Blog: Everything Under the Sun
5 simple tips for beautiful skin from the inside out
The key to beautiful skin? It starts from within! If your goal is to have smooth, even skin that looks healthy, young and glowy, then taking care of your body is a must - both inside AND out! Inside, check out our 5 tips for improving skin naturally.
Learn more
SPF 101: The right way to apply sunscreen in 4 critical steps
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again… and again until the end of time: There’s no part of your daily skincare routine more important than sunscreen. Incorporating any kind of protection into your routine - whether it’s a dedicated SPF or a multitasking formula - can save you loads of trouble down the line (aka, burns, hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles, melanoma). But as with most things, there is a wrong way and a right way to apply sunscreen. The wrong way? Applying it like you would make up - lightly, selectively, only on your face, as if it’s a highlighter (if you know, you know). The right way? We’re going to break it all down for you! Here’s our ultimate guide to applying sunscreen the right way, in 4 critical steps. Step 1: Choose the right sunscreen First things first, make sure you’re using a broad-spectrum formula with at least SPF 30. This ensures you’re protected from both UVA and UVB rays. Next, decide if you want a dedicated SPF or a multitasking formula. We get a lot of questions about whether or not using a multitasker makes the SPF less effective. The answer? Nope! As long as it has at least SPF 30, you’re good. And as long as you apply enough of it (more on that later). It can save you a couple of steps in your routine. We particularly like using a multitasking daily moisturizer, like our Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30. Its ultra-hydrating formula comes packed with antioxidants and nutrients that help reduce signs of UV-induced damage. It also helps smooth fine lines and wrinkles, for a dewy, youthful glow from AM to PM. We suggest using it under your makeup as a primer! Step 2: When to apply Our golden rule: Always apply at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. This is especially true for chemical formulas, which require at least 15 minutes to absorb into the skin and become effective. SPF should also always be the last step in your skincare routine, unless, again, you’re using a chemical formula. This is because products like moisturizers can act as a barrier to chemical sunscreen, causing it to become ineffective. Step 3: Make sure you’re applying enough + applying everywhere According to the American Academy of Dermatology, most people only apply 25-50% of the amount of sunscreen recommended. In order to ensure you’re covering every inch of skin that needs it, follow these two rules: For your face, follow the 2-finger rule: Cover the length of two fingers with sunscreen, then apply for optimal coverage. For your body, follow the shot glass rule: For maximum protection, your body needs 1.5 oz of sunscreen, which is the exact amount of a shot glass. Make sure to really rub it into and all over your skin to ensure you’re covering every inch. And don’t forget those hard-to-reach and forgotten spots, including your hairline, under eyes, top and back of ears, neck, jaw and lips. We love to use our Solar Stick SPF 40 or Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40 for this. Its easy-to-grip design and rounded top makes reaching these spots effortless. Just remember, if it feels excessive, you’re doing it right! Step 4: Reapply, reapply, reapply We can’t stress this one enough. Make sure to read the back of any sunscreen bottles you use to know how often you have to reapply. For most sunscreens, it’s around the 2 hour mark, especially if you’re spending the day outside, swimming or sweating. Even if they’re water-resistant for up to 80 minutes like most of our formulas, you still need to reapply. Wearing makeup? No problem! Our formulas work either under or on top of your makeup without messing up your look or leaving a white cast. Check out our tinted formulas for reapplication that also provides a matte, glowing finish and blurs imperfections like an Insta filter! ---- When it comes to sun care, there’s literally no such thing as being overly-cautious or over-applying!
Learn more
Sun Care 101: Can babies wear sunscreen?
