Blog: Everything Under the Sun
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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The 4 biggest skincare trends for Summer 2022
New season, new skincare routine! As always with summer, SPF is the main character (all year round, of course, but especially now). We know, SPF may feel like an obligatory step in your routine, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be a step you look forward to! Summer 2022 is bound to continue riding the wave of recent skincare trends – from sustainable, vegan formulas to lightweight, barely-there feel to multitasking benefits. Check out our predictions for the summer season, including SPF mineral sticks, tinted SPF, SPF lip balm and more. Plus, check out the top products dermatologists expect to be this year’s hottest items. THE 4 BIGGEST SPF SKINCARE TRENDS FOR SUMMER 2022 SPF mineral sticks It’s not just the convenience factor that makes sunscreen sticks a hot item. It’s also that they’re 100% mess-free and hands-free. No more sticky, goopy applications or greasy fingers. Just a quick swipe lays down powerful protection in seconds! This is especially ideal in situations when you don’t want to touch your face with your hands – whether because of sandy beach hands or because you aren’t able to sanitize first. Top dermatologist pick: Solar Stick SPF 40 100% mineral, dermatologist developed, broad-spectrum protection Effortless, hands-free application (and reapplication!) on-the-go Tinted and natural options blend effortlessly with all skin tones (no whitecast!) Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes Tinted SPF Get your summer glow on without the burn! Tinted sunscreens are the perfect summer essential, offering powerful protection while giving you a healthy golden hour glow in a single step. Its tinted coverage is perfect on its own for a classic “no makeup” makeup look or as a super-charged primer for your regular makeup routine. Top dermatologist pick: Mineral Tinted Creme SPF 30 100% mineral, dermatologist developed, broad-spectrum protection Sheer tint provides even coverage + a beautiful matte finish (no whitecast!) Superlight + enriched with powerful antioxidants Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes Top EWG rated with a 1 rating SPF lip balm with a POP of color Who said your summertime SPF lip balm had to be boring? This summer, we’re all about adding a pop of color to our everyday looks. Tinted SPF lip balms are the perfect way to achieve hydrated, plump lips, sun protection and the perfect pop of color in a single swipe. Top dermatologist pick: Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30 Dermatologist developed, broad-spectrum protection Natural moisturizers – shea and olive butters, avocado oil – for all-day hydration Buildable color A range of shades, from bare to the perfect red lip SPF-infused skincare All we used to ask of our sunscreens is that they blend in without a greasy, casted finish. Now, SPF not only delivers on that promise, but also provides major skincare benefits! Summer 2022 is all about maximizing benefits in minimal steps with one-and-done formulas that protect, prevent, repair and nourish. Top dermatologist picks: MD Mineral BB Creme SPF 50 100% mineral, dermatologist developed, broad-spectrum protection 3 sheer-tinted shades provide even coverage + a matte finish Age-defying benefits: caffeine + niacinamide depuff, brighten + tone Powerful antioxidants reduce signs of sun damage Whipped, light-as-air texture blends effortlessly Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30 Dermatologist developed, broad-spectrum protection Hyaluronic acid for massive, all-day hydration Powerful antioxidants reduce appearance of fine lines + wrinkles Ceramides, niacinamide, olive oils soothe + repair skin
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Lip Care 101
Anyone who’s ever experienced chapped lips knows better than leave home without lip balm. But as you’ve probably noticed from trying many kinds – from SPF lip balms to tinted lip balms – not all are created equal. Some leave your lips drier than before, some are so greasy they never absorb into your skin, and some don’t provide any sun protection. So in the name of chapped-lip-sufferers everywhere, we put together the ultimate guide to finding the perfect lip essential for maximum moisture, long-lasting hydration, sun protection and even a pop of color. Check out our guide below and read why our #1 dermatologist developed lip balm and beauty editor fave is your ultimate lip savior. WHAT CAUSES CHAPPED LIPS? Naturally, your lips are already at a disadvantage when it comes to maintaining moisture. Why? Unlike the rest of your skin, your lips don’t produce their own natural oils to stay moisturized and nourished. To add insult to injury, your lips are also much thinner and more sensitive, leaving them prone to abuse from the elements. One common offender? UV rays. Most people don’t think about their lips when using SPF, but the truth is UV rays can break down the collagen in your lips, resulting in painful cracks and dryness. Not to mention hyperpigmentation and a higher risk for melanoma. UV rays aren’t just a hazard in the warmer months, but also in the winter, which comes with its own slew of agitators: dry air, indoor heating, hot showers, wind burn and so on. But do you know what the #1 cause of dry lips really is? Lip licking! Yes, really! We all do it (whether consciously or not), but the instant relief it provides is not only brief, but makes matters