Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder Sunscreen

What’s a good sunscreen for sensitive skin?I get this question all the time. I recommend a product that covers both UVA (the type of radiation that causes wrinkles and some skin cancers such a melanoma) as well as UVB (the type of rays that cause skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma).

Many chemical sunscreens that protect against both UVA and UVB use chemicals such as avobenzone and oxybenzone which can be irritating and can cause allergic reactions in some patients.

Sunscreens that contain metals such as zinc oxide or titanium dioxide however provide excellent long lasting protection and are not irritating to your eyes or skin and are unlikely to cause an allergic response.

A product that I recommend is Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder Sunscreen SPF30 it has high concentration of titanium dioxide (15%) and zinc oxide (10%) and goes on as a powder. If you are one of my patients or just enjoy reading this blog, then feel free to write to me to tell me what products you use and why.

I do not receive any compensation or freebies from products or companies mentioned on this site (I’ve got a job that happens to pay well). My recommendations are based on my knowledge of sound cosmetic and skin care principles and feedback from my generous patients.

March 27, 2008 | Filed Under Health and Beauty, Recommended Products 

Comments

10 Responses to “Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral Powder Sunscreen”

  1. Dr. Val on March 27th, 2008 3:29 pm

    I have very fair skin, and have been disappointed by all high SPF sunscreens thus far. They always say “non greasy formula,” but they lie. It makes sense that something that blocks the sun has to have substance to it - but I feel like I have Vaseline on my face when I put on block higher than 15. Yuckie. Maybe this product (since it “goes on as a powder”) is better? Do you promise I won’t be a greasy mess if I buy this, Dr. Benabio? ;)

  2. Christine on April 7th, 2008 3:15 pm

    Recently I seem to be doing very well with PCA Skin Care’s Protecting Hydrator SPF 25, which has good UVA and UVB coverage. It does contain Avobenzone and Oxybenzone, however I have never had an issue with irritation due to those ingredients. I love that I can use it as an every day moisturizer, it has great coverage and I don’t turn into a greasy mess!

  3. Karen on April 8th, 2008 7:23 pm

    I like Paula Begoun’s line of sunscreens. I use her Extra Care Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF 30+. It has these active ingredients: Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) 7.5%; Oxybenzone 5%; Octisalate 5%; Titanium Dioxide 3%; Zinc Oxide 2%. You can view her products at her website, http://www.cosmeticscops.com. She is a chemist, as well as a make-up artist, so she really understands ingredients. She an excellent article at her website on what to look for in a sunscreen.

    I do have a question for you, Doctor:
    The product you’re suggesting has higher levels of titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Would this sunscreen be more effective if its ingredients are in higher percentages, regardless of the fact that both are SPF 30+?

  4. Dawn on April 10th, 2008 1:30 am

    This Peter Thomas Roth product is excellent. Sunscience also make a similar mineral power sunscreen. Wonderful, not greasy and provides excellent sun protection. Like mineral make-up, it is a something completely different than what we’ve all come to expect. This is also very good for use on children as it is does not contain chemicals that are absorbed by the skin.

  5. Wendy on April 10th, 2008 7:50 pm

    Not sure how effective this is yet…however, the big benefit is when you have already put your make-up on & you end up at your kids baseball game later in the day, it’s great to have something you can put on OVER your make-up that doesn’t make you greasy. As a matter of fact, it’s like putting on loose powder!

  6. K Crow on April 16th, 2008 2:44 pm

    I have read that titanium dioxide may be implicated as a cause of brain cancer. Therefore, for the past couple of years I have made a point to avoid anything containing this ingredient. I have stuck only to zinc oxide (micronized). Can you comment on this, please?

  7. Cherri on April 18th, 2008 3:06 pm

    despite having dark skin, (and Dr. Oz saying african americans don’t need it) I use it, and have gone through many that turn skin all funky shades of white, some greasy, and this recommendation is the best to date, not much color on dark skin and can use my skin powder mixed with it– thanks Dr.D
    …p.s. so do african americans really need sunscreen?in africa nobody wears it and no high incidents of skin cancer?

  8. Christi F on April 30th, 2008 7:18 am

    I’m thinking some of the people who’ve posted above don’t really have chemical sunscreen sensitivity, because anything that starts with an “O” has made me break out huge pimples that turn to scabs and make me look like I have karposi’s sarcoma/fever blisters. My plastic surgeon employer thought I was making it up until I relented and put on the Obagi product he promised was safe for sensitive skin.

    I live in FL, and thus far had put up with greasy, acne inducing goop that smelled like hippie…or wore big, huge hats. I ordered this sunscreen after reading this blog, and after spending the weekend on the beach I am pleased to report no new breakouts! I don’t have to wear sticky goop or crazy lady hats, and wait until after 4 to join my friends. I am free!

    One teensy problem…I’d guess this stuff is more SPF 15. I did get a bit of sun on my chest. I put the PTR on one hand and the Dr. Hauschka standby (SPF 23) on the other, and the Dr. Hauschka hand was a little more protected. Still, 15 is good enough given the likelihood of better compliance especially now that I’m aware of the problem.

    Thank you so much!

  9. Dr. Xavier Hawkings on May 19th, 2008 12:52 am

    Patients are more compliant with cream zinc sunscreens if their skin is thoroughly resurfaced, free of dead skin and ideally moisturised. A good zinc sunscreen is also an ideal base for coloured powder. Retinoids and glycolic acid 8-20% work well.

  10. sara on May 28th, 2008 7:47 am

    For K Crow who is concerned about the possible link to cancer - a quick google search brought up this article from the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (http://www.ccohs.ca/headlines/text186.html).

    Long story short: titanium dioxide is classified as a **possible** carcinogen to humans. Studies seem to show that when high levels of the product are breathed in by rats cancer has occurred and similar results have be found in humans who work in dusty environments.

    Translated into the everyday person’s life, titanium dioxide isn’t that big of a threat. Unless you’re applying the product like a mother in the 50s applying baby powder, you should be fine.

    So I wouldn’t ostracize a product like this - just don’t breath it in when you put it on.

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