When it comes to protecting our kids from anything and everything, there’s nothing we wouldn’t do. From child-proofing every corner of the house to researching the safest car seat ever invented. But have you considered sun protection? When it comes to babies and young kids, sun care is not only essential, but different depending on their age. If you find yourself wondering “can babies wear sunscreen?” or “what kind of sunscreen should I use?”, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve got you covered with 6 top dermatologist-recommended tips for keeping your little ones safe and protected. WHEN CAN BABIES USE SUNSCREEN? For babies less than 6 months, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends no sun exposure at all. This is because their skin is still developing the melanin needed to protect itself and is therefore extra sensitive. If you plan to be outside, the best safeguards against the sun are setting up a shade structure or dressing them in sun-protective clothing. For babies and kids over 6 months, it’s recommended to wear SPF 15 on a daily basis and SPF 30 when spending time outdoors. Make sure to impress the importance of reapplying every 2 hours, especially when swimming. Most importantly, make sure you’re choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen for maximum protection from both UVA and UVB rays! USE SPF CLOTHING WHEN SPENDING TIME OUTDOORS The more skin you can cover with clothing the better! Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, long sleeves, full-body swimsuits, and rash guards with UPF are the best. Any skin that’s left exposed should be covered by shade and/or sunscreen. USE A SUNSCREEN THAT IS KID-SAFE AND KID-APPROVED We all remember the days when our parents would roughly slather on that thick, unspreadable sunscreen that felt greasy all over. Thankfully, those days are gone! Today’s kid sunscreens are much more advanced with creamy formulas that feel good, spread easily, are kid-safe and good for the environment. For you, the parent, choosing a kid-safe sunscreen means it has broad-spectrum protection, at least SPF 30, a mineral formula that won’t sting their eyes, and is safe for all skin types - even the most sensitive, acne- or rosacea-prone skin. For your kids, that means a sunscreen that has no sticky icky feel, unpleasant sunscreen smell or white cast, and feels creamy and good on the skin. Our favorite is, of course, KidCreme. Let’s see how it fares: SPF 50 Safe for all skin types Unscented Creamy, silky-smooth feel that’s easy to apply Made with non-Nano Zinc oxide for effortless blending and no white cast Bonus! It’s also cruelty-free and reef-safe, which means it’s made without damaging ingredients like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate Say it with us: No more “sunscream” days! Check out this blog on more tips for choosing the right sunscreen for kids. LET THEM GET INVOLVED IN SUN PROTECTION Like we said, good habits start young! Once they’re old enough, let them get involved in their own sun protection and apply it themselves. If using a mineral sunscreen, make sure they shake well before applying. If using a chemical sunscreen, make sure they apply at least 15 minutes before sun exposure so it has enough time to absorb into the skin. To learn more about the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens, check out this blog. For an easy application that leaves no mess and is kid-safe, we love KidStick. Gentle, unscented and water-resistant, this grab-and-go stick glides on smoothly, quickly and easily, and has broad-spectrum protection. WHEN IN A RUSH, USE A SPRAY If you’re really crunched for time, it’s better to use any sunscreen than no sunscreen at all. In these cases, we recommend using a spray. Just beware that these don’t often apply evenly and may require you to rub them in for better protection. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS CHOOSE WATER-RESISTANT This is key to avoiding painful sunburns for your kids, especially if they’re swimming or sweating for long-periods of time outside. Both our KidCreme and KidStick are water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Teaching your kids healthy sun protection habits early is not only a good idea, but beneficial in the long run. Less painful sunburns as a kid and as they grow up means less chance of dealing with premature skin-aging and skin cancer later in life. Thankfully, both our kid sunscreens are top rated by the Environmental Working Group with a 1 rating, which means they provide the highest level of protection for your little ones for fun in the sun all summer long!
