Cellnique Paramedicals Derma Whitening Daytime Protection {Product Review}

Price: 57$ (Rs 3000 around) for 30ml

Ingredients

Pros

- its a mineral sunscreen as well

- spreads easily and is not too creamy

Cons

- it leaves a lot of white cast!!!

- pretty expensive!! 

- the pump didn't work for me :( 

My Experience

I am always on the look out for Zinc Oxide based sunscreens. So, this one caught my eye. I liked the packaging with the pump for the squeeze tube but, unfortunately, the pump didn't work for me. I had to screw open the pump and squeeze out the sunscreen. 

The sunscreen is white in color and light in texture but enough creamy but again, not too creamy. And, depending on various days, I needed extra moisturizing sometimes and sometimes not. The light texture of the product allows it to spread easily and evenly on the skin.

But, there is a huge hitch in this. Since it has both Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide (I don't know the ratios), the product leaves a lot of white cast on the skin which is very annoying. I have tried using the product on my arms as well and same issue there. 

And, it is definitely expensive for 30 ml of a product which would probably last two months!!! It needs to be reapplied because its a combination of mineral and chemical sunscreen. I wish they do something regarding the white cast. Also, I didn't see any whitening or lightening of my skin tone.

PS: Product sent by brand.

Do sunscreens prevent tanning? {Reader's Query}

Sunscreens are essentially made to prevent the sun's rays to harm your skin and trigger skin cancer. But, depending on the strength of the sunscreen, it might have tanning prevention abilities. 

Physical Sunscreens

Predominantly used physical sunscreen agent, Zinc Oxide, is a broad spectrum sunscreen which protects skin from both UVA and UVB rays (both types). Generally, it helps a lot in preventing tanning. But, there is a loop hole here. The abilities of the sunscreen depends on the strength of its protection. For example, if you are using a spf 15 sunscreen, it filters out 92% (rounded figure) of the sun's rays and still allows 8% to go through. Those 8% of the sun's rays can still harm the skin. 

Similarly, when talking about Titanium Dioxide, it filters out all UVB rays but only half of UVA rays which reduces the strength of the sunscreen considerably. In spf 15, 8% of rays are still passing through to the skin and also, UVA rays are separately affecting your skin because the sunscreen can't block them. Also, Titanium Dioxide is responsible for generating free radicals in the body unless it is coated.

Chemical Sunscreens

The major issue with chemical sunscreen is the stability factor. The chemical ingredients breakdown on exposure to sunlight. Yes, that's a contradiction to the function of the product. That's the main reason why a sunscreen has to be reapplied after every two hours. Also, they have a tendency to generate free radicals in the body which can also trigger cancerous reaction within the body.

Also, let me say here that the "Helioplex" of Neutrogena is a stabilising formula (read this post for more details) to prevent the breakdown of the chemical sunscreen ingredients which makes its sunscreens effective on a longer length of time. But, again the strength of sunscreen decides the amount of rays passing through to the skin and they can cause tanning. 

Also, a sunscreen which doesn't have PA ratings gives no protection against UVA rays so still your skin is vulnerable to tanning and aging. PA ratings gives protection against the UVA rays and spf gives the protection strength against the UVB rays so a sunscreen needs to have both these factors mentioned for it to be a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

Recommended Sunscreens:

MVO Moisturizing Face Screen
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock

Related Posts:

Do layers of sunscreens help? 

Sunscreen and Myths 

Dark and Dull Skin in summers 

Zinc Oxide vs Titanium Dioxide

Is my sunscreen working?

Surfaces and Radiations

What are UV Radiations?

What Sunscreen should I buy?

Sunscreen Ingredients

Use sunscreen 365 days a year

How much sunscreen do you apply?

Sunscreen: Role in anti-aging Skin Care

PS: Just checked out that Hermes stores are there in Delhi, Mumbai and Pune. Btw, any one has idea if there is a Hermes counter / Store in the Dubai airport, those duty free ones???

MVO Moisturizing Face Screen {Product Review}

I had long back talked about my experience with MVO Everyday Sheer Coverage (ESC) and I mentioned about Moisturizing Face Screen (MFS) there. So, I am now ready to review this awesome product.

Price: 40$ (Rs 2000 approx) for 60ml (and with rupee declining, its far more expensive!!!)

Ingredients

My Experience

In a nutshell, this is the best sunscreen I have come across till date. It doesn't let me tan even a single bit. And, it is way too costly :( But, if I indulge myself in anything, it would be only this product ever because I have not found an equivalent of it yet which is inexpensive. So, let me talk about the product a bit.

Its a tinted sunscreen because Zinc Oxide leaves a white patch behind. It comes in four tints which is less for the varying skin colors and sometimes, it might not really suit the skin tone. Since it is a Zinc Oxide based sunscreen, the texture is powdery (like Lactocalamine). And, yes, it is difficult to blend in the skin. Especially, when your skin is not at its best or not exfoliated properly.

