Let’s be honest, sunscreens aren’t the most pleasant products to apply. We understand their importance and would never sacrifice our skin because of a dislike for texture, but we wouldn’t be the first to make note of their gooey, unbelievably thick and often overly oily consistency. Thankfully, this is where powder sunscreens come into play.
One of the leaders in powder SPF formulas is the dermatologist-recommended and mineral-based line Colorescience. According to aesthetic physician Doriana Cosgrove, MD, ease of application is key. “With Colorescience sunscreen, it’s an easy application with the brush versus dirty hands and reapplying creams.” Once you apply Colorescience’s formula you can just go outside too. “You don’t have to wait like you do with a chemical sunscreen,” added Cosgrove.
Janet Turkle, MD, board certified plastic surgeon, noted Colorescience’s texture and how it isn’t appealing to put a really thick lotion sunscreen on top of another thick lotion sunscreen. “That’s what’s so nice with a mineral powder base. It can be easily reapplied. There are very few sunscreens that you can actually apply and say, ‘Hey I look better!’” said Turkle.
But, you ask, how effective are powder sunscreens compared to other formulas? According to Jane Iredale, creator of the eponymous mineral makeup line, the effectiveness of powder sunscreens has never been in question. "All sunscreens go through stringent laboratory tests, and our sunscreens are no different. They go through the same tests as oils, creams and lotions and always pass easily. A bigger question, I think, are people applying enough?" she says. "Sunscreen protection always depends on how it is applied. What is haphazard is the dosage the consumer applies and reapplies. Be diligent and take charge of your own skin. Make sure you apply enough and reapply if you’ve been sweating or swimming."
Want to discover the best powder SPF products DermStore has to offer? Here are some of our best, as picked by the Dermstore editors:
Related Articles
