Sunscreen or Zinc?

Zinc creates a physical barrier which is not broken down as easily by uv rays, so should in theory be more effective than chemical uv blockers, some of which only block a preportion of one type of uv (ie. uva or uvb). From my own experience i have found the above to be correct, in that whenever I use a chemical sunscreen I still end up with a tan, but if I use one with is 100% zinc, I experience no change in colour. The downside of sunscreens that use only zinc is that they are often very think and/greasy. I hope that helps:)

Tried to use the Invisible Zinc for face - tried being the operative word - it was about as ghastly as it gets with my sensitive skin, I managed to keep it on for a really short time before taking it all off. That was my experience but some of the reviews are very favourable.

The one I'm using at the moment is Jurlique, a moisturiser and it's 30+. I love it, it's a lotion, seems expensive as do all Jurlique products but I find they're all so economical because you only need such a small amount.

I'm referring to face sunscreens only here, not full body products.

For the beach or swimming, I'd suggest using both for the face ie chemical sunscreen plus good old fashioned "zinc cream" for the super sensitive areas like lips, nose etc.

I too have tried Invisible Zinc, I like it, but like Trish, find it very thick & challenging to use easily. That's the facial one, I too haven't tried their body products

Did some googling! Here's a link which is hopefully helpful: http://www.skinacea.com/sunscreen/physical-vs-chemical-sunscreen.html#.UOogDm-ceWM

I personally use physical ones because my skin doesn't get along very well with chemical ones. Highly recommend the gentle version of shiseidos sunscreen. Very light, fluid and has SPF 30+ :D (13.9% w/w zinc oxide and 3.9% titanium dioxide). I'm sure that this is adequate for everyday wear. I'm yet to burn or get irritated by it. Just make sure to remove it properly or it will cause break outs from build up.

For other days, I'd use IZ, but I too hate how thick, heavy and greasy it is. It does have great protection though! It's got 22% w/w zinc oxide. I find the best way is to just squirt out tiny,tiny amounts and slowly blend away.

Good luck !

My face doesn't react well to chemical sunscreens so I've switched to a zinc one (Natural Instinct's SPF30+ Micro-Mineral Sunscreen - 22% zinc) for my entire body as having two different sunscreens would get annoying. I want to try Wotnot's sunscreen (has a whopping 25% zinc in it) but I haven't been able to find it anywhere. :(

The only problem I have with it is that it's a bitch to rub in because it's so thick and quite greasy. It does end up blending in pretty okay after maybe 10-15 minutes but I'm still left with a white sheen if I don't spend a lot of time rubbing it in.

I am so pale that sunscreen is just not enough protection for me even if I apply layer upon layer. I also find I break out with facial sunscreens and burn quicker. I find zinc and covering up from head to tow to only way to minimise the chance of burning. I love zinc is now invisable it makes for every day wear. When I was younger and competing is swimming comps we used to use the coloured zinc to write our team names and I would always be left with the name for weeks after when everything around the zinc burned. lol (permenant marker used in the ocean swims also had the same effect. lol)

Check out the Cancer Council's Ultra sunscreen! It has a combination of chemical and physical ingredients to block against UVA and UVB. A little bit greasy but if you blot away the oil after applying it on your face it feels quite moisturising.

There are so many different types of sunscreen out there it can be hard to choose. UVA and UVB protective sunscreen are good for everyday use and as I'm really pale myself I never take any chances. But if I'm going to the beach, park or pools I usually put some extra (non-invisible) zinc over my nose and lips. They come in a few different colours so they can be more cute than embarrassing and it also helps you know where you're covered. Big tip- don't neglect your lips!!

Check out the Cancer Council's Ultra sunscreen! It has a combination of chemical and physical ingredients to block against UVA and UVB. A little bit greasy but if you blot away the oil after applying it on your face it feels quite moisturising.

I think blotting is key when using zink on your face. I use zink, I apply it over coconut oil and let it sit. Then after a minuet or so I very gently pat my ace with a cotton face towel. I find I don't get left with a greasy face that way :)

Has anyone tried La Clinica's sunscreens, they are a professional range are natural/ botanical and organic based with Zinc and don't break the bank balance. Let me know what they are like cos I am thinking of ordering some.

http://www.laclinica.com/skin-care-products/protection

http://www.laclinica.com/skin-care-products/clear-skin/solar-protect-facial-moisturiser-spf-15-50ml

Invisible Zinc for face and body claims to be mineral oil free so this could be a less greasy option. I usually wear Hamilton's daily face as it has a matt finish and then apply mineral powder over the top and find that this gives a great non-greasy finish

Always sunscreen! Try Derma-i cosmeceuticals coz they have a really great sun protection range. Zinc reminds me of school days and tam sports! ;)

I've used invisible zinc on my face but I didn't like how it felt or made my skin look while I was wearing it. I prefer to use a sunscreen. Olay complete defence 30+ for sensitive skin is good for the face.

I prefer zinc sunscreen for my face because I find I don't burn as easily as with chemical sunscreens. Invisible Zinc doesn't work for me. I hate the finish of it. Shiseido and clinique do some great zinc sunscreens albeit not cheap. I don't really like any of the cheaper zinc sunscreens.

I prefer using sunscreen, easier to rub into my face and I prefer the finish of the sunscreen compared to invisible zinc - I find it more oily

Just go with a very natural high quality sun screen and you will be good. Honestly coconut oil alone should work great. It alone provides spf 4-6.

i like zinc oxide physical vs chemical as i am really lousy at the reapplication every 2-4 hours. At least the physical sunscreen doesn't degrade.

my fave is the Zincstic White zinc Cream with 25% zinc oxide. it's good because it is economical and bloody effective. Bad is that it is greasy, hard to rub in, leaves a white cast. i'm very fair, so the white cast don't bother me.

If i need extra protection that day, i will add an extra layer zincstic over my face sunscreen on areas where i am prone to pigmentation, goes well with light makeup. nothing heavy as it can cake the makeup.

I have compiled a list of ZINC sunscreens as well as some forumites' suggestions

see http://www.beautyheaven.com.au/forums/suncare/tinted-sunscreen-recommmendations-please?page=1#comment-2699611

Currently i am using MOOGOO SPF40 sunblock & the Cancer council SPF50+ Sunblock

Moogoo is not greasy.. it's water based. And it rubs invisible too.

Sunscreen is a lot thinner and easier to rub in whereas zinc is thick and a lot harder to rub in. Zinc does offer higher spf quality and it also is longer-lasting, especially when your going to the beach. I only ever use zinc on my face because it usually only comes in smaller sized bottles and it would be wasting it to rub it all over my body.