worse in the long run. Unlike lip balms, your saliva can’t provide deep hydration or trap in moisture. So after a few minutes, it evaporates and leaves your lips drier than before. HOW TO CARE FOR CHAPPED LIPS If you struggle with dry, cracked, flaky lips, there are a few habits you can incorporate into your routine – drinking more water, exfoliating, sleeping with a humidifier – that’ll help restore and maintain a smooth, plump finish. But the most effective for instant relief? Lip balm! Lip balm green flags The perfect recipe for the perfect pout? You want a formula that will attract and hold water to your lips, smooth and improve texture, seal in all the moisture and nutrients, plus provide SPF. Here’s what to look out for: Humectants help attract and hold water to your skin for long-lasting hydration. Look for ingredient listings with hyaluronic acid and glycerin to ensure a deep hydration that penetrates below surface level. Emollients are key for improving the texture and appearance of your lips. Keep an eye out for lip balms with ingredients like squalane and Vitamin E that’ll smooth out and fill in the cracks in your chapped lips. Occlusives are the cherry on top… literally! They’re the essential top layer that forms a protective barrier to prevent moisture loss and protect against environmental aggressors. Look out for ingredients like natural butters, oils and waxes to ensure you stay lip locked with maximum moisture. SPF 30 at the minimum. Anything below 30 is not as effective of a shield against UV rays and the damage they cause. Lip balm red flags What don’t you want in your lip balm? Drying alcohols. Ingredients such as menthol, camphor and phenol are often used in lip balms to achieve a cooling effect on your lips. The problem is, these alcohols evaporate quickly, leaving your pout even more dehydrated than before. So, what is the best lip balm for velvety-soft lips? All of the above shows the importance of checking the ingredient label before buying into any lip balm. Luckily, we happen to know of a super hydrating option that checks off all the right boxes… That's right... our Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30! A top pick for dermatologists and beauty editors alike, its creamy formula is packed to the max with enriching ingredients, such as hyaluronic acid, glycerin, squalane, Vitamin E, shea and olive butters, avocado oil, plus SPF 30 protection. This dermatologist developed SPF lip balm comes with a major plus… it’s tinted! 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’s oh-so-you! LIP BALM PRO TIPS Maximize moisture and all-day hydration with these key application tips: If your lips are very dry, apply the Bare lip balm right before bedtime! Your skin goes into repair mode while you sleep, flushing out toxins and creating new skin cells. Lip balm will help replenish any moisture loss and make sure new skin cells stay smooth and plump, for soft lips by morning. Reapply throughout the day. All day long, your lips are being robbed of moisture when you eat, drink, kiss, talk, lick your lips, and so on. Make sure to reapply often, especially after meals and coffee breaks. Reapplying with an SPF lip balm is especially important when you’re out in the sun. SHOP NOW (Click image below)
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Does Sunscreen expire?
It’s that time of year again where we trade in our chunky sweaters for sun dresses and bathing suits. It’s also the time that most people dig through their bathroom cabinets to unearth last sun season’s SPF. But wait… does sunscreen expire?? Yes, it absolutely does. Just like food can spoil, smell and mold past its expiration date, so too can your sunscreen. The good news? SPF has a long shelf life. At MDSolarSciences, you can rest assured our SPF products are designed to last and work effectively for 2 years! Can I still use expired sunscreen? We don’t recommend you use sunscreen past its expiration date. Once a sunscreen surpasses its shelf life, it’s no longer expected to – and most likely will not – provide the same level of protection. AKA, applying expired sunscreen is the equivalent of not wearing any at all. You’re still putting yourself at risk of burning, sun damage and melanoma. Another risk of using expired sunscreen? Expired formulas can grow bacteria that are capable of causing skin infections, irritations and allergic reactions. We don’t know about you, but sunburnt skin paired with infection and irritation sounds like the absolute worst. How do I know the expiration date? On MDSolarSciences’ products, you can always find the expiration date on the back of the packaging. But, unfortunately, the FDA does not require suncare brands to provide an expiration date on the label, so not all do. If you’re unsure how long you’ve had your sunscreen, it’s best you toss and replace. Better to be safe than sorry! Our advice? Make sure you purchase sunscreen that has an expiration date printed on the carton, and on the tube or bottle. What are the signs of expired sunscreen? Trust us, you’ll know when sunscreen has expired! Here are the most common telltale signs: Funky smell Watery and/or chunky consistency Mold Color change Proper care for sunscreen Fair warning! Outside of its shelf life expiration date, sunscreen can go bad quicker if stored in hot places, such as your car or purse, or if left exposed in the sun while at the pool or beach. Make sure to always keep it cool by leaving it in the shade or at room temperature inside your house. Happy sun season and stay skin healthy!
