topic Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF? in Beauty

Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

jamie — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 17:36:35 GMT

I HATE wearing sunscreen in my face - it feels like a mask and clogs my already acne-prone skin. However, I use Retin-A and on top of that, recently had a light chemical peel done for my melasma and discolration. Ive tried Devita, Neutrogena, etc... So, Im curious on opinions on the effectiveness of using a powder, (such as Bare Minerals), that contains SPF.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

Jackielee — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 17:41:29 GMT

I use Bare Minerals with a 25 SPF on my face all of the time. It was 84 here (California) on Sunday while browsing for 2 hours at a flea market and not a red spot on my face. Have used it up in the mountains and totally protected my face. I also don't like sunblock on my face. However, have been using Neutrogena Sunblock for Sensitive Skin and it is not too oily and feels fine on my face.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

Kind1too — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 17:55:32 GMT

I think Peter Thomas Roth has a sunscreen that is in powder form. There are other companies that have sunscreen in powder form. I was thinking that might be good for using on the part on the top of my head.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

jamie — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 17:56:20 GMT

Jackielee, thank you. Were you using the Neutrogena while yiu used the Bare Minerals?

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

jamie — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 17:58:58 GMT

Kind1too, yes, I do kknow about the PTR one although Ive nevertried that one. Someone said to me one time that just using makeup on your skin creates a barrier to the sun. They were suggesting this to me because I do n t wear any type of makeup on my skin.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

DoxieMomma — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 18:08:25 GMT

I can't speak to the effectiveness of powder vs. liquid SPF, but I can recommend a liquid formula, if you'd like to give it another try. I use Elta MD UV Clear 46 and I love it. Like you, my skin is prone to acne (and I'm extremely oily). I always felt that sunscreen just "sat" on my skin and felt greasy. My dermatologist recommended this one about three years ago and I've used it ever since. It is oil free, absorbs easily, is never greasy and it works, I've never had the slight burn when using it, regardless of how long I've spent outside.

OP, if you don't mind me asking, what type of chemical peel did you have? I'm starting to look into that, just curious about your experience and results.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

Jackielee — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 18:19:52 GMT

On 3/10/2015 jamie said: Jackielee, thank you. Were you using the Neutrogena while yiu used the Bare Minerals?

Yes, because I knew that I was going to be in some pretty strong sun, I did put the Neutrogena on first , then the powder. When I'm just hanging out though, I'll just use one or the other but when I know that I am really going to be exposed out in the sun(beach,hiking,biking) I'll use both.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

jamie — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 19:21:11 GMT

Jackielee, thank you. Doxiemama, I have heard of the Elta one as well from these forums. I could give that one a try since I havent done so yet. As far as my peel, it was called a Jessner peel - it did help my melasma on my forehead, so it was worth it.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

DoxieMomma — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 20:30:36 GMT

On 3/10/2015 jamie said: Jackielee, thank you. Doxiemama, I have heard of the Elta one as well from these forums. I could give that one a try since I havent done so yet. As far as my peel, it was called a Jessner peel - it did help my melasma on my forehead, so it was worth it.

I have one small spot on my cheek that's slightly darker than my skin tone, but my biggest concern is the texture. Even though I'm currently using a BHA, I still wish my skin was smoother.......it just seems like these little bumps won't go away!

I'd had a chemical peel booked two months ago, but had to cancel when something came up. (I'd been told to expect about a week of peeling). I haven't been able to reschedule the peel, but I'm looking forward to it. Hoping that it will even out my skin's texture.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

MarenSeattle — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 21:28:54 GMT

No, not as effective. I actually thought the FDA was going to prohibit powders from claiming an SPF, but I see lines are still doing it so not sure if that's been shelved. I THINK the reasoning was that one wouldn't pile on enough powder to effectively get the SPF indicated? I'll go see if I can find more info.

Remember, SPF only indicates UVB protection. So if you have a powder using only titanium dioxide you're not getting full UVA protection. Try to find one with zinc and titanium for better protection.

ETA: From EWG's site: (but something must have changed...?)

In its 2011 sunscreen rules, implemented in December 2012, the agency decided that powdered sunscreens should no longer be sold under the current over-the-counter sunscreen rules and should be subject to the more rigorous new drug application process (FDA 2011a,b). However, small manufacturers were given one more year to comply with the rules (FDA 2012).

