Blog: Everything Under the Sun
Love the Skin You’re in With Dr. Hayag
When it comes to loving the skin you're in, Dr. Marie Hayag has the magic touch. She knows that when you look good, you feel good. And at her medical and cosmetic dermatologist practice in the Upper East Side of New York City, she’s all about achieving natural results while reaching her patients’ goals. That’s why she stays up-to-date on all the latest cutting-edge procedures so her patients always receive the best care for their skin needs. If you’re all about natural results, aging gracefully, and boosting self-confidence, Dr. Marie’s got you covered. We recently caught up with her to ask some of our most burning skincare questions. Check out her top tips on healthy habits, skincare routines, the best and safest treatments and more! What do you love about your job? I love that I can practice both medical and cosmetic dermatology. If you could make your patients pick up one skincare habit, what would it be? Wear daily sunscreen and a retinoid every day. And if you could make them drop one skincare habit or misconception, what would it be? People think they need the sun to get their Vitamin D, but it is much safer and easier to take a Vitamin D supplement. What are the best skincare routines (or most important things to do) for the main life stages: 20s, 30-40s, 50+? Your 20s are the time to set the foundation for good skincare habits If you have dry skin, use a milky cleanser and, if your skin is on the oilier side, opt for a gel cleanser. Use a moisturizer even if you have oily skin (an oil-free moisturizer is a good option). The most important part of your routine is to apply sunscreen everyday all over the face and neck (this part of your skincare regimen is vital across all age groups). You can also begin to use a prescription retinoid or over-the-counter retinol, which helps stimulate collagen production, treats acne, and reduces fine lines. During your 30-40s, your skin begins to lose collagen more and more rapidly You’ll begin to notice fine lines in your 30s that will deepen over time. Using a retinoid or retinol product is more of a must than optional. It’s also beneficial to incorporate antioxidants into your routine, as they help provide protection against UV damage. A Vitamin C serum is a good option. Additionally, most women experience perimenopause in their 40s, which causes skin to become drier. Use creamy, gentle cleansers, and make sure to use a richer moisturizer. Some good ingredients to look for in a moisturizer include hyaluronic acid, ceramides, glycerin, and niacinamide. In your 50s and beyond, skin can feel quite dry Incorporate a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine. Keep using moisturizing ingredients, and an antioxidant serum. You can also consider adding products that contain active peptides to help encourage collagen production. Tell us about the latest treatment or procedures you find invaluable. Laser Hair Removal Laser hair removal is such an invaluable treatment because it provides a permanent approach to hair removal. It removes the need for constantly plucking, waxing, and shaving and all the problems that come along with those methods of hair removal like irritation or in-grown hairs. Botox Injections Botox injections are a great way to treat and prevent wrinkles. Additionally, they’re typically painless, have minimal side effects, and results appear fairly quickly. Qwo for treatment of cellulite Qwo is currently the only FDA-approved injectable for the treatment of cellulite. Cellulite is caused by fibrous bands that connect the skin to the muscle. Over time the bands can thicken, creating tension and a dimpling effect on the skin, a.k.a. cellulite. Qwo injections break down the bands, leaving skin smooth. This is an innovative treatment that effectively addresses the underlying cause of cellulite. Body Contouring treatments Body contouring treatments like Coolsculpt and Emsculpt are great ways to keep you looking your best. Coolsculpt uses controlled cooling to freeze and kill unwanted fat cells for a more sculpted look. Emsculpt also provides a more sculpted look using electromagnetic energy to induce muscle contractions to ultimately improve the strength and tone of your muscles. How often and at what age should someone start seeing a Dermatologist? Starting in your 20s, I recommend seeing a dermatologist at least once a year, even if you don’t have specific skin concerns. A total body skin exam can help detect skin cancers and any other skin concerns. If you’ve had skin cancer in the past, have a close relative that has had skin cancer, or have a mole or growth that appears to be suspicious, you may have to see a dermatologist more frequently. If you have a family history of skin cancer or melanoma, I recommend seeing a dermatologist for a total body skin exam during childhood. The earlier one starts a good habit like this the better in the long run. You can follow Dr. Hayag on Instagram or check out her website if you are in the New York area.
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Sun Care 101: Can babies wear sunscreen?
