Betina would like to know…I saw an ad for a product called Brush on Block. It looks like a blush but it works like a SPF 30 sunscreen. Is it too good to be true?
The Right Brain responds:
After looking into this product, we’d rate it “good” but not “too good.”
A poorly applied sunscreen is worthless
Because of the potential for skin cancer, you really have to be careful when choosing the right delivery form for sunscreen. For example we blogged recently that even though there are a number of spray on sunscreens on the market for the FDA has not yet approved sprays as proven delivery vehicle because more data is needed to show that they coat the skin evenly. In other words, even if the product contains the right active ingredients, you have to correctly apply them to skin or they won’t work properly.
Powder is difficult to apply evenly
That’s why Brush on Block concerns us: how do you make sure that a powdered sunscreen, which by definition consists of billions of tiny particles, covers your skin uniformly? If you apply this product like a regular blush or foundation you won’t necessarily completely cover your face. If you miss even the tiniest of spots you could be opening yourself up for sun damage.
We’re not the only ones with this concern. Even the Cosmetic Cop (Paula Begoun, who sells powdered sunscreens) recommends to not use powder as your sole source of sun protection. Paula suggests, and we wholeheartedly agree, that you should use a sunscreen lotion and supplement it with a powdered sunscreen if you so chose. Layering different sunscreen products is a great way to make sure you’re building up enough UV defense.
The Beauty Brains Bottom line
This product seems to be a great supplement to your daily lotion sunscreen but to rely on it for your sole sun protection is dangerous because you may not apply enough.
Image credit: http://15mmvsf.bagofmice.com/vsf/vsfp/Builder/Iron_Ram/brush.JPG
Reference: http://emedicine.medscape.com/article/1119992-overview#aw2aab6b7
{ 1 comment… read it below or add one }
The information you have here on this site is really good. But that blackout pop out signup thing is REALLY REALLY annoying.
{ 1 trackback }