No, wearing two different sunscreens on top of each other is generally not recommended.
Why Applying Two Sunscreens Isn't Ideal
Applying two different sunscreens simultaneously may seem like a way to boost sun protection, but it's actually counterproductive. According to dermatological advice, layering sunscreens can reduce overall sun protection rather than enhance it. This is because the interaction between different formulations can be unpredictable, potentially leading to less effective UV filtering than using a single, high-SPF product.
Furthermore, using multiple sunscreens increases the risk of skin irritation. Different ingredients can clash, causing redness, itching, or other uncomfortable reactions.
Best Practice: Choose One High-SPF Sunscreen
Instead of layering, select a single broad-spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF (Sun Protection Factor) rating, such as SPF 30 or higher. Ensure it offers protection against both UVA and UVB rays. Apply it liberally and reapply every two hours, or more frequently if swimming or sweating.
- Prioritize a single, high-SPF sunscreen. This ensures consistent and effective protection.
- Check for broad-spectrum protection. This means the sunscreen protects against both UVA and UVB rays.
- Reapply regularly. Maintain effective protection throughout the day.
Reference: Wearing two different SPF products on top of each other is not recommended and may actually provide less sun protection than if you had just used a single product with the appropriate SPF rating. Wearing two different SPF products may also cause skin irritation, so it's best to just stick with one product.28-Mar-2017