Learn more
Sun Safety Tips for Spring and Summer
Spring Break! The unofficial start of fun in the sun. Finally, fresh air, hikes, time near or on the water. Shedding heavy clothes in exchange for shorts and sunglasses and the feel of the sun on your skin. And, while we all want to add a little glow to our pasty post-Winter complexion, sun safety needs to be the priority. With the excitement of sun-soaked days, this can be overlooked. SPF, specifically Broad Spectrum, should be a part of your daily regimen, just like brushing your teeth. Respect Your Skin. Those first few days that we start spending extended periods of time outside is when our skin is most sensitive. Think about it, we’ve been covered up for months with long sleeves, hoods and masks. If you plan on organizing a family picnic, days at the beach or are flying off on a long-awaited vacation, remember to include SPF in those plans. Start with a higher SPF like MDSolarSciences™ Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50, or Mineral Moisture Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen (great for dry skin!) These feel-good formulas deliver lightweight, silky-smooth texture that keep face and body moisturized and protected. Gentle enough for the most sensitive skin and suitable for kids 6 months and older. Pack one of these along with your hat and rash guard. Fake It, Don’t Bake It. While many love the look of tanned skin, there are better ways to get that sun-kissed look. Dr. Christopher Tomassian, a Kansas City dermatologist, with a passion for cosmetic and aesthetic dermatology, is often asked “can you tan with sunscreen on?” His reply? “Laying out in the sun for the purpose of tanning is not recommended. At the end of the day, tanned skin is damaged skin. However, that does not mean you should not enjoy outdoor activities.” Dr. Tomassian, who loves to educate his clients via social media (Instagram/TikTok: @dr.tomassian) recommends wearing at least SPF 30 and reapplying every two hours. Set a timer on your phone or watch to remind yourself. He also suggests to: “Go for a glow instead, I recommend using a tinted sunscreen to achieve that sun-kissed look.” MDSolarSciences™ Mineral Tinted Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is dermatologist-approved and sweat-resistant. The formula is satiny-smooth, glides on and leaves an instant healthy-looking glow on skin. Other Sunscreen Tips! Finally, look for sunscreens that contain natural antioxidants, like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, fruit extracts and Zinc Oxide. Read packages to see if they feature cruelty-free and reef safe logos, as well as the coveted seal from the Skin Cancer Foundation. Above all, enjoy the beautiful weather, have fun and stay sun safe! To read more about our Reef Safe Sunscreens and formulas, check out this blog.
Learn more
How to Choose the Right Sunscreen
SPF has evolved well beyond just general protection from the sun when enjoying a day at the beach. SPF is now a major player and must-have benefit in daily skincare products, which have become multi-tasking, natural, hydrating with incredible formulas and textures for any lifestyle or skincare need. So, which one do you choose? SPF should be worn every day. Read that again. The skin is the largest organ and needs to be protected and treated well to keep it in peak condition. First, you should choose a product with Broad Spectrum SPF (UVA/UVB) and apply it daily to your face and body, no matter what the weather report is. Skin is exposed to elements whether the weather is sunny, cloudy, windy or hazy. Face the Day. Start your day with a product that you can wear on your face, alone or under makeup. If you are looking for a multi-tasker, try our MDSolarSciences™ Mineral Crème SPF 50. It’s filled with antioxidants, helps blur fine lines, and is oil and fragrance-free. If you prefer fuller coverage, try our oil and fragrance-free MD Mineral BB Créme SPF 50. Available in 2 shades, this luxurious, whipped formula contains calming caffeine and versatile niacinamide to help reduce discoloration and even skin tone. For a more natural look and feel, our Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 blends effortlessly onto skin offering a sheer tint to help even out tone with a beautiful matte finish. Oil and fragrance-free. From Head to Toe. Prefer an all-in-one product? Try a crème or lotion for face and body. And if you will be outside for extended periods (a hike, a company picnic, errands, a soccer game?), don’t forget to apply sunscreen on the back of your neck, ears, hands, knees and top of your feet. Our Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 is formulated for face and body. Antioxidants and fruit extracts are part of this rich, yet smooth texture that blends onto skin. It also contains Ceramides for that extra hydration. Great worn alone and under makeup. Everyday Nourishing Lotion SPF 50 is another lightweight, fast-absorbing and hydrating formula. It contains Vitamin C and fruit extracts to help restore and maintain brighter, healthier-looking skin. Don’t forget to slip some SPF on your little soccer stars! All our mineral SPF formulas are suitable for kids 6 months and older. Bring it at the Beach. Warmer days are finally here and beach days are just weeks away. In addition to our Mineral-based crèmes and lotions with varying SPF levels, with comfortable textures, our Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40 is a popular favorite. Non-greasy and fast-drying, it’s perfect for both adults and children 6 months and older. Toss some SPF in your travel bag. Products from our skin and sun care collections are available in travel-friendly 4 oz. (or smaller!) sizes. Perfect for air travel or to tuck in your back pack before a bike ride or hike. Another option is our portable Mineral Sunscreen Sticks, with SPF 40 for Face and Lips (yes, lips need protection, too) available in both the Adult and Kids versions. Use it for lips, cheeks, nose, shoulders – anywhere you may need a little extra protection ‘on the go’. And, if you’d like a dash a color for an outdoor dinner date or day outing, try our Hydrating Sheer Lip Balms with SPF 30, available in 3 universal shades. Our water-resistant, reef safe daily sun protection products will keep you sun safe, not only on a sunny, summer day, but all year long. Remember that the best SPF is the one that fits your lifestyle and skin needs, but also the one you will love to wear every day and in every situation! For more information about our SPF formulas and how they fit in a skincare routine, check out this blog.
