Blog: Everything Under the Sun
C The Difference - Your guide to the antioxidant-rich vitamin that delivers A+ skin.
We all know about the bountiful benefits of Vitamin C when it comes to our overall health and wellbeing—but here’s the bad news. No matter how much broccoli or berries you add to your diet, they’re probably having zero (really!) effect on the top layers of your skin. Time for a C change! The good news? There’s another way to give your skin the daily dose it deserves—topical vitamin C, and it’s a game-changer. C-ing Is Believing Beloved by dermatologists and skincare specialists alike, Vitamin C has become a superstar ingredient because of its brilliant (literally) lightening and brightening benefits. But it’s so much more…this triple threat treat also boasts incredible anti-aging, collagen enhancing, healing, soothing and smoothing properties that help deliver A+ results. Here's the scoop on Vitamin C for your skin It neutralizes oxidative stress. In other words, it protects your skin from damaging free-radicals from the environment. Helps trigger and stimulate collagen synthesis. Basically, it gives you a firmer, smoother, plumper complexion and a more youthful appearance. Inhibits something called “enzyme tyrosinase.” Translation: it effects and decreases the production of melanin (dark spots) to brighten your complexion. C For Yourself Mineral Crème SPF 50 A silky-smooth formula that feels like cashmere on your skin. Not only does it provide broad-spectrum protection, it also leaves a true matte finish that give your complexion an even natural look. Naturally derived zinc oxide helps reduce the risk of photo aging and skin cancer, while Vitamin C and natural antioxidants fight sun damage and free radical. Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 A silky, luxurious, universal tinted mineral formula that blends effortlessly into all skin tones, leaving you with a smooth, filte-like finish. Infused with powerful antioxidants + skin smoothing ingredients including Vitamin C and E, green tea, cranberry fruit and pomegranate for a youthful healthy-looking glow. MD Mineral BB Crème SPF 50 A multi-tasking sheer tinted mineral based formula delivers the ultimate skin-loving trifecta. A natural matte finish, anti-aging benefits and broad-spectrum protection. Made with naturally-derived zinc oxide, and infused with caffeine, niacinamide, Vitamin C and other antioxidants to minimize discoloration and redness for a brighter even finish. Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30 A daily dose of lightweight hydration, broad-spectrum protection, antioxidants (including Vitamin C) and nourishing ingredients, all in one. Dermatologist developed SPF hydration to keep you protected while also giving your skin an ultra-dewy youthful finish Evening Retinol Serum A restorative lightweight night serum that restores dull, tired and lackluster skin. It’s calming and nourishing ingredients (including Vitamin C) leave your skin feeling velvety soft while helping to reduce the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines, wrinkles and pores. Gleam + Glow SPF 50 A one-step daily radiance moisturizer that provides all-day hydration, SPF protection, potent skin-nourishing ingredients (yes, more Vitamin C) to leave skin with a sheer natural glow. Try adding Vitamin C in your skincare routine—because C-ing is believing.
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Should You Be Wearing Sunscreen When Getting Gel Manicures? Here’s Everything You Need to Know!
If you get gel manicures and pedicures, you’re already familiar with the UV lamps they use to cure your nails. The UV lamps essentially set the polish, as the gel contains chemicals called photoinitiators, which requires a direct dose of UV lengths to be hardened in a process called photoreaction. What you may not know is that although the amount of time that your hands/feet are exposed to these UV lamps is rather short, the exposure is the equivalent to the recommended limit of UV rays for an entire day, according to a study conducted by the Australasian College of Dermatologists. The UV light can potentially increase the risk of skin cancer and cause premature aging. Before you get your gel manicure/pedicure, you should always ensure to apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. In doing so, this one little step can assist in preventing skin cancer and premature aging skin. You should apply your sunscreen a couple minutes before the polish is applied so that you don’t have to wash it off and so that it has time to start working. We suggest an easy, on-the-go applicator such as our Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40 or our Solar Stick SPF 40. These quickly lay down a powerful, sheer SPF shield that blends seamlessly with all skin tones for a matte uniform finish. Clean mineral formula, incredible texture, and no white cast. They help to prevent sunburn as well as damage to overexposed skin. So next time you get your gel manicure, don’t forget to bring your sunscreen along!
