Devita Sunscreen
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free skin care · Fri May 06, 2011 11:37 pm

It's been reformulated and is also now in a tube.

Fri May 06, 2011 11:53 pm

I too have been reading on MUA that Devita isn't stable. I am not sure why people believe this is true but the sheerness of the formulation is pretty unique compared with the other zinc oxide sunscreens. It makes one wonder that is why I use it for everyday and not for extended time in direct light. I also layer it with other sunblocks like my foundation or the TiZo 40.

free skin care · Sat May 07, 2011 3:11 am

I don't know, it seems that the Devita *should* be stable because it's a purely physical sunscreen, right? I think that whether a sunscreen is stable or unstable has more to do with whether it contains certain chemicals that produce free radicals during sun exposure? Please correct me if I'm wrong. However, it seems to have very little water resistance & can wash off easily.

For myself, I see a bit more white cast with Shiseido (both the old SPF 55 & the recently reformulated version SPF 60) than with Devita. It does seem to go away after a while, however. I think I've also tried the Olay product-- it's SPF 30, some sort of daily moisturizer? However, I believe that the active ingredients are mostly chemical, not physical?

The thing is, I *never* get red & want to make sure that the UVA blocking abilities of Devita are OK. I mean, I know that the PPD of physical sunscreens is not all that high compared to some chemical ones containing Tinosorb or Mexoryl, but it seems that a chemical sunscreen might also irritate & inflame skin, which would lead to perhaps more aggravation of hyperpigmenation. Or so it would seem.

Anyway, I was wondering whether people were getting freckled with Devita, I suppose.

free skin care · Sat May 07, 2011 6:05 am

Ok, so apparently the Devita sunscreen is unstable because it has no preservatives and is recommended to be refrigerated when not in use

free skin care · Sat May 07, 2011 7:16 am

Oh, I see. But it seems that even if the Devita formula goes totally rancid because there are no preservatives (I don't really think this is the case, actually), that the sunscreen protecting ingredients (zinc oxide) would remain stable since it's a mineral & more or less inert.

free skin care · Sat May 07, 2011 7:22 am

JLM wrote:

Anyway, I was wondering whether people were getting freckled with Devita, I suppose.

I have not freckled with the Devita, JLM. But, I haven't use just the Devita during a summer yet. I did freckle through with the old formula of Devita (the one in the jar). The first 2 I bought of the new formula, it was in a glass container, but this last one is put in a plastic tube and the tube itself lets light through! I think if someone is going to use Devita in the summer sun, they should also apply a physical powder sunscreen on top if they freckle easily. Just my opinion there.

As far as the stability, that is only a concern for chemical sunscreens as far as I know. The concern would be that if Devita had no preservatives, the ingredients in the sunscreen would go off/bad.

free skin care · Sat May 07, 2011 11:03 am

Thanks for your response rileygirl. I always try to layer products with some sun protection whenever I know I'm going to be out in the sun, but I want to get an idea of how protected I am with just the one product, Devita in this case. I don't know. I can get color by just *thinking* about it, I swear. I felt I was getting color even when I was just in the car on a sunny day. Some products that make me feel pretty protected are BurnOut & Shiseido Face & Body SPF 60, but the texture of Devita is just so much nicer. I hope I'm just being paranoid & the Devita will work out fine.

free skin care · Sat May 07, 2011 1:19 pm

JLM wrote:

I hope I'm just being paranoid & the Devita will work out fine.

I definitely understand this. After RussianSunshine reported her bad experience after being after for a few hours in the sun, I am hesitant to even try it without an added product on top!

Sat May 07, 2011 3:48 pm

JLM--I just read your recent posts and we think very much the same. I used the Shiseido 55 for years and it does have a white cast even though it is fairly sheer. I also use Burnout but I don't like it for my face. I think it is wise to layer your Devita with other physical sun blocks. Use your Devita Sunscreen to generously cover your face and then layer a bit of tinted sunscreen/foundation or powder over it for peace of mind. I am definitely going to refrigerate my newly purchased tube of the Devita Body sunscreen. I noticed that they have a different cap on the tube from the last one I purchased.

free skin care · Sun May 08, 2011 3:44 am

Hey Petunia, layering products is probably what I'll end up doing, like you said. No matter what sunscreen I'm using, I'll usually layer something on top anyway. But I'm wondering whether the layering that seems necessary for Devita is needed due to its poor water-resistance, or because of its poor sun protection? I suppose that if you *have* to layer products, it doesn't really matter because for one reason or another, you're not being protected. Still, I guess it would just be good to know.

free skin care · Sun May 08, 2011 6:15 am

BTW, I am ashamed to say that I've never done this before, but I just recently measured out the recommended amount of 1/4 tsp of sunscreen to put on my face. Wow, that is one giant glob! I mean, no kidding, it's like putting on another layer of skin.

free skin care · Sun May 08, 2011 8:28 am

JLM wrote:

BTW, I am ashamed to say that I've never done this before, but I just recently measured out the recommended amount of 1/4 tsp of sunscreen to put on my face. Wow, that is one giant glob! I mean, no kidding, it's like putting on another layer of skin.

