Beauty

[jamie]

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.

[Jackielee]

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.

[Kind1too]

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.

[jamie]

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

[jamie]

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.

[DoxieMomma]

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.

[Jackielee]

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.

[jamie]

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.

[DoxieMomma]

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.

[MarenSeattle]

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.