Beauty

[SunnyinSEPA]

I know some of you Beauty Experts will know the answer to this! If I wear makeup over a primer, and it lasts all day, won't this serve as a physical barrier against damaging rays? Or, must a "physical" (versus chemical) barrier be made of a certain "concoction?"

I hope this won't be regarded as a stupid question, but I've been wondering, is my skin is "physically" protected as long as it's not bare?

Simply stated, what constitutes a physical sun block?

[Happy Elizabeth]

Physical sunblock is anything with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. It's called physical because it creates a barrier, as opposed to chemical sunscreens (avobenzone, octinate (sp?), etc) that work by reacting with your skin. No, your makeup is not a physical sunscreen unless it says it is.

[Wackers3]

On 4/11/2014 Happy Elizabeth said:

Physical sunblock is anything with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. It's called physical because it creates a barrier, as opposed to chemical sunscreens (avobenzone, octinate (sp?), etc) that work by reacting with your skin. No, your makeup is not a physical sunscreen unless it says it is.

ITA ........ just because you layer multiple products on the face, unless there is actually some sort of sunblock in them, your skin is as vulnerable as if you were wearing nothing on it at all. I think some assume well, if I have moisturizer then primer then foundation, how can the sun penetrate through them. Very easily sad to say. Physical blocks are, as HappyElizabeth stated, actual barriers to prevent sun exposure/penetration while chemical sunscreens work within the skin itself. There is a lot of controversy today over long-term use of chemical sunscreens and their potential negative interaction with the skin so many are choosing to use TD or ZO which are physical barriers that sit on top of the skin to prevent sun penetration. There are many good choices with TD or ZO that do not leave the skin with a whitish cast as in the days of old (you still see some all white noses out there by lifequards, etc.) Lots of good brands mentioned here on the BB too.

[Desi]

It's better than bare skin but not by much. It's the difference between sitting in the beach in a T shirt and any old hat, and wearing sun-protective clothing that blocks sun from reaching your skin ( there are brands that are tightly woven and have SPF built-in).