Yeah, but that is usually for chemical sunscreens. Since Devita is a physical sunscreen, you can get away with using less

free skin care · Sun May 08, 2011 10:20 am

Umm, no disrespect meant, but I don't think this is true. The FDA tests SPF, regardless of whether the active ingredients are physical blockers (like zinc oxide) or chemical blockers, based on how much protection a product provides based on slathering on 2 mg/cm² of sunscreen on exposed skin, which translates to 1/4-1/3 tsp on the adult face.

free skin care · Sun May 08, 2011 10:34 am

Yes, but the thing with physical sunscreen isn't based on how much you put on your face. The only thing that matters is the concentration of the active ingredients, which is the basis to why two sunscreens with different SPFs do not add up. It doesn't matter if you put 1/3 tsp or 1/4 tsp because the concentration of active ingredients is still exactly the same in both cases. So as long as you cover your entire face with sunscreen, you should be fine and get the marketed SPF.

With regards to chemical sunscreens, each of the molecules needs to bind with the skin and react with the skin before it can become active. This is why it is recommended to put more to ensure that the skin can absorb the active ingredients to give you the proper protection. Whereas physical sunscreens, the skin does not have to absorb it in order to work - you just need to put enough to cover the face so it forms a shield. This amount is usually less than 1/3tsp but can be this high if your face is larger.

free skin care · Sun May 08, 2011 10:52 am

Huh, I haven't heard this before. Not to bother you, but do you have any references for this? Also, how would you know how much SPF protection you're getting exactly if you're not going by the recommended amount? Thanks!

free skin care · Sun May 08, 2011 12:30 pm

oasisjc wrote:

...two sunscreens with different SPFs do not add up.

So, yes, I understand this-- however, it seems that the reverse logic does not hold. While SPF is not additive, if you use *less* than the recommended 1/4-1/3 tsp, you are getting much less SPF than is stated on the product label, regardless of whether it's a physical or chemical sunscreen. Am I missing something here?

free skin care · Sun May 08, 2011 1:16 pm

Well you really have to understand the difference between how chemical and physical sunscreens work. Chemical sunscreens need to absorb and bind to each skin cell, so you need a lot more for this to happen. Physical sunscreens simply sit on top of your face to reflect sun rays, so all you need is just enough to cover your face.

I don't have any scholarly references for you right now because I do not have access to them since I'm away from school. However, you can take a look at this video to see just how much you need:

http://www.youtube.com/user/dermTVdotcom#p/search/44/Zg-xVFvFZc8

But regardless if any of this changes your mind or not, you should keep putting on the amount that makes you feel comfortable

free skin care · Sun May 08, 2011 2:37 pm

Hey oasisjc, thanks for the link! I seriously had not heard this before about physical sunscreens. *Sigh*-- why does navigating sunscreens have to be so complicated? However, I still don't understand how the SPF is calculated for a physical sunscreen? It seems that the SPF calculation was based on the *application amount* with a *chemical* sunscreen in mind?

Also, I don't understand what this means for physical/chemical sunscreen combinations! How much to apply in that case? Urgh.

And to tell you the truth, I think I'll probably continue to be generous with the Devita application, since I'm not too sure how well it really *does* protect. However, I think I will definitely ease up on the Burnout. I tried it out the other day with the 1/4 tsp application and yuck! I felt like my skin was totally suffocated & there was a definite white cast.

(But in any case, I think I like my sunscreens much better than Dr. Schultz's, which seems to leave a bit of a white cast on him!)

Thanks again oasisjc! Very Happy

free skin care · Mon May 09, 2011 6:39 am

Ok. I had to come back here and report. Yesterday, I decided to try the Devita on its own, nothing else on top. I was out planting in full sun for close to 5 hours. I wore a baseball cap and I did not reapply the Devita. I am in FL. I am happy to report that for me the Devita worked like a charm. I did not get sun on my face, no hyperpigmentation/freckles popped up, etc. My broken caps are redder now due to the heat/sun, but other than that, there is no difference in my skin. For myself, Devita proved to be effective. (I want to do the same test with the Clarins, so the next time I will be out that long, I will use the Clarins s/s to see how that holds up!)

free skin care · Mon May 09, 2011 8:35 am

JLM wrote:

Hey oasisjc, thanks for the link! I seriously had not heard this before about physical sunscreens. *Sigh*-- why does navigating sunscreens have to be so complicated? However, I still don't understand how the SPF is calculated for a physical sunscreen? It seems that the SPF calculation was based on the *application amount* with a *chemical* sunscreen in mind?

Also, I don't understand what this means for physical/chemical sunscreen combinations! How much to apply in that case? Urgh.

