Beauty

[NeNe1010]

I did some research & it seems that a chemical sunscreen has to be applied before any serums etc so it can bond directly with the skin whereas mineral is applied over serums etc. is this correct? It would seem odd to me to put on sunscreen as the very first step but that seems to be the correct way to apply the chemical type. 

[Shelbelle]

I use only mineral, only zince oxide and I apply it over my serums. Mine is tinted so it also acts as my foundation. 

[Icegoddess]

@NeNe1010 that is also my understanding from some of the other recent sunscreen threads here.  

[SilleeMee]

Chemical sunscreens should be treated like a serum...it goes on clean skin and best over vitamin C serum for enhanced protection. Just let the VC serum dry down before applying any chemical sunscreen. Let the sunscreen absorb for at least 15 minutes to allow it to bind the the skin proteins beneath the surface of the skin before going out under the sun. You do not need to wait 15 minutes to apply foundation but let the sunscreen dry down before you do. Use a fan to speed up the process.

[Icegoddess]

Another tidbit I picked up from a news segment with a dermatologist is that if you use a spray-on sunscreen, it's not enough to just spray it on; you need to rub it in.

I do often use a spray-on on my arms when working in the yard.  I don't know that I've ever seen a spray-on face sunscreen although I got the impression that was what the derm. was referring to.  I would be afraid it would get in my eyes/on my eyelids where it could migrate into my eyes.  I have enough of a problem with that with the creams, even the waterproof/sweatproof ones. 

[Jacie]

I only use mineral.

The chemical sunscreens tend to turn orange on the collars and hems of light colored clothing. The stain is permanent, so I quit using them.

Ruined too many light colored shirts and shorts!

[SilleeMee]

The dust on mineral sunscreens, I recently found out, are to be used as a secondary layer of protection. In other words, dust on mineral ss powders should be used as a touch-up type product usually applied over regular liquid ss... either a mineral or chemical one but not to be used as a primary ss.

[jlkz]

@Icegoddess 

I used to forego using sunscreen because of the problem with it migrating to my eyes and burning.  I finally found one that I can use on my entire face with no burning or tearing:  Paula's Choice tinted moisturizer with sunscreen 30.  It contains some zinc so the white color dries down and then I use Laura Geller's Balance-n-Brighten or Glow.

Wish I knew about it before wasting a lot of money and giving away products.