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Post Procedure Skincare: A guide to protecting your investment
When it comes to reversing sun damage or smoothing deep wrinkles, there’s only so much your at-home skincare routine can do. No amount of Vitamin C or retinol can reverse the sands of time completely! If you’re looking for more intense treatments, a trip to your dermatologist might be your next best move. If you do go the treatment route, it’s essential you maintain a good daytime and nighttime skincare regimen with dermatologist developed and approved formulas. Not sure where to start? We’re here to help! Check out our guide on the most popular skincare procedures of 2022 and their essential aftercare routines. BOTOX : What is Botox? Botox is a muscle relaxer that temporarily “freezes” the muscles in your face. This causes them to relax, thus smoothing your skin and reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Post-care for Botox Protect with SPF: Studies have found that up to 90% of the visible signs of aging (aka, fine lines and wrinkles) are due to sun damage. Which is why wearing a daily SPF with broad-spectrum protection is the best way to protect your Botox results. Consider Retinol: One of the most popular anti-aging ingredients in skincare, retinol is essential for helping your skin stay smooth, tight and toned well beyond your Botox treatment. Look for Hyaluronic Acid: Another way to extend your Botox results? Use a moisturizer with hyaluronic acid. It attracts and holds water to your skin to keep it plump and firm. Post-care products Mineral Creme SPF 50 – 100% mineral protection, luxurious feel, beautiful matte and natural finish MD Revitalize Retinol Serum – Made with encapsulated retinol delivered in a moisturizing base for a super gentle, non-drying, non-irritating application, unlike typical retinols. Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30 – Hyaluronic acid, antioxidants and broad-spectrum SPF provide all-day hydration and protection LIP FILLER : What is lip filler? Lip fillers are injectables, such as hyaluronic acid, fat or implants, used to give lips a fuller, plumper, more defined pout. Post-care for lip fillers Protect with SPF: UV rays can be detrimental to achieving your desired results by interfering with healing, reducing the plump effect, irritating the injection points and even causing cold sores. Drench in moisture: Lip fillers don’t last forever, but you can keep up the appearance of plumper-looking lips by keeping them hydrated to the max! Post-care products Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30 – Packed with shea, olive and avocado oils, a single swipe delivers extended all-day hydration, SPF 30 protection, plus the perfect sheer tint of color. Layer on the swipes for brighter, buildable color. CHEMICAL PEEL : What is a chemical peel? A chemical peel causes the uppermost layers of skin to peel off, revealing a fresher, brighter complexion. It’s great for preventing acne, evening skin tone, helping to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and the effect of sun damage, plus removes dead skin cells to make way for more glowing skin. Post-care for chemical peel Protect with SPF: Your will need extra SPF to protect your fresh new layer of skin. Go for a 100% mineral formula to ensure a gentler, irritation-free experience. Keep skin clean: Keep your fresh new layer of skin clean with a gentle cleanser that fully removes everything from your skin without stripping or irritating further. Fortify your skin barrier: Chemical peels don’t just peel away layers of skin, they also peel away your protective moisture barrier. Restore hydration with a moisturizer packed with hyaluronic acid, to attract and hold water to skin, and ceramides, which will rebuild a barrier to keep moisture in. Post-care products Mineral Tinted Creme SPF 30 – 100% mineral with a uniquely luxurious feel and a sheer-tinted finish to effortlessly disguise any redness Wash Away One Step Cleanser – Ultra gentle, sulfate-free cleanser removes everything – even tougher buildup like waterproof mineral SPF – in a single wash without stripping. Skin’s left soft, supple and hydrated! Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30 – Packed with SPF, hyaluronic acid and ceramides, it locks in all-day moisture for plumper, smoother, protected skin. NOTE: These are general recommendations, please check with your dermatologist for any specific post-care recommendations based on your personal skin type and skin concerns. For any questions, email us at info@mdsolarsciences.com
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Using Your FSA/HSA Dollars
Sun protection is an important part of skin health. So important that you can use your FSA, HSA or HRA accounts to cover your sunscreen purchases. How does it work? If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Health Saving Account (HSA) or Health Reimbursement Account (HRA), you can use it to pay for a wide variety of health care products and services. The IRS determines which expenses can be reimbursed. Sunscreen is considered one of those eligible expenses. Which sunscreens are eligible? Sunscreen for adults and for kids is eligible for reimbursement with flexible spending accounts (FSA), health savings accounts (HSA), and health reimbursement accounts (HRA) under certain conditions. Only sunscreens with SPF 15+ and "broad spectrum" protection are eligible. And yes, that means all the MDSolarSciences sunscreens are eligible! All our sunscreens are SPF 30 and higher, and they all provide 'broad spectrum' protection which means that they protect against both UVA and UVB rays. Can I use my FSA card at checkout? Yes you can use your FSA/HSA card like you would your credit card at checkout (If you'd rather use your regular credit card, you can also email us for an itemized receipt to file a claim.) IMPORTANT TO NOTE: Reimbursements are determined by your individual insurance plan/provider. While all SPF/sunscreen products are eligible, your insurance provider has final say in whether or not you will be reimbursed. MDSolarSciences does not have control over what insurance providers deem as eligible for reimbursement. Start shopping !