And to tell you the truth, I think I'll probably continue to be generous with the Devita application, since I'm not too sure how well it really *does* protect. However, I think I will definitely ease up on the Burnout. I tried it out the other day with the 1/4 tsp application and yuck! I felt like my skin was totally suffocated & there was a definite white cast.

(But in any case, I think I like my sunscreens much better than Dr. Schultz's, which seems to leave a bit of a white cast on him!)

Thanks again oasisjc! Very Happy

Physical/chemical combinations can be tricky, but I would err on the side of safety and put on a bit more just so the chemical sunscreens can absorb better. But yeah, definitely use Devita the way you're using it if you find that it doesn't suffocate your skin. Everyone is different, so it's really a matter of preference so long as you feel comfortable with the amount your applying.

Cheers!

free skin care · Mon May 09, 2011 8:44 am

JLM wrote:

Hey oasisjc, thanks for the link! I seriously had not heard this before about physical sunscreens. *Sigh*-- why does navigating sunscreens have to be so complicated? However, I still don't understand how the SPF is calculated for a physical sunscreen? It seems that the SPF calculation was based on the *application amount* with a *chemical* sunscreen in mind?

Also, I don't understand what this means for physical/chemical sunscreen combinations! How much to apply in that case? Urgh.

And to tell you the truth, I think I'll probably continue to be generous with the Devita application, since I'm not too sure how well it really *does* protect. However, I think I will definitely ease up on the Burnout. I tried it out the other day with the 1/4 tsp application and yuck! I felt like my skin was totally suffocated & there was a definite white cast.

(But in any case, I think I like my sunscreens much better than Dr. Schultz's, which seems to leave a bit of a white cast on him!)

Thanks again oasisjc! Very Happy

Maybe this will help? Very Happy

How much sunscreen is enough on the face?

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Oct 17, 2010

How much sunscreen do I need to apply to my face to get the full SPF? I read that you need 1/2 teaspoon. I measured it and tried to put it on but it was difficult to put that much on my face. Is this the correct amount and if I don't put that much on am I not getting that much protection? Does it differ with chemical versus physical sunscreen?

I know what you mean - it's a lot. But I think common sense can apply here and these are guidelines really. If I were outdoors, midday in Hawaii and surfing, I would apply all that and more. I'd probably use the Elta MD waterresistant Sport and layer over that the Colorescience powder sunscreen (it really does stay on in the water!) and reapply often. If I were walking in N.Y. on a cloudy day, I'd probably use the Elta MD Physical Block or SkinMedica Environmental Protection sunscreen and apply about 1/2 that amount (1/4 tsp) and maybe then put a little makeup with SPF over it. If I were cycling for a couple of hours in the LA area, I'd probably use the Dermaquest Zinclear about 1/4 tsp (more zinc) and put the Colorescience over that as well depending on how bright it was.

This might be TOO complicated so I apologize in advance but my point is that - you can adjust for your circumstances and it's fine. Click on this link to see more information on these sunscreens. Dr. I
http://www.skintour.com/sunscreens

http://www.skintour.com/q-and-a/How-much-sunscreen-is-enough-on-the-face-.html

free skin care · Mon May 09, 2011 3:08 pm

This is good news! My skin was photosensitive at the time I was testing the effectiveness of the Devita sunscreen. My skin had its regular dose of Retin A the night before.

rileygirl wrote:

I am happy to report that for me the Devita worked like a charm.

free skin care · Mon May 09, 2011 7:21 pm

RussianSunshine wrote:

This is good news! My skin was photosensitive at the time I was testing the effectiveness of the Devita sunscreen. My skin had its regular dose of Retin A the night before.

I am afraid to tell you to try it again, RussianSunshine. You know that sunscreens are really hard to get the right one for our skin! I am curious how the Clarins will hold up, but that experiment will have to wait until my next big planting fest!

free skin care · Tue May 10, 2011 2:24 am

RussianSunshine wrote:

This is good news! My skin was photosensitive at the time I was testing the effectiveness of the Devita sunscreen. My skin had its regular dose of Retin A the night before.

rileygirl wrote:

I am happy to report that for me the Devita worked like a charm.

Hearing both of these things is great! It's good to hear that Devita will work on uncompromised skin in sunny weather. Just one thing rileygirl-- did you use the full 1/4 tsp, or perhaps less?

DM, thanks for the links, but I'm afraid that I'm still confused on the issue of how much physical sunscreen is adequate for the stated SPF protection (and PPD too).

free skin care · Tue May 10, 2011 6:12 am

JLM wrote:

Just one thing rileygirl-- did you use the full 1/4 tsp, or perhaps less?

Yes, I did use 1/4 tsp, JLM. I try to use that amount for all the sunscreens that I use, just because that is what I have always heard to use. I will say though that I take some of that and move it to my neck when no more seems to "sink" in to my face!

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