Well that was the bad and the good is that it goes very smoothly over oil or most of the moisturizers I have tried. Its supposed to blend in like a foundation only so a little patience is definitely required. Its a good makeup base and a little lip tint would look great. The finish of the product is matte and doesn't really make the face oily but yes, blotting papers would be useful if you are not going to sit in an AC.

And, another good thing about the product is that it has amazing ingredients which nourish your skin at the same time. But, the best part of the product is that it stays for the whole day and you don't have to reapply unless you are all the time in the sun or you are sweating excessively when the Zinc Oxide may get washed off the skin.

I have been using this since quite a time and almost every time I have loved the product except for when it gets difficult for me to blend it in and then, I come to know that I need to exfoliate  the my skin. Generally, exfoliation solves the blending problem so that makes my skin happy and glowing. Oh, something to remember is that double cleansing is very very necessary to remove the product. 

PS: I am doing this review today because of Bridal Series going on. And, I wanted to share the secret of my glowing skin these days. And, if you can indulge in the expenditure, you should definitely give this a try. I don't know how I am going to get my next bottle. Btw, the 30ml bottle lasts for 2 months if used everyday so that's satisfactory at least (not inexpensive at all). Btw, MVO has free international delivery on or above 175$ so if anyone is interested, we can arrange a collective purchase. Drop me a mail :)

Other products from MVO:
Marie Veronique Organics After Sun Body Oil
Marie Veronique Organics Everyday Sheer Coverage

Marie Veronique Organics Everyday Sheer Coverage {Product Review}

I mentioned a while back that I had won the MVO giveaway and this product came as one of the samples. So, I finished the sample and wanted to share my experience. So, kindly don't take this as a proper review.

Price: 50$ (Rs 2500 approx) for 60 ml (yeah, really expensive!!!)

What does MVO say about the product? 

• Provides essential every day UVA/UVB protection and defends against premature aging with a unique combination of natural humectants, emollients and anti-oxidants.
• Evens skin tones and absorbs into the skin leaving a lovely matte finish
• Provides anti aging support with beta glucans, glucosamine, and powerful anti-oxidants such as coffee fruit extract.
• Prevents moisture loss from exposure to the elements with red raspberry seed oil and broccoli seed oils
• Made with non-micronized zinc oxide, a physical sun block that reflects UV rays without releasing wrinkle and cancer-causing free radicals
• For use every day, rain or shine.

Available in Extra light, Light, Medium and Dark Tint. For Indian skin, light and medium tint would suit well.

Shake well before use and keep in a cool place. Apply liberally and evenly before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Safe for all ages. If irritation develops discontinue use and consult a physician. 

Ingredients

No harmful chemicals, nanoparticles, parabens, fillers, waxes, or fragrances.
Active ingredient: 16.6% non-nano zinc oxide
Ingredients: Camellia sinensis (green & white tea), non-nano zinc oxide, vegetable glycerin, Brassica oleracea italica (broccoli seed oil), Prunus avium (cherry kernel seed oil), emu oil, Punica granatum (pomegranate seed oil), Rubus idaeus (red raspberry seed oil), Tocopherol (vitamin E), Calodendrum capense (yangu oil), Cosmocil CQ*, xanthan gum, n-acetyl glucosamine, lecithin, potassium sorbate, pearl powder, Rosemarinus officinalis (rosemary oleoresin), beta glucan, Coffea arabica (coffee fruit extract), Hydrolyzed silk (silk powder), Rosa centifolia (rose) essential oil, Citrus aurantium bigaradia (neroli) essential oil, Helichrysum italicum (helichrysum essential oil), Cistus incanus (cistus) essential oil, iron oxides

Amazing Ingredients!!! I can't get enough of them :) Btw, MVO is an organic brand.

My Experience

this is the medium tint

One thing which I regret about this product is that it is just spf 20 and not enough for a tropical climate of India. I ordered the medium tint of the Moisturizing Face Screen so this also came in the same tint. The product is lighter in consistency and gets absorbed really quickly into the skin. Well, if I actually say, it gets absorbed too quickly so it is better to apply it as dots on the face and blend in as compared to rubbing on the hands and then applying. And, I think its anti-aging ingredients do work. I felt my face was a little firmer when I was using this. And, its Zinc Oxide is great at protecting from the sun. The only wish is if it had been spf 30. 

little shinier than the other but gets absorbed quickly

Another thing to note is that as I said in my previous post, physical sunscreen ingredients do leave a white cast on the skin. So, the tinted ones are available in the product. But, since Zinc Oxide is so high in concentration (24% is the maximum allowed concentration of Zinc Oxide by FDA rules and the product has 16% around), there is a little powdery texture to the product and it doesn't feel silky smooth as other sunscreens do. This makes the blending a little harder. But, when you get used to it, its not much of a concern. I have applied it directly on the skin without moisturizing and using various moisturizers and face oils too and I didn't face any problem of blending even once. And, since it has a tint, it also provides a decent coverage and evens out the complexion. But, of course, you can't use it as makeup as far as I understand (a doubtful point, don't believe me coz I know nothing about it!!!). It gives a matte finish but might also become semi-matte depending on your skin type. 

