Blog: Everything Under the Sun
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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Skincare Olympics: Team MDSolarSciences’ gold medal winners
When it comes to beating your skincare hurdles, there’s only one team of gold medal winners that’s proven itself worthy. Meet Team MDSolarSciences’: the #1 dermatologist developed brand enriched with SPF and smart ingredients that go above and beyond for your skin. No matter if you struggle with sun damage, dry skin, chapped lips or achieving a healthy-looking glow, this star-studded lineup always leaves you winning. Check out our best of the best below, primed to be your new favorite essentials to help you beat your skincare hurdles. HOW TO WIN AGAINST SUN DAMAGE Mineral Creme SPF 50 Gold Medal Winner: “Best Sunscreen for every skin type, according to Derms” – Prevention Magazine The key to making a habit out of wearing sunscreen? A formula that feels so good, you WANT to wear it! That’s where Mineral Creme SPF 50 blows the competition out of the water. Unlike traditional sunscreens that are sticky, goopy, and unblendable, this dermatologist developed, unique formula has a sheer, silky texture that glides over skin as smoothly as skates on ice. Why does it beat the competition? Invisible, “barely there” coverage with a beautiful matte finish (no white cast!) Clean, 100% mineral formula with micronized zinc oxide With natural antioxidants to help combat sun damage and free radicals Vitamins C and E to help brighten, smooth, and even out skin tone Broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB) Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes (the longest rating possible!) For all skin types and skin tones HOW TO WIN AGAINST DRY, DULL SKIN Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30 Gold Medal Winner: “The Best Clean Beauty Anti-Aging SPF “ Life&Style Mag As the ultimate multitasking powerhouse, this SPF moisturizer hydrates, protects, nourishes and restores in a single step. An award-winner for a reason: Melts into skin to provide instant hydration Time-released moisturizers keep skin hydrated from AM to PM Blends seamlessly with zero white cast, perfect for all skin tones Powerful antioxidants (snow mushroom, grape extract, Vitamin C, vitamin E), caffeine and niacinamide to help reduce signs of UV-induced damage and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while leaving skin radiant and glowing! Deeply hydrating and calming ingredients: hyaluronic acid, ceramides, niacinamide, chamomile, caffeine, macadamia and olive oils. The formula also contains fairly sourced mica which gives skin a natural healthy glow. For all skin types Broad Spectrum SPF (UVA + UVB) HOW TO STICK THE LANDING ON REAPPLYING SPF Tinted Solar Stick SPF 40 Gold Medal Winner: “Best sunscreen stick” – Shape Magazine When it comes to our most important skincare habit – reapplying SPF – nothing sticks the landing for dermatologists and beauty editors like Tinted Solar Stick! As one of the ONLY tinted mineral sticks out there that doesn’t leave any white cast behind, its silky application blends in seamlessly with all skin tones, making it the perfect SPF for your face, neck, hands, shoulders, and even tattoos! An award-winner for a reason: Clean, 100% mineral formula Portable and convenient Hands-free applying and reapplying Perfect for hard-to-reach spots (like under eyes!) Matte, even coverage for a sun-kissed glow Water-resistant for up to 80 minutes Broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB) For all skin types and tones HOW TO BEAT DRY, CHAPPED LIPS Hydrating Tinted Lip Balm SPF 30 Gold Medal Winner: “Triple Threat Beauty Award” – Editorialist A rising star all-around, this hydrating lip balm is well-known for its triple threat formula. Just one swipe delivers a powerful kiss of rich hydration, the perfect sheer tint of color and broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection…all in one shiny little package. An award-winner for a reason: Enriched with shea, avocado and olive butters, fortified with avocado oil Provides extended, all-day hydration No sticky residues Buildable, customizable color intensity Broad-spectrum protection (UVA + UVB) 5 universally-flattering shades To read more about building an effective dermatologist approved skincare routine, check this blog.
