SPF Booster - What Is It and Why Should You Use It in Your Morning Skincare Routine?

SPF Booster - What Is It and Why Should You Use It in Your Morning Skincare Routine?

At Söppö, we believe that self-care also includes sun protection, which is an indispensable part of daily skincare. UV radiation is a stealthy enemy that accelerates skin aging and can lead to serious health issues. That is why it is so important to use both products that block UV rays (UVA/UVB sunscreens such as SPF 30, 50, 50+) and products that enhance the effectiveness of sunscreens, such as an SPF booster.

SPF boosters are an innovative solution gaining recognition thanks to the growing awareness of sun protection. These products, while they don't block UV rays on their own, enhance the effectiveness of SPF filters, making sun protection more comprehensive and effective. This translates into radiant skin full of youthful glow. An SPF booster + SPF cream is the perfect duo!

In the following sections, we will explain exactly what an SPF booster is, which ingredients make it up, and how to use it correctly. Using the example of our "Glow and Aww" tonic-essence we will show you how to incorporate an SPF booster into your daily skincare routine to provide your skin with maximum protection and glow.

What is an SPF booster?

An SPF booster is a cosmetic superhero that supports and strengthens the action of the sunscreens in your protective creams. You can find them in the form of tonics, serums, creams, and other skincare preparations applied before applying SPF sunscreen. SPF boosters not only increase the effectiveness of sun protection but also neutralize free radicals, support skin regeneration and hydration, adding an extra layer of protection against harmful UV radiation.

SPF boosters can work through six mechanisms that support sun protection effectiveness and skin health:

• Neutralizing free radicals: SPF boosters contain ingredients such as antioxidants that neutralize free radicals formed under the influence of UV radiation. Free radicals are one of the main causes of skin aging and cell damage, increasing the risk of skin cancer.
• Soothing inflammation: SPF boosters contain anti-inflammatory ingredients that soothe skin irritation and inflammation caused by the sun. As a result, the skin is better protected, and its health and appearance are maintained.

• Increasing skin hydration: Hydrating ingredients provide the skin with proper hydration. Hydrated skin absorbs SPF sunscreen better, which increases its effectiveness and longevity. Additionally, well-hydrated skin is more resistant to damage caused by UV radiation.

• Strengthening the skin's protective barrier: SPF boosters often contain ingredients that strengthen the skin's protective barrier, shielding it from the harmful effects of UV rays. A strong skin barrier means better protection and less irritation.

• Supporting skin regeneration: SPF boosters may contain ingredients that aid skin regeneration. These ingredients help repair cell damage caused by UV radiation and support a healthy skin appearance.

SPF boosters are an excellent addition to your daily sun protection routine. Thanks to a combination of antioxidants, hydrating, anti-inflammatory, and regenerating ingredients, they offer comprehensive protection and support for healthy and radiant skin.

Differences between an SPF booster and SPF sunscreen

An SPF booster differs from an SPF sunscreen mainly in its function and mode of action. A UVA/UVB protective cream with an SPF filter is a key sun protection product that creates a barrier on the skin, protecting it from UVB radiation (responsible for sunburn) and UVA radiation (causing premature skin aging and cell damage).

Unlike an SPF protective cream, an SPF booster does not create a protective barrier against UV radiation on its own; its role is to strengthen and support the action of the SPF filters contained in the sunscreen. SPF boosters contain ingredients that improve the longevity and effectiveness of sunscreens while offering additional skincare benefits, such as hydration and skin regeneration, making them the perfect complement to a daily sun protection routine.

Therefore, if you care about full sun protection, always use SPF sunscreen. An SPF booster is an excellent addition that strengthens protection and takes care of your skin's health, but it does not replace sunscreen. Use them together to ensure maximum protection and a healthy, youthful skin appearance.

Does an SPF booster replace SPF sunscreen?

SPF boosters are fantastic additions to your sun care routine that can support skin protection from the sun, but it's important not to see them as replacements for sunscreens. Although SPF boosters can increase the effectiveness of an SPF cream, they do not increase the nominal SPF value of the cream. For example, using an SPF booster under an SPF 30 sunscreen will not increase the protection to SPF 50. A booster does not provide standalone sun protection, and its main task is to support the effectiveness of the sunscreens used.

Cosmetics acting as SPF boosters

SPF boosters can be found in various skincare products, such as tonics, serums, and moisturizers. The formula of an SPF booster type cosmetic should be lightweight and easily absorbed so as not to weigh down the skin or negatively affect the properties of the SPF sunscreens applied on top. If you choose a product with a texture that is too rich, it may be harder to apply the appropriate amount of SPF sunscreen later, which will negatively impact sun protection. It is worth paying attention to the type of cosmetic we choose for our daily routine.

Tonics and essences:Tonics are exceptionally lightweight, quickly absorbed, and do not weigh down the skin, making them an ideal choice for every skin type, including oily and combination skin, at any time of year. A tonic is easily absorbed, preparing the skin for the next steps of care. Due to its consistency, a tonic can deliver SPF-supporting ingredients to the skin without leaving a greasy film or heaviness, which is especially important in the warmer months.

Serums: Serums are concentrated formulas that deliver an intense dose of active ingredients to the skin. Although serums are very effective, their texture can be slightly heavier, which is not always desirable, especially in warm climates or during the summer months.

Moisturizers: Moisturizers provide the skin with essential hydration while strengthening the protective barrier. They can also contain antioxidants and other ingredients that support SPF action and increase urban protection. However, they may be too heavy. Not every complexion can "handle" the application of two face creams (one acting as a booster + SPF sunscreen).