For dry skin, it gets absorbed well and provides moisturization too. For oily and combination skins, it might be a little dewy and you might need a bit of powder to set it after some time depending on the oil on your face. But, its a score of times better than chemical sunscreens which make your skin look like having been dipped in oil. And, I have been there so I am thankful. It might give a shiny appearance for sometime but give it 2-3 minutes and it settles comfortably into the skin. One squirt of the product is enough for face and another squirt for neck and exposed chest. I would advise to apply it just like a foundation coz you want the sunscreen to sit evenly on your skin and protect your skin from sun's rays. Touching and tugging at the skin wouldn't help coz it might bring off the Zinc Oxide from the skin. 

Regarding application, when you are staying indoors and during cloudy days when there is no sun and during winters when sun is again obscure, one application in the morning and another in the afternoon is probably enough. I surely didn't apply it every two hours as it is advised coz I was indoors most of the time. But, if you are outside in hot sun or sweating profusely or swimming, it is advisable to reapply the sunscreen in regular intervals (two hours is the general idea). Btw, did I mention that it prevents tanning of the skin which is a huge bonus!!! I didn't tan since I have been using it. And, of course, you need to double cleanse to remove the sunscreen whether its physical or chemical so don't forget that.

Instead of making my recommendation because it was just a sample and I used it for very less time, I would conclude by saying that if I am to try it again, my preference would be a higher spf sun screen and I would love to use the Anti-aging oil instead at night to revive my skin. And, if this product would ever be changed to spf 30, then I might definitely prefer this over the Moisturizing Face Screen because I found it gives a better finish than that.

PS: The comparison in this post is with MVO Moisturizing Face Screen.

Zinc Oxide vs Titanium Dioxide {Sunscreen}

[Source:holistickid.com]

So, we talked about physical and chemical sunscreens in this post. I explained that I do not prefer chemical sunscreens because they produce free radicals in the body. So, now, we come down to physical sunscreens. Now, there are only two ingredients which has the properties of being physical sunscreens - Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide.

Now, do you remember my post on the sunscreen breakout problem?? It was posted quite long back. In that post, I had simply stated that a sunscreen with Zinc Oxide will solve the breakout problems. Why did I not state anything regarding Titanium Dioxide? Let's see if I can explain it.

Zinc Oxide

It is the best broad-spectrum UV filter known till now. And, it doesn't cause any allergic reactions on the skin too. In fact, Zinc Oxide is pretty good for acne skin because of its anti-bacterial property. It just sits and disperses the light falling on the skin without allowing it to get to the skin surface. It doesn't get absorbed by the skin. But, there are certain downsides to this ingredient. 

Zinc Oxide is notorious for leaving a white cast on the skin. The Zinc Oxide sunscreens are thick and a little powdery in texture which might leave a powdery cast on the skin. These sunscreens do not blend on the skin very easily too. It takes a little getting used to the texture of the product. 

Titanium Dioxide

So, you might have heard the debate whether Titanium Dioxide is poisonous or harmful to the skin or not. Ok, so let me first say, this is the second best ingredients for sunscreen but it doesn't give a broad-spectrum protection. It lacks UVA spectrum protection. And, it is also known to be allergic to the sensitive skin. Well, Titanium Dioxide is one of regularly used ingredients in mineral makeup and if mineral makeup breaks you out, Titanium Dioxide allergy might be one of the factors. Even Titanium Dioxide leaves a white cast like Zinc Oxide.

So, let us first say how this ingredient protects from sun's rays. It uses both absorption and dispersion methods. So, yup, you might ask me if it doesn't produce free radicals? Well, I have been trying to hunt down for that answer and this is what I found: http://personalcaretruth.com/2011/01/does-titanium-dioxide-cause-free-radical-damage. Well, check out the article for detailed explanation. 

Does Titanium Dioxide produce free radicals?

Well, there are two types of Titanium Dioxide which can be used in the products - Rutile and Anatase. These are the polymorphs of original Titanium Dioxide and thus, differ in certain properties. So, as it comes out, rutile is less photoreactive than anatase form because it has highest refractive index of all the known minerals and it also has high dispersion properties which means that rutile Titanium Dioxide reflects the UV light more than absorbing it. 

Now, you need to be concerned about which form is present in your product. So, the answer given is that generally it is the rutile form which is more commonly used but in case of doubt, the manufacturer of the product should be contacted. Not a very good answer but the summary is that you need not be bothered about the absorption because it is very less likely to damage the skin.

What would I choose?

Well, my answer would be Zinc Oxide as it is broad-spectrum and more effective but I definitely wouldn't mind Titanium Dioxide in mineral makeup. That would add some sun protection to the makeup you are using.

Sunscreen is breaking you out? {Sunscreen}

This is some tip I read some where regarding the usage of sunscreen. Use a Zinc Oxide based sunscreen if your sunscreen is breaking you out.

Zinc Oxide is a great sunscreen agent and even a stronger antiseptic and inflammatory agent which helps the comedogenic (prone to blocked pores) skin. The best part is that zinc oxide based sunscreen is more effective and less harmful as compared to chemical sunscreens available in the market. For more information on physical and chemical sunscreen, please refer to this post.