Why I use two different sunscreens together
Even though it’s been raining more frequently recently, some days are plain freaking hot. I try to stay in as far as possible because I’m beginning to have this niggling fear that my current sunscreen may not be powerful enough to protect me from the high UV index.
I’ve been using the Derma e Antioxidant Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion for a few months now and I really love it. It seems to be working well but I often wonder if it’s protective enough. Okay, to be fair, this is a common thought I have with every single sunscreen I’ve ever used.
Anyway, while applying it to my face the other day, I suddenly remembered a reader’s comment in one of my old posts about sunscreen application. I can’t remember if she’d mentioned it was based on her own experience, or someone else’s but I recall reading that two different sunscreens were being used for daily protection.
Actually this was something I used to do when I had to be under the hot sun for some outdoor activities. I literally slathered two different sunscreens on myself!
So I decided to give this tip a try on my face, especially since Derma e Antioxidant Natural Sunscreen SPF 30 Face Lotion applies like a moisturizer without any trace of greasiness. I layered the MVO Everyday Coverage on top but definitely using lesser than a quarter teaspoon. I was a little concerned that it might all turn out too drying or flaky but surprisingly, I’d no issues whatsoever.
Skincare experts recommend double layer of sunscreen
I’m liking this whole idea very much now. I did a search online and it appears that other people are also doing this and recommending so. But some suggest that it’s best to layer a physical sunscreen over a chemical one which was what I did before. Apparently, even top dermatologist Dr Leslie Baumann recommends a double layer of sunscreen, first a chemical sunscreen to absorb UV light, and then a physical sunscreen on top to reflect rays, when spending many hours outdoors.
But because I use mineral (physical) sunscreen on a daily basis, I prefer not to layer with a chemical sunscreen. Also, I understand that some ingredients may get destabilized when you mixed a chemical sunscreen with a physical one.
My rationale for double layer of sunscreen
Alright, I’ve to admit that I don’t know for sure if using two different mineral sunscreens provides better protection too. I also know for sure that using two SPF30 sunscreens is not going to give me SPF60 protection. So what’s my rationale for layering two different sunscreens on my face?
A greater peace of mind.
I’m not gonna justify this one but I’ll just say that because the Derma e formula has lesser zinc oxide content, the idea of supplementing with MVO’s that has a higher zinc oxide sits well with me. Also, this is a way for me to apply more sunscreen.
Some of you probably don’t agree with me and that’s fine. In fact, I won’t recommend this for anyone else since using two sunscreens can be highly pore clogging. But I do want to state that I don’t do this every day but only on days when I know I need to be out and the weather is too hot.
Oh, just in case you’re wondering: using two different sunscreens at the same time is not quite the same as using a a foundation or moisturizer with SPF. Why? Well, it’s because both the foundation and the moisturizer do not contain sufficient sun protection active ingredients.
So anyone using two different sunscreens together too? Share your thoughts!
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Hello
Could you advise me if I can mix a physical and mineral sunscreen moisturizer together or should I just use a mineral sunscreen by its self for face?
Many thanks,
Thelma
Yes, according to the dermatologist. But avoid using a chemical sunscreen containing avobenzone with your mineral sunscreen.
I have recently found a series of natural products on mamilan.com which includes creams and soaps, I tried them and the results are amazing! The products clean the skin, give it moisture, clarify it, remove the dead layer of skin. I highly recommend you all to order the products and try them on , the sure thing is you won’t regret – because the results are absolutely amazing !
Hi Terry, thanks so much for your comment and your sharing! This is an eye opener but also quite disheartening. Nothing seems safe enough now. Geez.
On another note, Derma E has a better texture than Badger. But not too sure if you’ll like it. I feel it’s less drying. I actually like it very much.
Hi There, been reading up and found that you are also using MVO’s tinting sunscreen, but are they only available online and the shipping to sgp is a whopping USD85? Is there other ways to get it? Thanks
Hi Jean, has the shipping cost increased so much? I don’t know of anywhere in Singapore that sells this but they do offer free international shipping for orders above US$250.
your love for MVO aside, I’ve read that vitamin A in sunscreens ought to be avoided, but it seems that the MVO sunscreen contains many ingredients that are high in Vitamin A, such as Sea Buckthorn, Rosehip etc. What would be your position on this?
I believe natural vitamin A are okay but the particular vitamin A that should be avoided is retinol and its derivatives.
Hi. I am also using Derma E Antioxidant Sunscreen but it seems to break me out. What do you use to remove it at night? I am acne prone with oily and sensitive skin and oils tend to clog my pores causing more acne.
I double cleanse with two cream cleansers.
I’ve been trying out the physical SPF from Bare Minerals and I really like it! It’s SPF 50 and hasn’t irritated me so far. I also developed eczema from the Kate Somerville Waterlight SPF because it dried me out so bad but I’m also acne prone so I don’t like anything that’s oily. The bare minerals sunscreen hasn’t broken me out so far and wears well under makeup! It’s at Sephora, check it out!
Hi there, Once a dermatologist told me that sunscreen is not ok for my type of skin. I have an oily skin and couldn’t figure out why he said that. But later i tried using one spf 50 sunscreen. There was no any allergies or reactions after using it. But here you told us about using 2 sun screams which seems to be ideal to persons of diverse skin types.