Sunscreen Mixing Warning As Seen In The Independent

Independent.co.uk asked Dr Ross Perry, founder and Medical Director of Cosmedics Skin Clinics, to provide his expert advice on the latest TikTok trend – mixing sunscreen with makeup products – for its feature:

“SPF cocktailing: Why you should steer clear of the buzzy TikTok trend”

SPF cocktailing is a beauty trend which has been big on TikTok, but doctors and skin experts are sharing warnings.

The idea behind SPF cocktailing is to mix SPF with makeup products such as foundation in order to avoid the white tinge that certain high SPF sunscreens can leave on the skin.

However, Dr Ross Perry warned against the trend:

“SPF cocktailing is a recipe for disaster in so many ways.

“By mixing SPF with products such as concealer or highlighter you are leaving the skin entirely exposed to the dangerous UV rays, which will very likely burn the skin and potentially lead to skin cancer down the line, not to mention leaving you more prone to premature ageing.”

Perry does indeed understand the rationale and he explains:

“Sunscreens are notoriously cosmetically unattractive purely in part to the ingredients. The reason for this is that’s how they prevent the sun’s rays penetrating into the skin. The suncream companies already try to dilute this down as much as possible in order to make it cosmetically acceptable, however I appreciate in some instances this does not quite go far enough.”

He suggests finding a

“…balance between having someone wearing something that will protect your skin, versus not wearing it”

He adds:

“I don’t advocate mixing the ingredients together, as it may reduce efficacy. I do believe though that if this is the only way people will wear sunscreen, then some sunblock is absolutely better than no sunblock.”

However, he emphasised that pure, unmixed SPF is preferable.

“It only takes one sunburn in a lifetime to lead to skin cancer. [Skipping sunscreen] isn’t something you should be doing at all, and in no way should be encouraged.”

In order to reduce the whiteness of sunscreen, Ross suggested:

“Apply a good moisturising cream prior to using a sunscreen – this will help the sunscreen absorb into the skin and reduce the tint.”

So while ‘mixing’ SPF with other products is best avoided, it is OK to take a ‘layering’ approach. Dr Perry advised:

“If you apply them all separately and give them a chance to absorb first.”

Read this article in full

To read more, please visit https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/fashion/spf-tiktok-uv-rays-uva-skincare-b2379537.html.

Dr Ross Perry

Dr Ross Perry regularly provides expert comment and advises the media on a range of skincare and health-related issues.

He has particular expertise in skin surgery mole removal and melanoma; having removed thousands of moles in his career, both within the NHS and privately through Cosmedics Skin Clinics. He has provided expert advice on sun damage and sun protection for a variety of UK media and publications.

He also comments on the latest cosmetic and anti-ageing treatment methods.

DR ROSS PERRY

Cosmedics Skin Clinics

Cosmedics Skin Clinics was established in 2003 and has built up an excellent reputation for cosmetic and medical skin treatments, carried out by GMC Registered Doctors.  The company offer a full range of cosmetic treatments, including popular lip enhancement and wrinkle relaxing injections, dermal fillers; plus medical treatments including mole removal, thread vein treatment and excessive sweating injections.

Cosmedics Skin Clinics has a team of skin treatment doctors and surgeons in their 5 skin clinics across London and Bristol led by Dr Ross Perry.

Call 020 7386 0464 or email enquiries@cosmedics.co.uk to book an appointment.