Today sunscreen comes in many forms - gels, lotions, foundations, sprays and even powder! 

In this blog, we will break down the powder-based sunscreen for you and answer all your questions about the science of powder sunscreen.

• What is powder sunscreen?
• Why is powder sunscreen becoming so popular?
• Is powder sunscreen effective?
• What are the advantages of a powder sunscreen?
• When can you use powder sunscreen by itself?
• How often should you reapply powder sunscreen?
• How to apply powder sunscreen?

What is Powder Sunscreen?

Powder sunscreen is exactly what it sounds like – sunscreen in powdered form. The sunscreen particles are dispersed in a powder instead of in a lotion or cream. It's akin to a loose makeup powder, but loaded with SPF to protect your skin from harsh UV rays.

Why is Powder Sunscreen Trending?

Sunscreens or sunblock tend to wash off or disintegrate over the course of the day and hence become less effective. This makes reapplication of sunscreen an essential step for all day sun protection. However, this is easier said than done because sunblock in lotion or liquid form can be hard to reapply over makeup. This is where powder sunscreen has become a game-changer! 

They are high in SPF and formulated similarly to loose powder. Thus, they can be dusted on easily with just a brush for instant protection and a refreshed look. 

Are Powder Sunscreens Effective?

Yes, powder sunscreens are just as effective as any other sun protection product as they are formulated with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, the same active ingredients that provide UVA and UVB protection. These ingredients form a protective layer and act as physical blockers that reflect and scatter the sun's rays away from the skin. 

They are designed to provide additional sun protection over your makeup as the finely milled particles adhere to the skin while maintaining a sheer and lightweight coverage. However, it is important to note that powder sunscreen should not be solely relied upon as the primary form of sun protection. For optimal results, it is recommended to use it as a supplementary measure, applied over a base layer of traditional liquid sunscreen. Regular reapplication ensures continued protection against harmful UV rays.

What are the Advantages of a Powder Sunscreen?

• Sheer and Weightless Protection: Powder sunscreen provides a weightless and sheer layer of protection that is not too heavy, allowing your skin to breathe. The light texture is perfect for those who prefer a minimalist approach to skincare.

• Easy Application and Reapplication: The convenience of powder sunscreen lies in its easy application. The compact packaging makes it travel-friendly and enables quick touch-ups throughout the day without having to worry about ruining your makeup.
  

• No White-Cast: Powder sunscreen is sheer and seamlessly blends into the skin without changing its tone or colour, thereby leaving zero white cast. Sandiva’s SPF Top-Up Loose Powder is tinted and available in 4 different shades, making it an apt choice for Indian skin tones!
  
  
• Mattifying Effect: For individuals with oily or combination skin, powder sunscreen offers a mattifying effect. It helps in controlling excess shine and leaves your skin with a natural, matte finish.

• Versatile on Makeup: Powder sunscreen seamlessly integrates into your makeup routine. It can be applied over foundation or other products, ensuring your skin is sun protected after applying makeup as well.
  
  

• Long-lasting sun Protection: Powder sunscreen delivers enduring protection, creating a resilient barrier against sun rays that's long-lasting.
  

When Can You Use Powder Sunscreen?

Powder sunscreen is a versatile and convenient option. Here are some scenarios when you the powder sunscreen is your best sun protection:

• Reapplication Throughout the Day: Powder sunscreen is excellent for reapplication over your makeup or existing sunscreen every two hours, as recommended by dermatologists.
  

• Outdoor Activities: Use powder sunscreen when engaging in outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, or picnics, to easily reapply sun protection without messing up your makeup.
  

• Travel: Pack powder sunscreen for travel, as it is often more portable and less prone to spillage than traditional liquid sunscreens.
  

• Everyday Use: Incorporate powder sunscreen into your daily beauty routine for added sun protection. It can be applied over your makeup or moisturiser for a quick touch-up.
  

• On-the-Go: Keep a compact powder sunscreen in your bag for on-the-go touch-ups, ensuring continuous sun protection whenever needed.
  

Can You Use Powder Sunscreen By Itself?

For comprehensive sun protection, especially in prolonged sun exposure or intense sunlight conditions, it is advisable to use a broad-spectrum sunscreen lotion or cream as the primary layer. You can then use powder sunscreen for touch-ups throughout the day, particularly over makeup, to reinforce your protection.

How Often Should You Reapply Powder Sunscreen?

The frequency of reapplication for powder sunscreen is generally similar to that of traditional sunscreen lotions or creams. It's essential to reapply powder sunscreen at least every two hours, or more frequently if you've been swimming, sweating heavily, or if the powder has been wiped off.

How to Apply Powder Sunscreen

To effectively apply powder sunscreen over lotion sunscreens, use a powder brush or a sponge applicator, tap to remove any excess powder and gently dust it over your skin. Blend the powder using gentle strokes and reapply every two hours or as needed. It is best used throughout the day as dusting powder to keep your face fresh and protected. 

If you’re keen on making powder sunscreen a part of your skincare arsenal, then Sandiva’s SPF Top-Up Loose Powder is the best choice! This lightweight powder instantly refreshes your face and offers high protection against the harsh sun. Packed with the goodness of sandalwood, the powder sunscreen protects your skin from irritants and soothes any skin inflammation.  

Its tinted mattifying formula gives your skin a smooth, airbrushed finish and is available in 4 different tints to suit Indian skin tones!

Want to know the difference between tinted powder and compact powder? Check out our blog post - The Differences: Tinted Powder, Compact Powder, and Translucent Powder