Blog: Everything Under the Sun
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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30 Days to Skin Wellness Week 2: Wash your face every night!
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 second healthy skin wellness habit of our challenge is all about keeping skin fresh and clean with a nightly cleanse. Check out our comprehensive guide below. WEEK 2 CHALLENGE: Wash your face every night! Benefit Washing your face each night is beneficial to preserving your skincare investment. Your skin is exposed to a lot throughout the day – sweat, dirt, pollution, free radicals, makeup, sunscreen. If left unwashed, this grime can clog your pores, leading to acne, irritation, and inflammation. Unwashed skin also interferes with your skin’s natural cycle of cell regeneration. Clean skin allows this process to proceed naturally, for skin that’s fresh, radiant and healthy-looking. The best cleanser for all skin types Your cleanser is the foundation of your routine, but shockingly, most cleansers are not engineered to remove water-proof makeup and mineral SPF. When these stay behind, it makes the rest of your routine way less effective. That’s why we made Wash Away One Step Cleanser. In a single step, skin is left truly clean, soft and supple, pH-balanced and ready to soak in the rest of your routine. Best of all? It comes with unique benefits for all skin types, making it the most universal cleanser and an easy choice. Gentle cleansing agents break down water-proof barriers (from makeup and mineral SPF) Argan + Grape Seed oils cleanse pores Apple + Pineapple extracts lightly exfoliate Hydrating + Moisturizing Agents attract + hold water to skin Here’s why people can’t stop raving about Wash Away One Step Cleanser! How to make it a habit Simply tack it onto your regular nightly routine! — Ready for the next challenge? Check out Week 3 of our 30 Days to Skin Wellness here and visit Week 1 Here.
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30 Days to Skin Wellness Week 1: Wear SPF Every Day
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 first healthy skin wellness habit of our challenge is all about SPF and why you should wear it every single day (yes, even in winter!). Check out our comprehensive guide below. WEEK 1 CHALLENGE: Wear SPF every day Benefits For most people, sunscreen is something you wear in the hotter months to protect against UV damage that can lead to melanoma. But the benefits go well beyond just that! Wearing daily SPF is actually essential to reaching your skin goals as it preserves the progress you’ve made. Reduces and prevents hyperpigmentation Lessens chance of sunburn Prevents premature aging, such as dullness, droopy skin, fine lines and wrinkles Simply wearing SPF daily will ensure your skincare products work without interruption for healthy, beautiful skin. So you can enjoy time outside completely worry-free! How to choose the right SPF Check the label – There are 3 things you want to look out for when shopping for sunscreen. Broad-spectrum protection, meaning it will keep you safe from both UVA and UVB rays. Hit the SPF sweet spot, which is between SPF 30 to SPF 50. Water-resistance for up to 80 minutes to ensure you stay protected to the max while swimming and sweating. Mind the consistency – If you choose a typical SPF that’s sticky and goopy, chances are you won’t wear it everyday. Instead, look for something lightweight, creamy, and easily blendable, like our derm-developed formulas. Their melt-in-your-skin, luxe application is the reason you’ll *actually* want to wear them everyday. Choose based on your needs – Constantly on-the-go? Keep Solar Stick SPF 40 in your purse for quick and easy reapplication that requires zero blending with your hands. Have a daily commute? Store Mineral Creme SPF 50 in your car to protect your hands from hyperpigmentation. Evaluate your daily routine to see where SPF fits in best. Most likely you’ll need more than one kind throughout your day! Tinted or untinted? – That *is* the question. If you love a multitasker that protects but also evens skin tone, reduces redness and leaves a glowy finish, go for tinted. If not, untinted it is! How to make daily SPF a habit The first step is to invest in a good SPF you’ll actually want to put on everyday. After that, we suggest you set a reminder each morning to make sure you start each day protected! — Ready for the next challenge? Check it out here.