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Ingredient Transparency Made Simple
Ten years ago, you probably would’ve glazed over the ingredient list on your skincare products. Today, it’s most likely the first thing you look at before investing in any new product! At MDSolarSciences, we’ve always valued smart, effective, science-backed ingredients. All our formulas are dermatologist-developed and enriched with the absolute best ingredients to protect, prevent and restore But if you don't have a science degree, it's not always easy to understand what each ingredient does. You might wonder what “tetrahexyldecyl ascorbate” is, or how it works? (It’s an oil soluble form of Vitamin C, btw.) That's why we've teamed up with ClearForMe, an independent organization that provides clear, short, user-friendly ingredient education, right on our website. How? By connecting our ingredient lists to their cloud-based database of over 1.2 million ingredients. All you have to do is click on an ingredient to reveal its definition, so you know exactly what’s going on your skin! ClearForMe isn’t just an encyclopedia of ingredient information but a tool for peace of mind and trust. Founded by Sabrina Noorani, its inspiration came from her own struggle to find products that were compatible with a debilitating skin allergy. Her hope? To change the way ingredient labels are presented to customers to create transparent trust. Partnering with Sabrina and ClearForMe is another step in our mission to make incredible skin wellness accessible to ALL, no matter what their skin concerns are. We want to empower you to make confident, informed choices for your skin that lead to a healthier, happier life. Ready to make the best decisions for your skin? Here’s how ClearForMe works: Visit any of our product pages Sroll down and click on the ingredients tab Click on an ingredient to reveal its definition To learn more about our amazing Ingredients, check out this blog.
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Your Clinically-proven 3-step routine
The secret to healthy, beautiful skin requires consistent use of clean, safe, effective products. But how do you find brands you can trust, and products that will be effective on your skin? For a dermatologist developed brand like ours, the answer is simple and involves science! We make choosing the right skincare routine simple and easy with clinically-proven results. What does “clean, safe, and effective products” mean to us? At MDSolarSciences, we let science lead the way in everything we do. ALL of our formulas are dermatologist-developed to protect, prevent and restore skin. We never formulate with ingredients just because they’re trending or popular. Our ingredients must meet strict criteria, be highly effective, beneficial to all skin types and be safe for the environment before making it into one of our formulas. What also makes our formulas so unique? What we DON’T put in them! We never use harsh chemicals, and are 100% vegan, earth-friendly, cruelty-free, gluten-free, paraben-free, fragrance-free, mineral reef-safe and recyclable. And we do it all without ever sacrificing the superior, luxurious feel of our formulas. What does it mean to be clinically proven? Another thing you should know about us...we’re not just talk – we also value transparency! Studies have shown that 80% of facial aging comes from sun damage. So we put our ultimate age-defying, sun-damage-prevention trio to the test in a clinical trial to see how our formulas stand up to real life. The results were undeniable! Participants used Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30, Revitalizing Eye Gel, and Evening Retinol Serum daily for 8 weeks. In the end, 90% of participants felt the overall appearance of their skin was visibly improved (aka, smoother, brighter, more hydrated). Some even saw noticeable results in as little as 28 days! This unparalleled trio is packed with a powerful blend of ingredients that help protect, prevent and restore skin, including ultra-nourishing peptides, hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, natural antioxidants, Vitamin C and more. To top it off, Daily Perfecting Moisturizer protects and prevents with broad-spectrum SPF 30 to ensure skin suffers no further damage. This also helps the rest of the products in the trio to work without interruption from damaging UV rays. To build your clinically proven skincare routine, click here. To learn more about building the best skincare routine, check out this blog.
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