Söppö 'Glow and Aww' Tonic-Essence as an Innovative SPF Booster

Discover the secrets of Söppö's "Glow and Aww" tonic-essence, which redefines skincare with its unique properties as an SPF booster. Designed for daily protection and care, this tonic combines the best of nature and science to support protection against UV radiation from SPF sunscreen applied later, as well as providing anti-aging benefits.

Ingredients that make a difference in Glow and Aww tonic:

• Niacinamide – strengthens the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and improves hydration and moisture, aiding in skin regeneration. It improves the overall condition of the skin, which supports the effectiveness of sunscreens.
• Edelweiss extract – a powerful antioxidant that protects the skin from the harmful effects of UV rays. It is valued for its ability to strengthen the skin's protective barrier and its anti-aging action. It is often called an SPF booster.
• Glycerin, sodium lactate, propanediol - attract and maintain moisture in the skin, improving its hydration, moisture, and elasticity, which promotes better absorption of SPF sunscreen.
• Marshmallow root and Rhodiola rosea extract– soothe irritation and increase skin resistance to environmental stressors, including UV radiation.

Why choose 'Glow and Aww' as an SPF booster? The tonic-essence is not only an effective complement to sun protection but also provides the skin with essential hydration and nourishment. Its lightweight but rich formula absorbs quickly without leaving a greasy film, making it perfect as the first step in your sun protection routine, regardless of the season. It will work even on the hottest days and be an ideal base for both heavier SPF creams and those with a light texture.

Benefits of daily use:

• Support for SPF filters – the ingredients in the tonic support the action of sunscreens, increasing their effectiveness.
• Hydration without heaviness – ideal for every skin type, even combination and oily.
• Radiance and improved skin condition – regular use helps achieve a healthy glow and significantly better skin texture.

Söppö's "Glow and Aww" hydrating and brightening tonic-essence, with its rich composition and lightweight formula, nurtures, rejuvenates, and brightens the skin, helping you feel beautiful every day. It is a true genius among cosmetics that maximizes the effectiveness of sun protection without weighing down the skin.

How to use an SPF booster in your daily facial skincare routine?

If you're wondering how to fully harness the power of an SPF booster in your daily routine, here are a few steps to know. It is best to use an SPF booster in the morning, before your SPF sunscreen.

Remember that the correct order of product application is crucial for the maximum effectiveness of each layer. Here is the recommended application order:

1. Cleansing: Always start by thoroughly cleansing your skin. Use a gentle face wash to remove impurities and sebum. Our "Woof it off" hydrating and soothing face wash gel works perfectly for this.
2. SPF Booster Tonic-Essence: Apply "Glow and Aww" tonic-essence. The tonic hydrates the skin and prepares it for the next stages of care while acting as an SPF booster.
3. Serum*: If you use a serum, apply it after the tonic. Serums deliver concentrated active ingredients to the skin.
4. Moisturizer*: Apply a moisturizer to provide the skin with additional hydration and nourishment.
5. SPF Sunscreen: The final step is the application of SPF sunscreen. The SPF cream creates a protective barrier that shields the skin from harmful UV radiation.
6. Makeup*: Finally, you can also apply makeup. BB cream, foundation, or powder can provide an additional physical protective barrier during the day.

*these are optional points; in a morning routine focused on antioxidant protection and sun protection, our tonic-essence and a good SPF sunscreen may be sufficient. However, if your skin has specific requirements, you can add further skincare steps.

For skincare products to work best in a layered routine, it is worth following certain rules regarding cosmetic absorption time. Absorption times may vary depending on the product type, its formula, and individual skin characteristics. Here are recommendations based on general skincare principles:

• Tonic-essence: After applying the tonic, wait about 1-2 minutes for the product to fully absorb and prepare the skin for the next steps. This time allows for better absorption of active ingredients and skin hydration.
• Serum/Moisturizer: These typically need about 2-3 minutes to absorb. This allows the skin to fully assimilate the concentrated active ingredients.
• SPF Cream: Apply the SPF cream last, once all previous products have already been absorbed.

After applying the SPF cream, it is worth waiting about 5-10 minutes before applying makeup. This time allows the SPF cream to absorb well and create an effective protective barrier against UV radiation, while preventing products from mixing and reducing the effectiveness of sun protection.

The correct amount of SPF sunscreenis key to ensuring effective sun protection:

• Face: It is recommended to apply about 1/4 teaspoon of SPF cream to the entire face. That is approximately 1.25 ml of product.
• Neck and Décolletage: It is recommended to apply the same amount of SPF cream to these areas, which is about 1/4 teaspoon.

It is important to spread the cream evenly over the entire face, neck, and décolletage, not omitting areas such as the ears, hairline, or the skin around the eyes. SPF cream should be reapplied every two hours, especially if you are in the sun, swimming, or sweating intensely.

Regular use of SPF boosters, such as the "Glow and Aww" tonic, combined with the correct amount of SPF cream, will ensure your skin has maximum protection and a healthy appearance every day.

Take Your Sun Protection to the Next Level with an SPF Booster

SPF boosters are innovative products that significantly support sun protection while providing additional skincare benefits. Using cosmetics such as the "Glow and Aww" tonic-essence can bring many benefits to your skin. Try the "Glow and Aww" tonic as an SPF booster in your daily routine. Add this lightweight, hydrating, and protective product to your routine to enjoy maximum sun protection and beautiful, healthy skin every day.