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Your Winter Skincare Routine using FSA dollars*
At MDSolarSciences, it’s our mission to make incredible skin wellness available to all. Why? Because being skin-healthy is just as important as being regular healthy. It’s why we take great care to work with top dermatologists to provide you with the safest, most effective, science-backed formulas. AND it’s why we’ve partnered with the Optum Store to make our luxurious SPF products FSA-eligible! Because nothing should come in the way of your access to these daily essentials. What a great way to spend your FSA dollars by giving yourself, or someone you care about the gift of healthy, beautiful skin this season! As we settle into winter and the changes it brings to our skin, we want to help you make informed decisions when it comes to your daily routine. Below, we’ve rounded up our must-have products to soothe and protect dry winter skin, including two multitasking SPF essentials (yes, you still need SPF in the winter!), all of which you can shop on the Optum Store!* WINTER SKINCARE ESSENTIALS FOR YOUR DAILY ROUTINE WASH AWAY ONE STEP CLEANSER Your face wash is the foundation of your routine and can impact how effective the rest of your products are. A good cleanser will remove everything from your face - makeup, impurities, sunscreen - without stripping your natural oils or disrupting your skin’s pH. If your cleanser can’t do this, it hinders the rest of your products from effectively penetrating deep enough to deliver their benefits. This is especially important in winter as your skin can’t drink up the hydration from your moisturizer if your cleanser isn’t clearing the way for full absorption. That’s why we recommend Wash Away! In a single wash, its dermatologist developed formula is able to first break down water-proof barriers from makeup and sunscreen, then clear our impurities from your pores. Plus, it contains hydrating AND moisturizing agents to help skin maintain critical moisture. The result? Truly clean, plump, healthy skin that’s ready for the rest of your routine! MD RESTORE EYE GEL Help brighten up and tighten up your under eye area with this ultra-nourishing eye gel. Uniquely made with 5 powerful and nourishing peptides, it instantly hydrates to help diminish the appearance of burnt out, tired, puffy eyes and fine lines. Its dermatologist developed formula is also engineered to maintain a tighter, brighter appearance all day by releasing moisture, caffeine, and niacinamide around the clock. DAILY PERFECTING MOISTURIZER SPF 30 After your cleanser, this is the second most important product in your winter skincare routine. Now that Wash Away has cleared the way for optimal absorption, your skin can easily drink in all the hydration. There are two reasons why we love this moisturizer, especially for winter. First, it’s made with sodium hyaluronate, a water-soluble salt form of hyaluronic acid. Meaning? It’s better able to penetrate your skin for increased effectiveness! So, your skin receives maximum benefits, including a powerful combination of antioxidants, ceramides, caffeine and niacinamide for a dewy, radiant finish. Second, it provides melt-in-your-skin broad-spectrum SPF 30 protection for a super blendable application. No white cast or sticky, unspreadable feel - it simply melts into skin for a natural-looking finish. Not to mention this multitasking benefit helps cut down the steps in your daily routine! MD REVITALIZE RETINOL SERUM Dry winter air is known for zapping the life out of your skin, leaving it looking dull and lackluster. Which is why a retinol is especially essential for overnight repair because it helps speed up skin cell turnover for more radiant, plump, smooth skin by morning. With traditional retinoids, this regenerative process can be extremely harsh, leaving skin dryer and more sensitive. That’s where our retinol stands out. Because it’s made with encapsulated retinol, it’s able to delicately move its way deeper into your skin before it’s activated to avoid common side effects, such as dryness, peeling and irritation. Amazingly, you get all the revitalizing benefits without further irritating your dry winter skin! HYDRATING SHEER TINTED LIP BALM SPF 30 Another victim of dry winter air? Your lips. Chapped, cracked lips plague all of us when the temps drop, making an ultra-hydrating and nourishing lip balm a take-everywhere essential. Our go to? Hydrating Sheer Tinted Lip Balm! More than just your average chapstick, this luxurious stick is the perfect hybrid of high-end lipstick, mega hydration and SPF protection. One swipe of its all-natural hydration - thanks to shea, avocado and olive butters - not only leaves you with a velvety-smooth finish and SPF 30 protection, but the perfect tint of color. Best of all? You can choose your color intensity with our buildable colors. The more you swipe, the more it shows, making it perfect for transitioning from your day lip to your evening look. — Grab your entire winter skincare routine on the Optum Store today! Shop at this link. *Only SPF products are FSA eligible, although the full assortment can be purchased on the Optum Store. Head there before the December 31st deadline to purchase these game-changing SPF skincare items!