Learn more
Respect Your Skin and Our Seas
Educate Yourself and Choose the Best Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin and Our Ecosystems. Warmer weather is finally here! Time for some fun in the sun and beach days galore! While SPF should be part of your daily skincare regimen, we know that most people only pull out the sunscreen in the warmer months. Which means, it’s probably time to refresh your sun care collection (yes, sunscreen does expire, check this blog! ). However, before you do, consider this: Did you know that certain chemicals in sunscreens are toxic to coral reefs and other marine life? It’s estimated that approximately 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in coral reefs per year causing impactful and irreversible damage. Coral reefs aren’t just home to hundreds of species, they also help reduce climate change by regulating carbon dioxide levels in the ocean, stabilize the ocean floor, filter and clean sea water, plus prevent coastal erosion and storm surge damage. Sunscreen pollution can also impact marine life by decreasing fertility in fish, causing defects in shellfish and impairing growth of green algae. Several states and islands, including Hawaii, Aruba and the U.S. Virgin Islands, prohibit the use and sale of these sunscreens in an effort to protect our oceans and marine life. But the ocean is vast, making up 71% of Earth’s surface, which leaves a lot of the responsibility up to us and you. Choosing the right sunscreen might seem like a simple task, but it isn’t just about protecting your skin – it’s also about protecting our oceans and aquatic life. HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ECO-FRIENDLY, REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN The term “reef-safe” is not a regulated label you can always trust. That’s why it’s important to look out for certain ingredients and attributes to ensure you make an educated SPF choice. Here’s where to start: Always choose oxybenzone-free and octinoxate-free formulas Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two commonly used active ingredients in chemical sunscreens because they’re great at absorbing harmful UV rays to protect your skin. Unfortunately, though, they’re not reef-friendly and are known to cause serious damage to coral reefs, aquatic life and even water quality. You can see the list of Active Ingredients on the back of your SPF carton or tube, in the Drug Facts box. It’s okay if you prefer chemical SPF, just make sure to check the ingredients label and always choose oxybenzone-free and octinoxate-free. While we’re at it, here are other reef-harming ingredients to avoid: PABA, parabens, triclosan, and camphor. Consider 100% mineral SPF An alternative to traditional chemical sunscreens, these formulas can be better for our oceans, and our environment. In order for sunscreen to be considered 100% mineral, it can only contain two active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Neither of which are linked to coral bleaching. For more information on mineral sunscreens, check out this blog. If you choose mineral SPF, make sure it's a “non-nano” formula Mineral formulas come in two variations: nanoparticles and non-nanoparticles. Nano size particles can be ingested by coral reefs or absorbed by your skin. Non-nano formulas have a greater particle size that cannot be ingested by coral reefs, and stays on top of the skin.. Broad-spectrum protection is a must Make sure your sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Additionally, never consider anything less than SPF 30 as this is the minimum required to ensure you’re adequately protected. (All of our SPF formulas were developed to provide broad-spectrum protection and come in SPF 30, 40 and 50 options!) Go for water-resistant sunscreen These are formulated to stay on the skin when it gets wet, whether you are swimming or sweating. They typically last up to 80 minutes in the water, which means less of it will wash off in the ocean. Water-resistant sunscreens, like ours, will keep your skin protected longer, yet, as a rule, you should reapply every 2 hours for maximum protection. Look for recyclable SPF packaging As we all know, marine life doesn’t just have a sunscreen pollution problem, it also has a plastic problem. Go the extra step on your SPF hunt by choosing sustainable packaging. Look for anything that’s reusable, biodegradable or fully recyclable. As of 2021, ALL of our packaging is fully recyclable! Wear more UPF clothing A simple way to cut back on sunscreen pollution? Wear less in the ocean! This is not to say that you should go unprotected. Instead, opt for UPF clothing and other sun protective gear (i.e., sunglasses, hats, etc.) that can provide the majority of the protection for your skin. That way there’s less surface area that requires SPF. Check out UVSkinz for some great options. WE MAKE CHOOSING SAFE SUNSCREEN EASY MDSolarSciences™ is committed to offering clean, sustainable chemical and mineral formulas. Ours are made with EcoCert, or organically-certified, Zinc Oxide. We do not use PABA, oxybenzone, parabens or octinoxate. All of our SPF formulas carry the Skin Cancer Foundation seal of approval and these formulas are gentle enough