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Your Skin’s Glow-Up Guide to Niacinamide— the Leading Dermatologist approved Ingredient for Brighter Skin
Most of us by now have become skincare-savvy enough to know which label keywords to look for when in search of that ‘Holy Grail’ product for pore-perfecting and wrinkle smoothing. Ingredients like: Antioxidants; Retinol; Vitamin C; SPF (to-the-nth) are a few of the most commonly sought out beauty heroes. Still, there’s one remarkably lesser-known yet dermatologist-beloved ingredient that should be on everybody’s radar: Niacinamide. Read on to learn why this micronutrient-turned-topical gets the greenlight from board-certified dermatologists and enlightened skincare specialists alike. WHAT IT IS A multifaceted ingredient with extraordinary benefits, Niacinamide is garnering considerable acclaim in the skincare world as a multi-tasking powerhouse—and for good reason. This balancing, B3 vitamin is brimming with antioxidants and skin-brightening benefits to refine, protect and repair skin. WHAT THIS B-3 BABY CAN DO Boost anti-inflammatory properties. Addresses a slew of skin concerns from Acne to Eczema, calming irritation and reducing redness for a more even-looking skin-tone. Brighten. Increases cell turnover by naturally removing dead skin cells. This promotes an even tone by diminishing the appearance of dark spots and brightening your overall complexion. Bolster the lipid barrier. Locks in moisture and locks out environmental stressors, helping to neutralize the damaging effects of free radicals. Boost immunity. ‘Nuff said. Bonus: Niacinamide naturally offers photoprotective properties that both combat hyperpigmentation and bolster your sun-care regimen! HOW IT WORKS While the initial benefits of niacinamide begin within (as in, niacin you absorb and convert into niacinamide via your diet), this miraculous little micronutrient is actually far more potent (and effective) when used topically at a strength that falls somewhere between 2-10%. HOW TO REAP THE REWARDS MD Revitalizing Retinol. In tandem with retinol and vitamin C, this glow-up dream team doesn’t disappoint. While reducing the appearance of hyperpigmentation, fine lines and pores, niacinamide here ensures even the most sensitive skin types can rest easy—by strengthening the dermal barrier to retain moisture and counteract the dehydrating effects of retinol. MD Restore Eye Gel. This skin-priming formula not only packs a powerful punch when attempting to flip the sands of time, but due to its blend of niacinamide, antioxidants and collagen-prompting peptides, also keeps working hard ‘round the clock, day-in and day-out. Gleam + Glow SPF 50. Radiates, hydrates, and protects: starring niacinamide + the usual suspects. BB Crème SPF 50. The stranded-on-a-desert-island must-have, this mineral-based BB cream wouldn’t be…without the anti-inflammatory magic of niacinamide. Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30. Perfects as it protects, this multi-tasking, niacinamide-rich moisturizer is lightweight yet powerful. GLOW-UP YOUR GAME
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How to Layer For Fall – SPF Edition
Fall is all about layering! Not only is it important to layer your clothing pieces to stay warm during this transitioning season, but it’s just as important to continue using SPF throughout the fall/winter season. We’re always asked if you can layer sunscreen and SPF products. The short answer is yes! Learn how to layer your SPF like a pro this Fall with these below tips: SPF under makeup: Worn alone or underneath foundation, the matte finish of our mineral formulations makes them great primers, like the Mineral Crème SPF 50 or Tinted Mineral Crème SPF 30. 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. SPF over makeup: 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. SPF lip layering: Our Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30 comes with a major plus… it’s pigmented hues! With a range of colors from bare to deep plum to the perfect red lip, its buildable coverage allows you to choose your color intensity for a finished look that you’ll fall in-love with! The more layers you swipe on, the more intense the color appears. Shop our full collection of sunscreen products to help you layer like a pro this fall here .