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7 self-care ideas for your mind, body and soul
We all have our ways of coping with stress and mental health. In years past, self-care was often viewed as a luxury, something you did *after* a stressful day or week at work. It was a night out with your girls to let off steam, decompressing with a bubble bath or planning a weekend escape. The goal of self-care today is much different - to prevent feelings of anxiety, depression, stress or burnout, rather than reacting to them. It should lessen the impact that stress and mental health crises have on you rather than be an afterthought. Which is why it’s important to make self-care part of your regular daily routine, so you can hit pause on your mind and refresh, whether you do it for 5 minutes or 30! What’s most important, though, is that your method of self-care works for you, doesn’t stress you out, and most importantly, brings you joy! Not sure what kind of self-care activities would fit best into your day? That’s what we’re here for! Check out a few of our favorite ways we like to make time for ourselves (besides skincare of course!). Self-care ideas for mind, body and soul Self-care Idea #1: Get moving! (body) Go for a walk, practice yoga, dance like no one’s watching, do a HIIT class. Moving your body, even if it’s low-impact, can make major improvements in your mood. Because let’s be real… it’s hard to think about stressors when you’re huffing and puffing! The important part is to find a movement you love and will practice consistently. If you’re able, try breaking up your day with 30-60 minutes of movement. Self-care Idea #2: Limit screen time (mind) Sometimes being hyper-connected to everything that’s happening in the world can be overwhelming. Not to mention can cause feelings of inadequacy compared to other’s lives on social media. So give yourself a daily limit. Our advice? Put your screens away close to bedtime. This is especially important as studies have shown that blue light from screens can negatively impact your ability to fall asleep (and less sleep = decreased mental health). Self-care Idea #3:Meditate (soul) If you’re into getting deep and truly understanding what influences your mental health, this is the perfect practice for you. Meditation requires you to exist in the moment and sit with your feelings and energy. Is it daunting at first? Sure. But the great news is this practice has become so popular over the past few years that there’s an endless supply of guided videos for you to follow. So it’s easier for you to simply let your thoughts and to-do lists melt away for the time being and focus on YOU! Self-care Idea #4: Eat balanced, nutrient-rich meals (body) We could cite an endless supply of studies pertaining to nutrition, but the truth is you know your body. And you know what it feels like to eat your favorite go-to junk food versus your favorite well-balanced meal. But beyond that, pay attention to how certain foods affect your mood. Do they make you feel good in the moment, but bad later on? Or do they make you feel good now AND later? Once you know which foods make you feel your best, make them consistent in your daily meals! Self-care Idea #5: Spend time with friends and family (mind) There’s nothing like spending a day with your absolute favorite people! Meaningful face-to-face interactions have proven to be highly beneficial for mental health, with studies showing lower stress levels and improved moods compared to isolated people. Self-care Idea #6: Journal (soul) Have you ever bared your soul to some blank pages to find a huge weight lifted off your shoulder afterwards? Self-reflection can be a powerful self-care tool, helping you identify the highs and lows of your days so you can more easily see where you need to focus your attention. Another way to use a journal is for a gratitude list. These kinds of lists help us to see abundance in our lives, rather than lack, for a more optimistic outlook. Self-care Idea #7: Rest (body, mind + soul) Doing nothing can feel unproductive. But sometimes doing nothing for an entire day is exactly what you need to truly relax and recharge. Rest can look different to everyone: getting a full 8 hours of sleep, a day at the spa, a mental health day from work, or laying on the couch watching TV or listening to your favorite podcast. That's where the Skincare comes in... if going through a soothing routine helps you recharge, check out this full skincare experience Kit. Whatever your body tells you it needs, don’t think, just do it! — Incorporating just one of these activities into your daily routine can majorly boost your overall mood and better prepare you to deal with stress. For a more balanced and holistic self-care practice, try making time to care for your body, mind AND soul.
