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Powder sunscreen guarantees a handy, mess-free solution to shield your pores and skin from the solar. However in case you’re like me, you is perhaps questioning in case you’re doing it flawed. Regardless of making an attempt a number of well-liked SPF manufacturers, I simply couldn’t get the grasp of it. How a lot do I apply, what number of clicks do I want, and the way usually do I reapply? Most significantly, am I actually getting the safety I want by brushing it on? To resolve these questions, I spoke with a number of dermatologists to study widespread errors, greatest practices and find out how to make powder sunscreen work for everybody.
Featured Consultants
- Dr. Orit Markowitz is a board-certified dermatologist based mostly in New York
- Dr. Joel Schlessinger is a board-certified dermatologist based mostly in Omaha, NE
- Dr. Daniel Schlessinger is a board-certified dermatologist based mostly in Omaha, NE
- Dr. Lesley Loss is a board-certified dermatologist based mostly in Rochester, NY
Widespread Utility Errors
Probably the most widespread errors folks make will not be making use of sufficient. “Individuals usually don’t put sufficient on,” explains Rochester, NY dermatologist Lesley Loss, MD. “It must be utilized generously to offer the SPF safety listed on the product. It’s additionally meant for the face and chest space, not the entire physique.”
Making certain full protection might be tough, which is why these are greatest used at the side of conventional cream or lotion sunscreens. Equally, Omaha, NE dermatologist Joel Schlessinger, MD notes, “It may be troublesome to know in case you’ve utilized sufficient or in case you’ve evenly coated the pores and skin. This is the reason I like to recommend it as a supplemental re-application technique reasonably than the first sunscreen.”
Simply Add Powder
Utilizing powder sunscreen the suitable means begins with find out how to layer it. Begin the day with a strong base and use it all through the day to make sure you’re nicely protected. Dr. Loss advises, “Use a cream or lotion-based sunscreen within the morning. After two hours of solar publicity, powder is nice for reapplying.”
“These sunscreens are excellent for touch-ups over make-up as a result of they received’t mess up your look,” provides Omaha, NE dermatologist Daniel Schlessinger, MD. “Apply your conventional sunscreen first, then make-up, and end with powder on high”
The Brush and Flick
Dr. Joel Schlessinger says get the appliance proper by working it by means of the comb onto your pores and skin. “Make sure the powder flows from the tube into the comb by shaking and flicking it. Apply for not less than 20 seconds, making a number of passes over the pores and skin for optimum safety. Keep away from inhaling the powder throughout utility.”
The portability of powder sunscreens, usually geared up with a built-in retractable brush, makes them superb for fast touch-ups. “They resemble make-up setting powder and are formulated with finely milled minerals like titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and iron oxides for HEV, or blue mild safety,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “For that reason, powders are an effective way to guard areas just like the scalp or for re-application over high of make-up as a result of they received’t mess up your look or your coiffure.”
The Two Hour Rule
Reapplying each two hours is essential and powder sunscreens make this course of extra handy, particularly on the go. “Reapply each two hours however in case you’re sweating or swimming, select one thing with water resistance as these merchandise sometimes are usually not,” Dr. Loss advises.
When to Use and When to Skip
Completely different pores and skin varieties and conditions can profit from powder sunscreen, although it’s not universally appropriate. “Powder sunscreens mattify pores and skin so they could be a nice product for absorbing oil and minimizing shine all through the day,” says Dr. Daniel Schlessinger. “Moreover, powder sunscreens are all-mineral formulation with sunscreen actives that sit on the highest of the pores and skin, making them an amazing choice for folks with pores and skin sensitivities.”
Nonetheless, you’ll be able to be happy to skip the powder in case you’re going within the water. “They aren’t your best option for swimming or heavy sweating as a result of they lack water resistance,” Dr. Loss factors out.
Whereas it seems to be like I’m doing it flawed if I believe powder sunscreen might be my one and carried out SPF answer, it’s good to know I can throw it in my bag for touchups throughout these sizzling summer time months and it may be a simple, on the go answer. However Dr. Daniel Schlessinger says be conscious of micro organism. “It’s necessary to do not forget that as a result of the sunscreen flows by means of a brush just like a make-up brush, it may be inclined to micro organism if not saved clear,” he says. “Select a powder sunscreen brush that has antimicrobial bristles or has a brush head that may be faraway from the sunscreen dispenser and cleaned.”