Doesn't address efficacy, so I'll keep looking.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

Iwantcoffee — Tue, 10 Mar 2015 21:33:18 GMT

From what I have read, you cannot get enough from powder to provide the protection you need. It really takes a lot to provide adequate protection!

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

jamie — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 04:44:01 GMT

Thank you all.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

Crisso — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 04:50:57 GMT

Beautypedia gives Colorscience Pro's Sunforgetable Mineral Powder Sun Protection SPF 30 top rating - and they are very critical of spf products. it is also not tested on animals.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

HappyDaze — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 05:57:28 GMT

On 3/10/2015 Crisso said:
Beautypedia gives Colorscience Pro's Sunforgetable Mineral Powder Sun Protection SPF 30 top rating - and they are very critical of spf products. it is also not tested on animals.

This is a good one. I've used it over my foundation for touch ups throughout the day. I always wear sunscreen underneath my foundation but since you are suppose to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, I use the powder SPF when I am wearing makeup as I don't want to ruin my makeup. On days I don't wear foundation I just reapply my regular sunscreen (cream).

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

Crisso — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 06:17:36 GMT

On 3/10/2015 HappyDaze said:
On 3/10/2015 Crisso said:
Beautypedia gives Colorscience Pro's Sunforgetable Mineral Powder Sun Protection SPF 30 top rating - and they are very critical of spf products. it is also not tested on animals.

This is a good one. I've used it over my foundation for touch ups throughout the day. I always wear sunscreen underneath my foundation but since you are suppose to reapply sunscreen throughout the day, I use the powder SPF when I am wearing makeup as I don't want to ruin my makeup. On days I don't wear foundation I just reapply my regular sunscreen (cream).

Great suggestion. I will put it on my list!

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

Tinkrbl44 — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 06:22:55 GMT

I have a Physician's Formula pressed powder compact that has a SPF 50 .... I keep it in my glove compartment.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

Crisso — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 06:32:08 GMT

On 3/10/2015 Tinkrbl44 said:
I have a Physician's Formula pressed powder compact that has a SPF 50 .... I keep it in my glove compartment.

Yes, that also got top reviews.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

F1wilder — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 10:36:34 GMT

On 3/10/2015 Crisso said:
Beautypedia gives Colorscience Pro's Sunforgetable Mineral Powder Sun Protection SPF 30 top rating - and they are very critical of spf products. it is also not tested on animals.

I use the Colorscience Sunforgetable, but the SPF 50. MarenSeattle, several others and I have been on a grand search for the HG sunscreen and have tried many, many, many. I don't really look at the SPF alone, but also the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide % - the closer to 20% the better. Remember, UVA ages, UVB burn, so you need to have protection against both. Of course, the biggest reason for UV protection is to guard against these harmful cancer-causing rays.

My favorite lotions, at the moment, are the brands Drunk Elephant, Skinn "Mineral", Becca's. My favorite powder is the aforementioned Colorscience Sunforgetable SPF 50.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

AspenGrove — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 13:26:45 GMT

I asked my dermatologist this very question and her answer was no, powder is nowhere near as effective. She explained that the gazillion tiny particles in powder SPF can't and don't give decent coverage because they move and there are always patches left of uncovered skin. And, nobody applies the amount that one needs for real protection because they would look too powdered. Further, she said that mineral foundations are also not enough sun protection because one would have to apply a ton of it to really protect the face and nobody does that. Here's an article with a dermatologist saying a lot of the same things mine told me.

Re: Is Powder with SPF effective as a liquid SPF?

HappyDaze — Wed, 11 Mar 2015 14:41:06 GMT

On 3/11/2015 F1wilder said:
On 3/10/2015 Crisso said:
Beautypedia gives Colorscience Pro's Sunforgetable Mineral Powder Sun Protection SPF 30 top rating - and they are very critical of spf products. it is also not tested on animals.

I use the Colorscience Sunforgetable, but the SPF 50. MarenSeattle, several others and I have been on a grand search for the HG sunscreen and have tried many, many, many. I don't really look at the SPF alone, but also the zinc oxide and titanium dioxide % - the closer to 20% the better. Remember, UVA ages, UVB burn, so you need to have protection against both. Of course, the biggest reason for UV protection is to guard against these harmful cancer-causing rays.

My favorite lotions, at the moment, are the brands Drunk Elephant, Skinn "Mineral", Becca's. My favorite powder is the aforementioned Colorscience Sunforgetable SPF 50.

Yes I buy use the colorscience Spf 50, not 30 but I've used both, just always prefer higher.