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4 Winter Skincare Tips for Winter Sports Lovers
Battling dry skin in winter is a feat in and of itself. But for anyone who frequently enjoys hitting the slopes, whizzing their way around an ice rink or even just playing in the snow with their kids, dry winter skin is just the tip of the iceberg. Despite the skin challenges these more extreme conditions bring, the good news is maintaining your healthy, hydrated, glowing skin is easy with a few tweaks to your regular routine. Common winter skin conditions and how to ease them As refreshing and exhilarating as your favorite winter sports and activities can be, your skin is constantly getting hit with the short end of the stick. Windburn, chapped lips, chafing, intense UV exposure, and ‘maskne’ are just some of the most common winter skin conditions that can leave your skin feeling painfully dehydrated, cracked and red. So what’s the secret to keeping your skin in its best condition all winter long? Check out our 4 top winter skincare tips! Winter Skincare Tip #1: Amp up the hydration Everything from the dry indoor heat to the windchill outside can cause your skin to crack and dry out. So it’s best to hydrate in the morning, at night, before you head outside, after you come back inside… you get the idea! Our advice? Use a moisturizer with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid. This vital ingredient attracts and holds water to the skin. So you’re not just amping up the moisture barrier between your skin and the winter air, but ensuring your skin stays hydrated for longer. Our go to? Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 30. It contains sodium hyaluronate acid, a water-soluble salt form of hyaluronic acid, meaning it can penetrate the skin better leading to increased effectiveness! Plus it has SPF, which leads us to our next tip… Winter Skincare Tip #2: Don’t skip the SPF While the need for SPF is more obvious in the summer, winter sunburn is much, much sneakier and just as harmful. For skiers, snowboarders, sledders and snowmen makers, your main source of UV exposure actually comes from the snow! Ever notice how blinding snow can be when the sun hits it just right? That’s because the snow is actually reflecting the sun’s UV rays, causing them to bounce back directly at you with a higher intensity. For hikers and mountaineers, the trouble comes with higher altitudes. For every 1,000 feet about sea level, UV exposure increases by 5%. That’s because the atmosphere is thinning and there’s less natural coverage protecting you from the sun. So before you head outside, we suggest applying Mineral Creme SPF 50 15 minutes ahead of time. For reapplying while you’re on the slopes, pack our Solar Stick SPF 40 or its tinted version. These portable tube fit perfectly in any pocket or backpack for protection on the go. Winter Skincare Tip #3: Pucker up for SPF + hydration Just like your skin, your lips are just as susceptible to dehydration and sun damage, resulting in chapped, cracked lips and hyperpigmentation. That’s why it’s essential to keep an ultra-hydrating lip balm with SPF on hand. Our fave? Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30. Packed with shea, avocado and olive butters, plus fortified with avocado oil, this sheer-tinted, 100% vegan stick is packed to the max with natural hydrators, plus broad-spectrum protection. Swipe it on whenever you feel your lips starting to dry out to maintain their silky-smooth feel. If you use it regularly, you may never get ‘dry chapped lips’ this winter! Winter Skincare Tip #4: Don’t skip out on cleansing After spending the day with your face slathered in sunscreen, exposed to the elements, and (for any skiers and snowboarders) behind a mask, it’s vital you wash off all that grime. Not cleansing can leave your skin suffocated and pores clogged, resulting in irritation and acne. For a true clean that really washes away the day, we recommend Wash Away One Step Cleanser. In one step, its unique formula breaks down any water-proof barriers from makeup or mineral sunscreen, deeply cleanses pores, lightly exfoliates, neutralizes free radicals, hydrates and moisturizes. All without stripping your skin of essential moisture for truly clean, hydrated, plump, healthy results. Enjoy your time outside! For our best skincare routine recommendations, check out this blog.
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Make mornings simple: 2-step makeup routine
Mornings always rushed? Check out blogger @livingfrostly’s minimalist makeup routine that gets her ready in minutes. Plus, keeps her skin glowing and protected all day long! Step 1: MD Mineral BB Creme SPF 50 This whipped and creamy BB Creme with broad-spectrum SPF 50 provides light, tinted coverage to mask hyperpigmentation + discoloration without covering up your natural beauty. Available in 3 shades : Light, Medium and Dark. Step 2: Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30 Add a dab of color and SPF protection to your lips, cheeks and eyelids with this ultra-hydrating lip balm. Made with shea, avocado and olive butters for all day moisture. Comes in 5 shades.
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Sports sunscreen for runners
If you’re a runner, then you know picking the perfect running shoe is essential to ensuring your body is properly supported and safe. Choosing a sports sunscreen is no different! Because running often entails going long distance, sweating and lots of sun exposure, it’s important to choose an SPF that can keep up. Namely, one that’s sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes, won’t sting your eyes and absorbs quickly. That’s why former Division I Track Athlete Ashley Joi trusts Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40 to keep her protected to the max all year round. Fast-drying and non-greasy, it goes on super lightweight with sweat-resistance for up to 80 minutes. Plus, its oil-free and fragrance-free formula prevents eye stinging while you run. Made with the safest ingredients on the market and infused with antioxidants - Vitamin C and Indian Gooseberry - it also nourishes while it protects, helping fight off free radicals and sun damage for a truly safe run. It's also a reef safe formula that is octinoxate free and oxybenzone free. “☀️🏃🏽♀️ Running and the sun! Two things that I LOVE and with @mdsolarsciences quick dry SPF40 body spray, I can enjoy both! While I’m focusing on my internal health, I trust @mdsolarsciences to protect my external health and my skin, with clean, safe formulas that are rigorously tested and made in small batches. With natural antioxidants that fight sun damage, the non-greasy, light-weight Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40 lets me enjoy my run in the sun worry-free.” - Ashley Joi Watch Ashley in action to see how Quick Dry Body Spray holds up on her beach-side run!
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