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30 Days to Skin Wellness Week 4: Use multitasking formulas
When it comes to skincare, we already know you’re making healthy choices by shopping clean, vegan, earth-friendly formulas. Our goal? To turn your healthy choices into healthy habits by guiding you through our 30 day challenge for improved skin wellness! We know, forming new habits can be a challenge, but our formulas make it easy! Developed by some of the leading dermatologists across the country, our team has masterfully perfected a balance within skin wellness that’s never been done before. Every one of our formulas meets your skin’s needs without compromising on clean and safe ingredients, their incredibly luxurious feel or our commitment to sustainable practices. Quite simply, every application of our sun and skincare formulas feels like a treat and will have you looking forward to your daily routine without effort! The fourth and final healthy skin wellness habit of our challenge is all about the benefits of using multitasking skincare formulas. Check out our comprehensive guide below. WEEK 4 CHALLENGE: Simplify your skincare routine with multitasking formulas Benefits Maximum benefits in minimal steps! Some people are into 12-step routines and that’s OK. But if that’s a barrier to you making healthy skincare habits, skinimalism it is! And our multitasking formulas are your saving grace. Developed by dermatologists, our science-backed formulas are packed to the max with SPF, nourishing ingredients and age-defying benefits. No matter which of our products you use, you’re guaranteed to get the most out of your routine without taking up your time, money or counter space. Our Science backed approach to leverage complex ingredients The key is in the ingredients! The best multitaskers are formulated with complex, smart ingredients that deliver above and beyond for your skin. So you get maximum benefits with the least amount of products or steps in your routine! Whether you’re looking for skincare-infused makeup, a moisturizer with SPF or skincare and SPF in one, there are certain ingredients that will deliver the best results. The core 3 you want to look out for: Broad Spectrum SPF, nourishing and soothing ingredients, anti-aging or restorative benefits More specifically, here’s what to look out for: Broad-spectrum SPF 30 to SPF 50 protection for your morning routine (and throughout the day) Antioxidants to keep skin safe from environmental damage, fight anti-radicals and signs of sun damage. Used daily they can help reduce sun spots, help combat wrinkles and fine lines, calm irritation, brighten and moisturize. Powerful ingredients like Niacinamide, a well known skin soother and nourisher, or caffeine, retinol, peptides and hyaluronic acid. Our formulas check all those boxes! Our founder, Dr Friedman, developed a proprietary complex, Provention-R, that is used in all our formulas and incorporate all of these ingredients and more. For more insights into our ingredients story, check out this blog. How to make it a habit Refresh your regular routine by swapping out all your single-use products for multitaskers. — Congratulations on completing 30 days of our skin wellness challenge! Thank you for letting us be part of your journey. We’d love to see your results! Show off your beautiful, healthy skin using #MDSkinWellness on Instagram so we can celebrate with you 💚. Check out the whole Skin Wellness challenge: Week 1 Blog - Wear SPF every day Week 2 blog - Wash your face every night! Week 3 blog - Reapply SPF
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30 Days to Skin Wellness Week 3: Reapply SPF
When it comes to skincare, we already know you’re making healthy choices by shopping clean, vegan, earth-friendly formulas. Our goal? To turn your healthy choices into healthy habits by guiding you through our 30 day challenge for improved skin wellness! We know, forming new habits can be a challenge, but our formulas make it easy! Developed by some of the leading dermatologists across the country, our team has masterfully perfected a balance within skin wellness that’s never been done before. Every one of our formulas meets your skin’s needs without compromising on clean and safe ingredients, their incredibly luxurious feel or our commitment to sustainable practices. Quite simply, every application of our sun and skincare formulas feels like a treat and will have you looking forward to your daily routine without effort! The third healthy skin wellness habit of our challenge is all about staying protected from the sun by regularly reapplying SPF throughout the day. Check out our comprehensive guide below. WEEK 3 CHALLENGE: Reapply SPF throughout the day Benefits Here’s the thing: All types of SPF, whether chemical or mineral, will naturally break down when exposed to sunlight. And if you’re dealing with mineral, you’re more likely to wipe it off because it sits on the surface of your skin. In order to reap the full benefits of sun protection, it’s essential you reapply consistently throughout the day, preferably every 2 hours. Best ways to reapply Don’t be picky! As long as it meets the criteria above, whatever SPF you have readily available, whether it’s chemical or mineral, is fine. In fact, it’s OK to apply mineral over chemical or vice versa. This will not impact its effectiveness. If you’re spending a day outside at the beach, playing sports, working out, or with kids, Quick Dry Body Spray is best for reapplying. It’s the fastest and easiest way to get full body coverage in seconds. When you’re on-the-go, Solar Sticks are your best option. They’re especially great if you’re unable to wash your hands because their application is totally touch-free. Wearing makeup? Go for a tinted creme like BB Creme or Mineral Tinted Creme. They won’t disrupt your finished look. In fact, they’ll actually enhance it by evening tone, reducing redness and leaving skin with a beautiful, glowy matte finish. Don’t forget your lips! Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm fits perfectly in any pocket, purse or even on your desk for a quick swipe whenever you need it. How to make reapplying SPF a habit First of all, make sure you have SPF handy wherever you are, whether that’s in your car, purse, gym bag, office desk, bathroom and so on. The best way to remember to reapply every 2 hours is to set an alarm. But if that’s not your thing, try pairing reapplication with regular activities throughout your day, such as post-meeting, before a walk, after lunch, and so on. — Ready for the next challenge? Check out Week 4 of our 30 Days to Skin Wellness here.
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