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3 Ways to Prevent Future Scary Skin
Wrinkles, dark spots and damage – oh my! When it comes to predicting what your future skin might look like, there can be quite a few spine-tingling “what ifs.” What if I didn’t wear enough sunscreen? What if I started using retinol too late? What if I didn’t moisturize enough? Fear not! While there’s no changing the past, it’s never too late to instill good skincare habits. When you commit to preventing damage and preserving skin health NOW, you can ensure not-so-scary skin later on. So how do you guarantee a brighter future for your skin? Follow these three essential steps on a daily basis. 1. Always, always, always wear sunscreen Whether it’s hot and sunny or dark and gloomy, sun protection is an everyday essential. Studies show that UV exposure seems to be responsible for 80% of visible facial aging. That means cumulative unprotected sun exposure can result in fine lines and wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, uneven skin tone and texture, loss of elasticity (aka, droopy, crepe-like skin) – all on top of the more severe risk for developing melanoma and other skin cancers. The easiest solution is to add SPF to your daily morning routine. It’s easy! Use a morning moisturizer with SPF, like our Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30. Packed with broad-spectrum protection, powerful antioxidants, caffeine and niacinamide, it not only protects against future damage but helps to repair any UV-induced damage already done. This time-released hydrator keep skin nourished all day and helps reinforce a strong skin barrier to lock out other environmental stressors that can prematurely age your skin. 2. Keep under eye baggage bright, tight and out of sight It doesn’t take much to rough up this delicate area of skin. From a couple nights of bad sleep to UV damage, nothing ages you faster than dark circles, fine lines and puffiness under your eyes. To ensure your eyes are always your brightest (and most youthful) feature, add a smoothing and soothing eye gel to your morning and evening skincare routines. Our Revitalizing Eye Gel is packed with a unique blend of 5 ultra-nourishing, collagen-signaling peptides, works around the clock to release moisture, and peps up skin with caffeine and niacinamide that help brighten, tighten, and smooth. Use in the A.M. to instantly wake up eyes. Plus, this gel-like emulsion serves as the perfect primer for a smooth, makeup-gripping surface. In the P.M., dab it on before hitting the sheets for ultra-nourishing, powerful ingredients that work overtime while you sleep. 3. Make retinol part of your nightly skincare routine The sooner you start to incorporate this essential into your routine the better! Considered the gold standard of anti-aging, retinol is a Vitamin A derivative that speeds up skin cell turnover rate and decreases collagen breakdown, resulting in a smoother texture, brighter tone, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, and a youthful glow. AKA, if your skin is already showing signs of sun-damage, retinol can help reverse and erase! We’re sure you’ve probably heard that retinol can be harsh for first-time users. That’s why we made our Evening Retinol Serum with encapsulated and stabilized retinol. This allows it to move delicately and deeper into the skin first before it’s activated, so you don’t have to suffer the typical side effects of dryness, peeling and irritation. And don’t forget! UV rays are known to degrade the effectiveness of retinol. So make sure to follow two rules of thumb: Only use retinol as part of your evening skincare routine, and be super vigilant about wearing SPF during the day to maximize your results. While we can’t see the future, we can predict a brighter, healthier one for your skin if you treat it right, starting now!
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SELF 2022 Healthy Beauty Award Winner: Best Tinted Mineral Sunscreen
We’re thrilled that our beloved Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 won the Best Tinted Mineral Sunscreen in the SELF Healthy Beauty Awards SPF category for 2022! As an independent brand, it’s an honor to be in the company of so many wonderful brands. The Review: Bonus points, per the experts: This tinted sunscreen is formulated with vitamin C, which dermatologists love for brightening dark spots and protecting skin from environmental damage. You’ll also find green tea extract, a calming ingredient that soothes redness, and hyaluronic acid, a supremely hydrating ingredient. One tester said: “This is a great product. It is perfect for daily use—light, no odor, blends into skin quickly and easily, and is perfect alone or under makeup. I love that it has antioxidants in it so that there is additional sun protection beyond the SPF.” What was the selection process like? The SELF editors tested the best, most useful, and most effective SPF formulas to determine the ones that won’t pill under makeup, leave a greasy sheen on your face or phone, and those that best withstand the heat and humidity. All products were judged based on a set of criteria determined by a board of dermatologists. This is extra special for us, as we are a dermatologist-developed line. What makes Mineral Tinted Crème Stand out? This lightweight smooth mineral formula is our most versatile tinted SPF and is continually a top seller. It blends effortlessly and delivers an even, matte finish. Packed with powerful antioxidants, Vitamin C, Green Tea, cranberry fruit, and pomegranate extracts and was named a 2022 Top EWG rated with a 1 rating as a non-toxic SPF! The universally flattering tint can be used under or over makeup, and it blends in with all skin tones. SHOP NOW