for children 6 months or older, and adults. And, of course, our sun care is reef-safe, cruelty-free and several products in our collection are top EWG-rated by the Environmental Working Group, an organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. We are committed to helping preserve our fragile marine ecosystems as well as skin health for you and your loved ones! Check out our reef-friendly SPF here. For more information about our commitment to sustainability, check our Sustainability Report Blog. The best thing you can do for our ecosystem? Be an advocate! Educate yourself, and others, about the importance of using reef-safe sunscreens as part of saving our marine environment. Visit websites like theoceanagency.org, seasave.org or savethereef.org for more information and resources.
Learn more
Fall in love with our silky, smooth and lightweight sunscreens!
How likely are you to use a product that may deliver great results, but doesn’t feel good on your skin? Chances are, you would probably avoid wearing it. When skincare and suncare formulas are too thick or even too thin in consistency, they can be unpleasant to wear. What ends up happening? If they are too heavy on the skin or under makeup, your skin will feel uncomfortable, pores may get clogged causing breakouts and, ultimately, causing you to stop using the products that were meant to keep your skin healthy-looking and protected in the first place. Are thicker formulas more effective? Years ago, many products did have a thicker consistency and, yes, the thicker the consistency, the more effective they were thought to be. And who doesn’t remember wearing a coating of white on their skin and nose during the summer? Well, both skincare and sun care formulas have evolved. Companies have partnered with skincare professionals, dermatologists, who know the skin on an intimate level. These professionals help in developing incredibly effective products, using sustainable and efficacious ingredients. These work in tandem to deliver benefits-driven formulas with textures that glide onto skin. Products do not look or feel heavy on the skin anymore. Lightweight sunscreens and soft-to-the-touch formulas are more likely to become part of your daily skincare (or sun care) regimen, keeping skin protected and in peak condition. I don’t like anything that feels heavy on my skin but know I should wear a daily SPF. What should I look for in a product? “One of the top reasons many people don’t wear sunscreen is that they don’t like the way it feels. Most SPF formulas just don’t feel good. They can be goopy, greasy, sticky, leave a white cast or sting eyes” states Renee Plato, CEO of MDSolarSciences™. “Choose natural, lightweight SPF sunscreens that are also reef-safe and cruelty-free” she adds. In addition, look for products that are vegan, gluten, paraben, fragrance and oil free. This will keep skin irritation at bay. Mineral-based formulas are less irritating on the skin and won’t sting eyes, they may be more suitable to people with sensitive skin. Chemical SPF formulas are also very effective. Make sure that the chemical active ingredients are reef safe (no oxybenzone or Octinoxate) and that the formula provides Broad Spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. And, most importantly, know what ingredients are in the products you choose. What makes a product feel good on my skin, while still delivering benefits? When developing a skin or sun care formula, a cocktail of ingredients is crafted with complexes of powerful and protective antioxidants, fruit extracts that can help calm and soothe skin without causing irritation. Green tea, grape or pomegranate extracts are hydrating and nourishing. Vitamins C and E can have a natural brightening and softening effect. When choosing a product, check whether the brand is endorsed by Dermatologists, or third-party organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the American Skin Cancer Foundation or other. MDSolarSciences™ mineral sunscreen formulas are highly ranked by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). All our SPF formulas carry The Skin Cancer Foundation recommendation seal. Our products are developed and approved by dermatologists with clean, fragrance-free, tear-free formulas that have velvety-soft textures that easily glide onto skin. Sunscreens so lightweight, they have a barely-there touch and feel and can be worn alone or under makeup. Skin will feel breathable and no complaints from adults or kids! Our skincare is formulated for all skin types. Lightweight and fragrance-free, daily wear eye emulsion and restorative SPF moisturizers and beauty balms as well as night serum provide well-aging benefits with silky-smooth textures. Perfect for any daily (and nightly) skincare regimen. MDSolarSciences’ Mineral SPFs are suitable for all skin types including acne, rosacea prone and sensitive skin. They consistently receive high rankings from EWG and their texture is unparalleled. And our Lip Balms combine great sheer tints with broad spectrum sun protection and long-lasting hydration. To learn more about MDSolarSciences and our unique formulas, check out this blog. Make SPF part of your daily regimen, every day and everywhere you go!
