your BB cream and sunscreen mixture with a translucent setting powder. This can help your makeup last longer and reduce shine.
Advantages And Disadvantages
Mixing BB cream with sunscreen has its advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, you’re getting two products in one step, saving time and potentially money. Additionally, mixing the two can provide an even application of both products on the skin.
However, one potential disadvantage is that you may not be getting the full SPF protection advertised on your sunscreen. Mixing it with BB cream can dilute its effectiveness. So it’s important to use a sufficient amount of sunscreen to ensure proper coverage.
My Recommendations
For optimal skin health and sun protection, I recommend first applying a generous amount of broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher onto clean, dry skin. Allow it to fully absorb for at least 15 minutes before applying your BB cream. This ensures you aren’t diluting the sunscreen’s effectiveness. For the BB cream, choose a product that complements your skin type and addresses your specific concerns, whether that’s providing extra hydration, combating oiliness, or evening out skin tone.
Expert Opinions
Several skincare experts advise against mixing sunscreen with other products. The precise formulation of sunscreen is necessary for it to function effectively, and any alteration can compromise this.
A dermatologist might advise, “To maintain the integrity of your sunscreen, it is best to apply it as a separate layer. This ensures that you receive the full spectrum of sun protection without any reduced efficacy from mixing.”
“Always be aware of the potential pitfalls of mixing products. Everyone’s skin is unique, and what works for one person may not work for another. Try a small patch test on your skin before applying a mix of BB cream and sunscreen to your entire face. This will help you ascertain if the texture, color, and overall finish suit your skin type and tone.”
Related Guides:
Do I Need To Apply Sunscreen Before BB Cream?
Yes! It is strongly recommended to apply sunscreen before applying BB cream. The reason behind this is to ensure that the sunscreen is fully absorbed into the skin and provides the most effective protection against harmful UV rays. Even if you are using foundation with sunscreen, you need to put sunscreen first. This will improve your skincare routines.
Can I Mix BB Cream With Sunscreen And SPF?
The question of mixing BB cream with sunscreen and SPF can be slightly confusing due to a common misconception: sunscreen and SPF aren’t two different things. SPF (Sun Protection Factor) is a measure of how well a sunscreen will protect your skin from UVB rays, the kind of radiation that causes sunburn and contributes to skin cancer. So, if a product has an SPF number (like your BB cream might), that means it already contains some sunscreen. Now, can you mix a BB cream (with SPF) with another sunscreen product?
Yes, you can, but similar to mixing BB cream with sunscreen, this method also may dilute the effectiveness of your standalone sunscreen. Consequently, it’s generally better to layer these products, applying sunscreen first to provide a solid base of UV protection, then following up with the BB cream for light coverage and additional skincare benefits. You can also mix sunscreen with moisturizer to get better results.
How To Use BB Cream And Sunscreen Together?
To use BB cream and sunscreen together, first, apply your preferred sunscreen all over your face. And let it sit for a few minutes before moving on to your BB cream. This will allow the sunscreen to fully absorb into the skin. Before applying another product on top. Then, follow the steps mentioned earlier for mixing and applying BB cream with sunscreen.
Does BB Cream Have Sunscreen?
Yes, some BB creams do contain sunscreen. These products are often marketed as all-in-one solutions, providing light coverage, skin treatment benefits, and sun protection in a single product. However, it’s important to note that the level of sun protection offered by these BB creams can vary significantly depending on their SPF rating.
Can I Wear Sunscreen After BB Cream?
Yes, you can wear sunscreen after applying BB cream, but this is not the recommended order of application.
Applying sunscreen over BB cream might not only dilute the sunscreen’s efficacy, but it could also disturb the BB cream’s coverage and finish. Ideally, sunscreen should be applied directly to the skin, and allowed to absorb fully before you layer on your BB cream. Remember, the efficacy of sunscreen is determined by correct usage, which includes adequate coverage, and re-application every 2 hours or immediately after sweating or swimming. This ensures the maximum level of protection against UV rays.
Conclusion
The dream of a skincare shortcut is alluring, but when it comes to the protection offered by sunscreen, it’s best not to compromise. While mixing BB cream with sunscreen might seem convenient, the potential drawbacks could outweigh the benefits. It’s essential always to prioritize skin health and protection.
References
- By Jamie Schneider, How To Apply BB Cream Correctly: Makeup Artist Tips For An Effortless Blend, Published on June 15, 2021.
- By AAYUSHI KASLIWAL, How To Apply BB Cream On The Face For A Flawless Look