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How to Get that Summer Glow While Protecting Your Skin
Ah, sweet summertime! As the temperature warms up, wardrobes transition, and beauty routines lighten up too. Capturing the ethereal look of a “summer glow” is now a top beauty goal. But, how do you “glow” safely without risking damage to your skin? For a bunch of skin and sun care fanatics at MDSOLARSCIENCES, we’re all about that glow! That’s why we’re thrilled to have launched Gleam + Glow, a dermatologist developed radiance moisturizer that safely delivers that glow all year round. What is Gleam + Glow? It’s a multi-tasking moisturizer that provides sheer hydration with a luminous finish and the added benefit of SPF 50 broad-spectrum protection. Gleam + Glow gives you an instant natural-looking glow no matter your skin type or tone. Packed with time-release moisturizers, skin stays hydrated from sun up to sundown. A proprietary antioxidant complex helps to shield skin from environmental stressors. Gleam + Glow creates a natural-looking luminosity, optimizing your skin’s own true radiance. Skin will look smoother, younger, and lit from within. How to use it? Blend into clean skin for an instant sheer luminous finish. Wear it on its own as an all-in-one moisturizer for a dewy, subtle sun-kissed look and a “skinimal” skincare and makeup routine. It also makes a gorgeous illuminating primer under your favorite BB Crème or foundation. For an extra dose of sunny glow, top with your favorite bronzer to create the ultimate summer look - safely! Get that golden hour glow all day and night. Now, get glowing!
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Sustainable Packaging
4 ways we improved our packaging to be more eco-friendly Did you know? The beauty industry produces 120 billion units of packaging annually, a lot of which is single-use, made from plastic, not sustainable, often isn’t recycled properly, and never ever breaks down. Even worse? A staggering 91% of that packaging ends up in landfills and oceans, finding its way into the bellies and around the necks of innocent sea creatures. This number was unsettling to us. It inspired us to take a hard look at ourselves and the impact we were having on the planet. In the end, we came to the conclusion that while we were making an effort to treat Mother Earth with respect, we weren’t doing enough. That’s why, over the past couple of years, we’ve made some serious changes to better serve our environment. One major change of note? The total revamp of our packaging, which enabled us to reduce our plastic use by over 50%! Below, check out how we transitioned from being part of the problem to being leaders in mindful packaging practices in our industry. 1. All of our products now come in recyclable tubes Yup! From our recyclable SPF packaging to our skincare collection, everything now comes in recyclable tubes! If you’ve been with us for a while, you might remember our old packaging – fun, colorful, vintage… and made from non-recyclable plastic. As a brand that prides itself on being an advocate for Mother Earth with reef-safe, chemical-free, vegan formulas, it didn’t sit right with us knowing that our packaging was having the opposite impact. That’s why, in 2021, we traded in our glam packaging for one that’s, yes, less colorful, but more importantly, fully recyclable. 2. Our spray cans are made from recycled aluminum Another huge change we made when revamping our packaging? Switching our sprays over to recycled aluminum! Naturally a reusable material, aluminum never loses quality, no matter how many times it gets recycled. Begging the question, why use brand new aluminum when used aluminum works just as well? Now, our spray cans are made with 48% recycled aluminum, thanks to our supplier – the only one in the US to incorporate recycled content in its cans. 3. We carefully source our cardboard materials All of our cardboard, from product cartons to paper packaging to the shipping packages that get delivered to your door, carry the Forestry Sustainability Initiative seal – a world-renowned certificate that ensures our cardboard comes from responsibly managed forests. 4. We make everything in small batches What does that mean? Compared to large brands that mass produce, small batch production allows for less over-manufacturing and waste. It also reduces our environmental impact. Less energy used means lower emissions. And lower emissions means less greenhouse gasses released into the atmosphere to contribute to the rise of global warming. Our commitment to sustainability doesn’t stop here! We are an ever-evolving brand committed to doing whatever it takes to treat our planet better. We may be small, we may only be one brand in the sea that is the beauty industry, but we believe every small act has an impact. YOU have an impact just by shopping with us. We’re excited and grateful to be on this journey with you! Want to learn more about our eco-friendly practices? Check out our full Sustainability Report!