Learn more
Face, Body and Lip Sunscreen… What’s the Difference?
Can I use the same SPF on face, body and lips? All dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen and reapplying it within a few hours to keep your skin protected from harmful sun rays. Beyond reapplication, it’s also important to think about the areas that often get forgotten… and which ones are the most important. Our faces are definitely the most exposed parts of our bodies. They are at a higher risk of absorbing UV rays. If you haven’t checked out our other blog, ‘Different types of UV rays’, the rays that mostly contribute to the damage dealt to your skin are UVA and UVB rays. These rays contribute to the UV radiation being absorbed on your skin due to their penetration capabilities and may cause short-term and long-term damage to your skin ranging from sunburns to more serious consequences. Too much exposure to these UV rays causes premature aging such as dryer skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and impaired pigmentation. With that in mind, the skin on our lips is also very sensitive, more sensitive than you might think, making it prone to damage from sun exposure. That damage can gradually break down collagen and result in thinning, drying, and cracked lips. So what can you do? First of all, make sure you have your sunscreen handy. It's ok and safe to use 'Face' sunscreen on your body and vice versa. A Body lotion with SPF will most likely include a hydrating component like Ceramides. Our Mineral Moisture Defense is formulated that way and will give you the extra hydration you might need on your body. It locks in moisture by helping the skin’s natural lipid barrier with a unique blend of Ceramides and humectants. You can also use it on your face, just keep in mind that it has that extra hydration component, which may be good if your skin is on the dryer side. What about lips? Your lips need more physical protection from the sun and the wind than the rest of the face. They also get wet throughout the day, and may be exposed to irritants. Our lip balm contains oil and waxes to ensure that the sun protection element stays on top of the lips to create a barrier against all those environmental stressors. The idea is to create a nourishing cushion that stays on top of the lips to prevent water loss (transepidermal water loss). Some of the oils and humectants get absorbed in the lips and help to keep them soft and supple, while the SPF stays on the surface and protects them from the sun, potential water loss and other environmental stressors. Last but not least, as Dr Britt Craiglow pointed out in our 'Sunscreen for Kids' blog, make sure every area of exposed skin is covered with SPF. Think of the unusual areas like behind the ears, the neck, hands and feet of course. For those areas, our regular or tinted stick are great options for last minute or ‘on the go’ application/reapplication. USING YOUR FSA/HSA DOLLARS TO BUY SPF: Using sunscreen regularly may prevent skin cancer and decrease the effects of aging. Dermatologists generally recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, meaning it covers both UVA and UVB rays. This is why Sunscreens that are SPF 15 and above and provide broad spectrum protection are covered under FSA/HSA dollars. We recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher, and to wear it any time you're going outside, even during the winter or on a cloudy day! Head over to FSAstore.com now before the December deadline to use your FSA/HSA dollars.
