Face Reality sunscreen: which one should you choose?

How do the two Face Reality sunscreens compare?

Both products are creams, despite the names suggesting one has a desk job and the other lifts weights. Choose Power Mineral if you want the higher SPF of these two options. Mineral Matte helps prevent sunburn, but its SPF 28 is below the SPF 30 or higher generally advised for daily protection. Neither product is the practical choice for swimming or sweaty exercise when its directions tell you to use a water resistant sunscreen instead.123

What is Face Reality mineral sunscreen?

Mineral sunscreen uses zinc oxide, titanium dioxide or both as its active sun filters. Mineral Matte combines the two, while Power Mineral uses zinc oxide alone. These filters primarily absorb ultraviolet radiation, with some scattering and reflection. Mineral does not mean the sunscreen works only by bouncing sunlight away.1234

Zinc oxide protects against both UVA and UVB rays. UVA contributes to premature skin aging, UVB causes sunburn, and both contribute to skin cancer. Look for "broad spectrum" on the packaging to identify protection against both. Mineral sunscreens can leave a white or grayish cast, although newer formulations have improved; a mineral ingredient list alone cannot tell you how a cream will look on your skin.34

How do you apply Face Reality sunscreen?

1. 1Apply the cream liberally before going outdoors. Face Reality directs you to apply both products 15 minutes before sun exposure.
2. 2Use enough to cover your face thoroughly. General application guidance is at least 1 teaspoon for the face, approximately the amount covering the length of your index and middle fingers. Rub the sunscreen in evenly.
3. 3Cover all exposed skin, not just the middle of your face. Include your ears, neck and hairline. Most adults need about 1 ounce to cover exposed body skin, with more needed depending on body size.
4. 4Reapply at least every 2 hours when outdoors. A morning application does not cover an entire day outside.
5. 5For swimming or sweating, choose a water resistant sunscreen and reapply immediately afterward.

Use sunscreen every day, including cloudy days and winter days when you go outside. Choose an SPF lip balm of at least 30 for your lips. Check the sunscreen's expiration date before use: too little sunscreen, missed reapplication and expired products are common reasons people still get sunburned.5

Is it suitable for sensitive skin or pregnancy?

Mineral sunscreens can be a useful option for sensitive skin, including skin that has reacted to certain chemical sunscreen ingredients. That is general guidance for the sunscreen category, not a reason to expect either Face Reality cream to prevent breakouts or suit every sensitive face. Stop using either product and ask a doctor if a rash occurs.124

Many dermatologists recommend mineral sunscreen during pregnancy because zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are not absorbed much through the skin and have a long history of use in pregnancy. Chemical sunscreens can also be appropriate. Daily protection matters because hormonal changes can increase susceptibility to melasma, a condition causing dark patches, and sun exposure can make those patches more noticeable.4

Some medicines and medical conditions increase sensitivity to sunlight and raise your protection requirements. Do not use either Face Reality sunscreen on damaged or broken skin. Keep the cream out of your eyes and rinse with water if it gets in. For children under 6 months, ask a doctor; shade and protective clothing are the preferred protection for infants.123

What protection should you expect?

Sunscreen helps prevent sunburn and premature aging caused by the sun. Used as directed alongside other sun protection, it also reduces skin cancer risk. SPF is a measure of protection against sunburn, not a countdown to how long you can stay outside. A higher SPF still needs regular reapplication, and no sunscreen blocks all UV radiation.2345

Power Mineral contains iron oxides. In tinted sunscreens, iron oxides add protection against visible light, which can help reduce dark spots and discoloration. Choose a tinted, broad spectrum SPF 30 or higher sunscreen if dark spot prevention is a priority, rather than selecting by the mineral label alone.245

Combine sunscreen with shade, protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Limit sun exposure especially from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The best sunscreen is one you will use consistently, not one that enjoys a quiet retirement in a bathroom drawer.13