Are SPF Powders Reliable Sun Protection? By Leslie Baumann, M.D. - Posted Tue, Nov 06, 2007, 4:50 pm PST

1. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 5:25 am PST

I was stunned at your figure that the average face is 600cm2. So stunned that I did rough measurements of mine, measuring the centre part of my face then the side areas and it was just slightly over that! Great article too Dr. B.

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2. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 6:10 am PST

There are two types of sunscreens available, chemical sunscreens and physical sunscreens. Physical sunscreens pose no irritation, but can leave a white film on the skin. Chemical sunscreen ingredients are ideal for skin treatment formulations because they are extremely effective and do not have the issues in regard to leaving a white residue on the skin’s surface. There is a drawback to chemical sunscreen ingredient, however. High levels of chemical sunscreens have a tendency to leave the skin somewhat oily as well as pose a risk for skin irritation. Many people who have more sensitive skin conditions, cannot use a chemical sunscreen at or or need to limit the use to small doses. There are theories circulating that the increase in skin sensitivity issues are multiplying due to the over use of chemical sunscreens. For this reason, BeautiControl limit our SPF ingredients to one daily recommended product. Cell Block C AM will ensure that you are getting skin protection without the risk of complicating skin irritation issues by putting it in all of our leave-on products. We use the chemical sunscreen Parsol 1789 due to having the lowest record of skin irritation. For those who wish to add a more aggressive sun protection into their regimen, we offer the Skinlogics SPF Booster 30+. Want more info on the BeautiControl Cell Block C or other products, please let me know Margaret www.beautipage.com/margaretjones

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3. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Wed, Nov 07, 2007, 2:08 pm PST

Wow, what a wake-up call. I was ecstatic that my mineral powder foundation had an SPF of 12; even though I knew it couldn't possibly be giving me the level of protection I needed, I figured it was better than nothing. Now, I'm realizing even more that I need to keep hunting for an SPF lotion. My problem is, I have incredibly sensitive skin, and after 2 days or so of using a "sensitive skin" moisturizing lotion w/ an SPF, my skin turns red, patchy, flaky and it stings to the touch. It typically takes over a week to heal. Does anyone have any recommendations to SPF face lotions that won't do this to me? And I'm not talking about the kind of spammy suggestions like Margaret J has above.

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4. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Nov 08, 2007, 5:53 am PST

I have a suggestion that has worked for me--I have extremely sensitive, slightly oily skin. I use a sunscreen made for oily skin (my favorite is Coppertone Oil-Free sunscreen which is low on irritants and has no fragrance) and I mix it 1 part sunscreen to 1 part purified water. I start with a #15 or #30 so I believe I end up with a #7.5 or #15 after the water is added (can someone confirm this? it seems like the water decreases the amount of sunscreen so I start with a higher SPF). All I know is that this keeps me from burning in the sun & does not leave me with irritated red, itchy skin that I used to get from sunscreen. Hope this helps!

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5. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Sun, Nov 11, 2007, 11:18 am PST

As for the spf powders being subject to how much the applicant uses, it goes just the same for spf creams and lotions and/or liquid foundations. Most women/men do not use enough to get the full spf the product puts on the packaging.

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6. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Sun, Nov 11, 2007, 10:15 pm PST

SIR HELLO I HAVE SOME PROBLEM OF MY FACE.BEFORE SOME TIME MY SIKN IS VERY RAFF AND DULL AND ALSO BILEMESHES MY FACE PLS TEL THE GOOD COMMENT.

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7. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Tue, Nov 13, 2007, 6:50 pm PST

I like Colorescience perfectly clear powder (spf 30). It's expensive but it barely shows up. At the end of the day it is still on my face so that tells me I'm probably getting decent protection. My face is too oily for most lotions and I really don't like the idea of chemical blocks anyway.

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8. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Wed, Nov 14, 2007, 6:02 pm PST

If this is true, then why is it that when I wear a cream sunsceen I always get burned, but when I wear spf powder makeup I never get burned?

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9. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Thu, Nov 15, 2007, 10:32 am PST

Hey Margaret, do you wait an lurk for Dr. B's next post just so you can spam the comments section with your drivel? Surely you do not think you MLM business is on par with the knowledge and expertise of Dr. Baumann!

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10. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Fri, Nov 16, 2007, 2:32 pm PST

#9 dodadea If you read the comment I post and do some research, you will see the products by BeautiControl exceed what the doc has to offer. BC is a dedicated skin care company. If I have info from BC that confirm or exceeds what the doc says, I post it. Everyone does not seacrh the for products ingredients. I have seen folks post real concerns they have with there skin on here, and as the comments guidelines clearly say the doc does not answer post. So instead of being negative like you, I try to offer suggestions and an avenue to solve the problems folks have. I have been able to help folks on this site and will continue. If you would check out the company before you blast them, you would be surprise. If you have info to prove that what I am saying is incorrect or harmful to someone, please provide. If what I am doing is against the guidlelines, report me, and I am sure yahoo would kick me off the site. Otherwise, try spreading some positive cheer. If you will follow the post, you will see folks think what the doc is posting in not always received postive by the board. Margaret BeautiControl Spa & Image Consultant www.beautipage.com/MargaretJones

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11. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Sat, Nov 17, 2007, 9:24 am PST

Reported you for sure.

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12. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Sat, Nov 17, 2007, 1:32 pm PST

Thanks so much for the information, Dr. B! As an OSPW type, powder formulas are good for me, but it's great to know for certain that what I suspected is true -- that I can't solely depend on them for adequate protection. (14 times the regular amount of powder on my face would truly look horrible, even if it were possible to cake on that much!) Thank you for all the excellent information you provide us with.

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13. Posted by A Yahoo! Health User on Mon, Sep 01, 2008, 7:05 pm PDT

After seeing an SPF Mineral Powder, I can't help myself trying to find out more about this thing. Does it work or just another market's hype? Thank you for giving me the answer. ^_^

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