Mineral makeup is known for offering flawless coverage, and nowadays, many companies are adding another bonus — sun protection. But, while these beauty products do contain effective ingredients that protect the skin — such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide — they should never substitute for your sunscreen. Here’s why.
Truth in numbers
Many of her patients choose mineral powders because of the sun protection, dermatologist Leslie Baumann, M.D., writes on her Yahoo! Health blog. However, women don’t apply enough to actually receive the sun protection promised on the label.
Specifically, women put on about 0.085 grams of powder, while we’d need to apply 1.2 grams, Dr. Baumann writes. That means we’d have to pile on 14 times more powder than we already do.
Expert advice
The Skin Cancer Foundation does endorse certain mineral makeup products with its official seal of approval. However, industry experts insist that, regardless of the labels, these products just don’t provide adequate protection.
Consequently, mineral makeup should never serve as your first line of defense against sun damage. “While it's never bad to use products with SPF, your facial powder is simply not offering enough protection against UV waves to use it in lieu of sunscreen,” writes Dr. Baumann.
But you can use mineral makeup to supplement your sun protection. Dermatologist Kathryn Frew, M.D., tells WebMD: “It’s better than nothing, but I always tell my patients to use a regular cream sunscreen under their makeup and then use the mineral foundations as an extra boost.” Dr. Baumann agrees, telling the Skin Cancer Foundation, “Mineral makeup with SPF can enhance your protection if layered over a sunscreen product.”
Even though mineral makeup should never replace your sunscreen, this doesn’t mean you should ditch your powder or foundation. If you love how mineral products enhance your complexion, by all means, enjoy using them. As long as you understand the limits of mineral makeup, there’s no reason to stop using it and buying it in the future.
A balanced approach
By using a daily sunscreen along with your mineral makeup, you can provide your skin with the protection it needs to maintain a healthy, luminous appearance. Here’s how to apply a balanced approach:
- First line of defense: Sunscreen
For optimal protection, apply a separate sunscreen underneath your mineral makeup. Remember to reapply when you’re spending extended time outdoors or by the water or in the snow, where rays are magnified.
- Second line of defense: Mineral makeup
For a beautiful complexion, find products that offer excellent coverage and hide redness and discoloration.
What’s the best way to keep your skin looking radiantly healthy and young as you age? Keep applying sunscreen every day!
See also:
A Beauty Routine to Avoid and Conceal Acne
Solutions for 7 Makeup Mishaps
5 Beauty Tricks for Flawless Fair Skin
Spring Cleaning: Deep Cleansing Masks
6 Tips for a Beautiful Neck & Dècolletè