Click here to visit the Beauty Brains blog.
Welcome to the new Forum. Please feel free to start a new discussion.
Sunscreen 101
  • ranabow
    Hello everyone,

    I have so many questions regarding sunscreen that I can't seem to get a definitive, scientifically-backed answer to.

    To this point I have not been wearing sunscreen, moisturizer, or really anything on my face. I don't like to be out in the sun during the height of summer and my skin type (medium-olive) is not typically affected, so it just never occurred to me. But I keep reading that the two best defenses against skin damage are moisture and sunscreen, so I'm trying to be more disciplined. However, it hasn't been easy for me to get clear answers on what I should be looking for.

    As I said I do not stay out in the sun much, but I do commute on foot for a minimum of an hour a day.

    What perplexes me most are all the different formulas. I bought a spray sunscreen to use on my body during summer (from Neutrogena), but have discontinued it since the weather started cooling down and I have been wearing more covering clothing. However, on my face, I am continuing to either wear an SPF 20 tinted moisturizer or just regular, oil free SPF 15 moisturizer depending on whether I want to wear makeup (specifically, Tarte Smooth Operator or Boscia oil free moisturizer). Is this enough? Should I be wearing a separate, dedicated sunscreen or is it ok for my moisturizer/makeup to double as a sunscreen? Do I need to reapply? What about powder sunscreens? I have oily skin so my greatest concern is layering so much goo all over my already gooey face. I like the idea of an all-in-one product for that reason, but if it isn't effective, I would really like to know.

    Thanks--this is a great site!
  • lindygirl1960
    Not a Brain but I do perhaps have the answer to one of your questions. My understanding is that you should NOT rely on an spf in a makeup, as in your foundation, for protection against sun damage. The problem being that you would have to apply rather a lot of makeup to get the spf listed on the label.

    I am fair skinned myself, with a family history of skin cancer, so I always wear sunblock (Neutrogena Dry Touch spf 55 is what I am currently using). My skin is combination, normal with an oily t-zone. I know exactly what you are talking about when you say you don't want to layer too much over a face that already feels gooey. I have found that, for me, the oil production seems to have slowed down a lot since I started using Extra Virgin Olive Oil to clean my face. (That was over 3 years ago. No regrets. My skin is doing great.) In the mornings I clean my face, use an alpha hydroxy acid product to help keep my skin peeling just a bit, then apply the Neutrogena sunblock. After giving that a couple of minutes to sink in I use a primer and follow with an inexpensive drugstore brand of mineral makeup. All I can say is it works for me!

    Hope that helps!
  • HAIRpro
    Did you know that olive oil contains a natural sunscreen that protects against harmful UVA rays? It's true! Studies show that those who use olive oil as a moisturizer in Italy, have decreased occurrences of skin cancers.
  • lindygirl1960
    So far as I know olive oil has no spf. Perhaps the Brains could address that issue.
  • lindygirl1960
    I found this article from the BBC - http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/743514.stm

    There is research done by the Japanese with extra virgin olive oil that indicates it helps to delay skin cancers forming. "Their tumours were smaller, less frequent, and there was less DNA damage to skin cells. Olive oil is rich in antioxidants, which are thought to counteract the harmful effects of ultra violet radiation. UV triggers the production of free radicals, destructive molecules which damage DNA. Antioxidants, such as vitamin E, mop up free radicals and help to neutralise them. "

    It also states "Olive oil is not a sunscreen - it does not stop UV rays penetrating the skin. "

    Hope that helps
  • HAIRpro
    That totally helps! You know some products claim that it does indeed protect against the harmful rays! So thank you for clarifying!
  • novalinnhe
    Oh wow, really? I've been using organic olive oil as a moisturiser for a while now. I'm glad there's at least something positive about it! :) x

    EDIT: Oh - on this article, the BBC say it's only extra virgin olive oil, not just normal organic olive oil. Oops. :P
  • lindygirl1960
    Extra Virgin Olive Oil makes a wonderful moisturizer for me. I add it to my body lotion, mixing the two in the palm of my hand as I apply. I clean my face with it. Actually I have not 'washed' my face in over 3 years. Sounds gross, right? But my face is clean, my skin is clear and my skin is nowhere near as oily as it used to be. My makeup will actually stay put all day now. So, for me, it works wonders.
  • Izziness
    With the very unpredictable climate we have right now, it is better to have a ready sunscreen all the time. We should all remember that direct exposure to sunlight is the topmost "villain" when it comes to skin protection. Meanwhile, coupled skincare is also the taking good care of nails, especially toenails. Just like our skin, our nails need protection from fungus and brittleness.

    http://www.zerofungus.com
  • sarahf
    Fair enough, but go to a doctor for a prescription if you have toenail fungus.  Don't use Zero Fungus--it has a disclaimer saying it isn't "intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease" (i.e., it has no FDA approval as a drug for this use).
Add a Comment