Is more zinc oxide necessarily better?

[orangehrzn]

physical sunscreens have to be reapplied too if you go in the water or if you rub them off.

[orangehrzn]

I forgot to mention, another thing that I like about micronized physical sunscreens is that they even out skin color, covering redness and pimples, making you look younger. If they are too 'pale', you can always custom tint them with iron oxides or caramel food coloring.

[jessica9]

i am aware of the fact that physical sunblocks need to be reapplied while at the beach, but they do sort of "stick" to the skin more than sunscreens. some are nearly impossible to wash off! i spoke about the need to reapply sunblocks on another post. sweat, oil, water - it's just better to be on the safe side. definately need to worry a little less about reapplication.

i have read several articles about the micronized physical sunscreens being less effective than regular physical blockers. i used to use one by skinceuticals, and i really liked it a lot. it does make the skin look rather dewy and youthful. i haven't read anything that speaks of the degree to which micronized formulations are weakened. i suppose it is a matter of compromise like many things. i would be interested in knowing more about that. i get the same youthful effect from anthelios xl veloute (meroxyl based). i look way better with sunscreen on than without it i think!

i would still be interested to have someone answer my questions in response to dr. todorov's post on ti20 nanoparticles. if anyone could, that would be great.

[orangehrzn]

I tried today the Blue Lizard Sensitive. The finish is matte ! Comparable to much more expensive brands like Shiseido only you dont have to spring the big bucks. It spreads well, first goes white but in 10 mins the whiteness is totally gone. Aparently they use very well homogenized/micronized sunblocks.

Can you give me links to the articles about micronized blocks worse than regular physical blocks? I've seen tables to estimate SPF by percentage and according to them micronized zinc and titanium are actually BETTER than the regular ones - block more for the same mass.

[jessica9]

orangehrzn,
that's great about the the blue lizard sensitive! sensitive formulations from my experience are usually a tad creamier if you know what i mean. i think i'm going to buy some and try it out cos i don't go to the beach often, but i am going this year, i was looking at the sport formulation, which is waterproof, but has a slightly lower spf. sensitive seems good for everyday - for me at least, because i'm a grease monkey in summer!
i will definately look up and find the articles i found on micronized blocks. i should have saved them, but i didn't. right now i am (procrastinating by checking my email and responding but...) in the middle of research. next week i'll find the articles and post the links. i remember one in particular was from a reputable dermatologist on her general info. not much info on why. the others i looked at gave more information. would you mind posting any articles you have about micronized formulations actually being better? there is always a well-backed up counter argument to every argument that counters another.

jessica

[orangehrzn]

Go to makingcosmetics.com and search for 'sunscreens'. In the results page click 'about sunscreens'. At the end of document there is a table estimating SPF based on concentration of sunblocks. Notice for the same SPF, the micronized Zinc is always lower concentration than the regular zinc. That's why I am under the impression, micronized is more effective.

Keep in mind that the Blue Lizard Sensitive is not oily but on the other hand it won't mattify excess skin oil. I guess a little Monistat on top will do that.