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Dermatologist Approved Skincare Routine
Your Dermatologist Approved Skincare Routine for Spring and Summer Long sunny days and hot, dry, or humid weather impact skin differently than colder and darker months. When the weather warms up, we all look forward to swapping out sweaters for sundresses. Just as you change out your wardrobe, you need to transition your skincare routine for the spring and summer months. This change should be as simple as throwing on your favorite linen dress. Here are a few simple steps to protect and nourish your skin from sunup to sundown. MORNING ROUTINE Step 1. Cleanse During the warmer months, skin tends to get oilier due to the heat and humidity. Once mixed with sweat, pores can get clogged which causes breakouts. Daily cleansing is especially important, day and night, in the warm weather. Clean skin with a cleanser packed with nourishing antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, and Vitamin B5. Wash Away gently exfoliates and cleans pores without stripping moisture, leaving skin clean and refreshed, prepped for the rest of your spring and summer routine. Step 2. Treat After sleeping, puffiness, dark circles, and fine lines can be more apparent. A lightweight, refreshing gel formula cools and refreshes in the sticky summer months. Revitalizing Eye Gel helps reduce signs of sun damage while delivering a tightening effect. The only bags you should be carrying around this summer are for road trips. Step 3. Moisturize When it’s warm outside, a multi-tasking dual-purpose moisturizer with SPF is a must. Daily Perfecting Moisturizer with SPF 30 delivers lightweight hydration and SPF protection, along with powerful antioxidants, hyaluronic acid, chamomile, and caffeine. There’s a reason this is one of the Allure beauty editor’s favorite products. (Check out her glowing review!) Step 4. Protect SPF is the most important step in your spring and summer skincare routine to protect against damaging UVA/UVB rays and prevent future damage. Whether you choose tinted or transparent, Mineral Crème with SPF 50 is the magical product you won’t leave home without. This silky formula blends into skin like a dream with a matte filter-like finish. A tester at the Good Housekeeping Institute said, “It felt like a base coat primer that reduced the appearance of pores.” Many people majorly pare down their makeup during the hotter months. For slightly more coverage, with a light as air feel, try the MD Mineral BB Crème 50 to help even out skin tone with a glowy, even finish. And, remember sunscreen is essential every day, even on cloudy, overcast days. While your face is usually the first line of defense, your entire body must be protected for days in the rays. Apply Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40 for a fast-drying, lightweight everywhere that skin will be exposed. Feel extra safe knowing that this dermatologist developed spray is made with the safest ingredients on the market. If you prefer creme-based protection, the luxurious Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 blends effortlessly into skin and helps lock in moisture. NIGHT ROUTINE Nighttime is when your skin works to restore and repair and is no time to slack on skincare! When the sun sets, it’s time to treat skin right, as it prepares to restore overnight. Step 1: Cleanse Cleansing your skin from dirt, pollutants, makeup, and sunscreen is essential to maintaining clear healthy skin. Wash Away will do quite that, and wash away the effects of a well-spent day, whether in the park or at the beach, to leave you with fresh, clean skin. Step 2: Treat As it cools and tightens in the AM, Revitalizing Eye Gel, firms and treats your delicate eye area overnight, which is important after a day in warm weather when under eyes can become puffy. Dermatologist tip: Remember to hydrate from the inside out and drink plenty of water too! Step 3: Nourish While you’ve protected skin all day, boost that glow while you sleep with Evening Retinol Serum. Restore radiance while hydrating skin, with encapsulated retinol to reduce hyperpigmentation, fine lines, and pores. This gentle formula won’t dry skin but will calm and nourish. Dermatologist tip: It’s critical to always use SPF when using a retinol product to decrease risk of burn. Bonus dermatologist-recommended tip: Don’t forget your neck. All skincare products should be smoothed from your jawline to decolletage. This delicate area needs extra TLC in the summer months from regular sun exposure. Enjoy your time in the sun, knowing you are nourished and protected!
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