Learn more
7 steps to perfect SPF application
Even in our Covid world, life can be a fast-paced rat race of whirlwind coffee runs, online school or school drop offs, and zoom meetings – seemingly leaving no room for skincare. And besides, sunscreen is just for summer, right? Not quite… SPF is the first, most important step in anti-aging, and it’s necessary every day – even inside (wrinkle-creating UVA rays shine right through windows) and even in the winter (UVA remains strong all year long). But don’t worry – gone are the days of sticky, goopy sunscreen. Our SPF products fit right into your routine and lifestyles, with luxurious textures you’ll actually want to wear. There’s no reason to drop everything and reinvent the wheel to introduce sun protection into your day, but it’s certainly important to make sure it’s in your routine. Your skin will love you for it, we know it. If you’re already using sunscreen every day in a BB crème, foundation or moisturizer, you’ve taken the first step to keeping your skin safe and beautiful! However, you may not be applying it close enough to your hairline, or on your neck, ears or chest, and it may only have SPF 15 protection. “The absolute minimum SPF you need to wear on your face every day—even if you’re just sitting in an office or a classroom until dusk—is SPF 30,” says Dr. Mona Gohara (Allure). Beyond that, make sure that your product is broad spectrum – meaning that it will protect you from both the burning UVB rays and aging UVA rays. If it doesn’t say “broad spectrum” – your sunscreen is only doing half the work. Sure, saving ourselves from sunburn is important, but the ‘Future You’ will be oh-so pleased that you’ve been preventing wrinkles and age spots all along. Mapping out your face (or other desired areas) to ensure that you cover fully with sunscreen is important, and we’ve developed a 7 steps checklist to help you get the most of your sunscreen! 1. Be Generous According to The American Academy of Dermatology, most people only apply 25-50% of the recommended amount. “A dab’ll do ya” doesn’t work so well when it comes to sunscreen. It’s important to make sure that you’re covering every area – we’ve all fallen victim to splotchy sunburn. Everyone is different, but NYU School of Medicine dermatology professor and NYC dermatologist Dr. Elizabeth Hale suggests you apply at least “a nickel-sized dollop to the face alone” and approximate a shot-glass full for exposed areas of the body (the equivalent of 2 tablespoons). 2. Check yourself in a mirror Watch yourself in the mirror during application, taking care to apply evenly and hit easy-to-miss spots like ears, your hairline, or neck. If the sun sees it, it’s susceptible to sun damage. We can try and feel our way through sunscreen application, but seeing is believing. Apply in small areas and only move onto the next body part once you are sure that you’ve applied enough that the area you’re focusing on is completely covered. 3. Apply before you leave the house Sunscreen should be applied at least 15 minutes before sun exposure. Chemical formulations take this amount of time to reach their full protection potential. While mineral sunscreens begin working immediately, to create good habits we always suggest applying before heading outdoors. Plan ahead! Chances are you won’t find a mirror outdoors, so be sure to apply consciously and carefully. If you wait until you’re outside to start spraying on your sunscreen, you’ve actually exposed your skin to the sun’s harmful rays for at least 15 minutes, which for some, is enough time to get badly sunburned, and upping your chances for melanoma or skin cancer later on. 4. Massage it in Gently massage the product onto skin to ensure proper blending. When applied in the mapped sections of the face, the product does blend more evenly, without leaving behind any white cast. Blending the map points together lightly is all it’ll take for the crème to cover skin evenly; if you feel you need more product, map and blend again! Mineral formulations sit on top of the skin’s surface, so they’re historically known to be a bit tougher to blend in. If you try and rub a large amount of mineral sunscreen onto a small area, it’s much more difficult for the product to blend. 5. SPF over makeup works Apply over makeup as a mattifying finishing touch or to make reapplication easy during the day. If you apply sunscreen in the morning, that’s a great first step to healthier skin; but even the most powerful sunscreen won’t last all day. You can reapply directly over foundation, bronzer, and blush – blend gently, and your makeup should stay in place. 6. Under makeup works too! Worn alone or underneath foundation, the matte finish of our mineral formulations makes them great primers, like the Mineral Crème SPF 50. The texture smooths over skin providing a blurring, “Instagram filter” effect to the skin, and with a matte finish – your foundation will set beautifully on top. If mineral formulas aren’t your favorite, our Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30 keeps skin looking dewy and refreshed, while keeping makeup in place. 7. Reapply Try to reapply at least every 2 hours and immediately after swimming, sweating or towel drying. Although most of our formulas are water resistant for 80 minutes –reapply after you’ve dried off to ensure that you’re getting the full protection promised by the sunscreen. Shop our full collection of skincare and sunscreen products here.
Learn more
