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Skin conditions
Do cosmetics containing sunscreen provide adequate sun protection?
Originally Published: April 21, 2000 ~ Last Updated / Reviewed on: June 12, 2009
 

Dear Alice,

I was thinking of buying a face powder that says it has an spf of 30. It seems convenient to have a powder sunblock since lotions make my oily face greasy. However, I was wondering if this powder will even be effective as a sunblock since I heard that some moisturizers and other products that advertise an added SPF sometimes don't have a high enough concentration of sunblocking ingredients to make it effective. I would like to know what do you think before I make my purchase. Thanx.

 

Dear Reader,

More and more cosmetics nowadays contain sunscreens with a range of sun protection factors (SPFs). Sunscreens can now be found in some face powders, foundations, lipsticks, and specially formulated face moisturizers. Some of these moisturizers are oil-free and use non-greasy sunscreen ingredients that may not produce an oil slick on your face.

Whether you get your sunscreen from makeup products; sunscreen-only lotions, creams, gels, sprays, wax sticks, or ointments; or both, the American Cancer Society (ACS) recommends at least SPF-15 for anyone, regardless of skin color, who spends any time in the sun. The face powder with an SPF-30 that you mention in your question would be an effective sunscreen (not a sunblock), but you may not want to use it alone as it does not provide complete sun protection. Instead, you can apply a light face lotion that offers broad-spectrum sun protection against both UVA and UVB rays underneath the face powder, which can help minimize a shiny finish to your face. For more shelter from the sun, remember to reapply frequently and to wear a broad-rimmed hat to block out some of the sun's rays.

Regarding some of the moisturizers and other products that you refer to, tanning oils, in particular, often have less than SPF-2, which would provide inadequate sun protection. Your question points out the confusion consumers have faced when evaluating and buying sunscreen products. The good news is that in 1999 the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued sunscreen labeling regulations to help consumers make better choices when sunscreen shopping. Manufacturers must:

  • Limit SPF to no more than 30
  • Remove misleading or unproven claims, such as "sunblock," "waterproof," and "all-day protection"
  • Use only the sixteen allowable active sunscreen ingredients, which also must be listed on the label
  • Require a "sun alert" statement to encourage consumers to use other sun protective measures, such as wearing hats and clothing and limiting sun exposure, in addition to the sunscreen
  • Include a warning label on tanning products that don't have sunscreen

Take care out there,

Alice

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