When it comes to protecting our kids from anything and everything, there’s nothing we wouldn’t do. From child-proofing every corner of the house to researching the safest car seat ever invented. But have you considered sun protection? When it comes to babies and young kids, sun care is not only essential, but different depending on their age. If you find yourself wondering “can babies wear sunscreen?” or “what kind of sunscreen should I use?”, you’ve come to the right place! We’ve got you covered with 6 top dermatologist-recommended tips for keeping your little ones safe and protected. WHEN CAN BABIES USE SUNSCREEN? For babies less than 6 months, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends no sun exposure at all. This is because their skin is still developing the melanin needed to protect itself and is therefore extra sensitive. If you plan to be outside, the best safeguards against the sun are setting up a shade structure or dressing them in sun-protective clothing. For babies and kids over 6 months, it’s recommended to wear SPF 15 on a daily basis and SPF 30 when spending time outdoors. Make sure to impress the importance of reapplying every 2 hours, especially when swimming. Most importantly, make sure you’re choosing a broad-spectrum sunscreen for maximum protection from both UVA and UVB rays! USE SPF CLOTHING WHEN SPENDING TIME OUTDOORS The more skin you can cover with clothing the better! Wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, long sleeves, full-body swimsuits, and rash guards with UPF are the best. Any skin that’s left exposed should be covered by shade and/or sunscreen. USE A SUNSCREEN THAT IS KID-SAFE AND KID-APPROVED We all remember the days when our parents would roughly slather on that thick, unspreadable sunscreen that felt greasy all over. Thankfully, those days are gone! Today’s kid sunscreens are much more advanced with creamy formulas that feel good, spread easily, are kid-safe and good for the environment. For you, the parent, choosing a kid-safe sunscreen means it has broad-spectrum protection, at least SPF 30, a mineral formula that won’t sting their eyes, and is safe for all skin types - even the most sensitive, acne- or rosacea-prone skin. For your kids, that means a sunscreen that has no sticky icky feel, unpleasant sunscreen smell or white cast, and feels creamy and good on the skin. Our favorite is, of course, KidCreme. Let’s see how it fares: SPF 50 Safe for all skin types Unscented Creamy, silky-smooth feel that’s easy to apply Made with non-Nano Zinc oxide for effortless blending and no white cast Bonus! It’s also cruelty-free and reef-safe, which means it’s made without damaging ingredients like Oxybenzone and Octinoxate Say it with us: No more “sunscream” days! Check out this blog on more tips for choosing the right sunscreen for kids. LET THEM GET INVOLVED IN SUN PROTECTION Like we said, good habits start young! Once they’re old enough, let them get involved in their own sun protection and apply it themselves. If using a mineral sunscreen, make sure they shake well before applying. If using a chemical sunscreen, make sure they apply at least 15 minutes before sun exposure so it has enough time to absorb into the skin. To learn more about the difference between mineral and chemical sunscreens, check out this blog. For an easy application that leaves no mess and is kid-safe, we love KidStick. Gentle, unscented and water-resistant, this grab-and-go stick glides on smoothly, quickly and easily, and has broad-spectrum protection. WHEN IN A RUSH, USE A SPRAY If you’re really crunched for time, it’s better to use any sunscreen than no sunscreen at all. In these cases, we recommend using a spray. Just beware that these don’t often apply evenly and may require you to rub them in for better protection. ALWAYS, ALWAYS, ALWAYS CHOOSE WATER-RESISTANT This is key to avoiding painful sunburns for your kids, especially if they’re swimming or sweating for long-periods of time outside. Both our KidCreme and KidStick are water-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Teaching your kids healthy sun protection habits early is not only a good idea, but beneficial in the long run. Less painful sunburns as a kid and as they grow up means less chance of dealing with premature skin-aging and skin cancer later in life. Thankfully, both our kid sunscreens are top rated by the Environmental Working Group with a 1 rating, which means they provide the highest level of protection for your little ones for fun in the sun all summer long!
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Sustainable Packaging Roadmap
May 2021 Here is the essential roadmap for our new packaging. We want to make sure you are always able to find your favorite formulas! This design refresh was done with sustainability in mind: The packaging is now fully recyclable Our formulas are still the same clean and effective formulas you love, they have not changed All our products remain reef safe (octinoxate and oxybenzone free) All our products are cruelty free and vegan Starting with our most iconic and recognized tubes, here are the new designs for the Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 and the Mineral Crème SPF 50. The formulas are still exactly the same, and the tubes are now fully recyclable. The Mineral crème SPF 50 has a brand new size (3.4 oz) in addition to its 1.7 oz tube, check it out. In the SPF and Broad Spectrum Sunscreen collection, we also have our 2 mineral SPF sticks. New look and new design! Perfect for your purse, backpack, beach bag, and for on-the-to reapplication throughout the day. These are particularly good for the under-eye area and for a 'touch free' application. Both formulas are now completely vegan as well. SKINCARE COLLECTION This collection got a complete design makeover: look, shape and name were updated. They are now all available in a beautiful design with a secure cap. Our clean, effective and derm-recommended formulas remain the same. The Daily Perfecting Moisturizer is available in the same 1.7 oz size. The Eye Emulsion is now the MD Restore Eye Gel, available in a 1 oz pump bottle. This beloved peptides-rich formula was out of stock in our old packaging so we are thrilled to have it back! Another set of best-sellers in our Skincare collection includes: The MD Revitalize Retinol Serum, available in a convenient 1oz size. This moisturizing retinol serum is gentle enough for all skin types. The best-selling and award-winning MD Mineral BB Crème is still available in 2 shades in a sleek beautiful new design, same skin-enhancing formula with broad spectrum SPF 50. KIDS COLLECTION Last but not least... our Kids collection got such a cute makeover! KidCreme is now available in a convenient 3.4 oz tube. KidStick has been designed with a beautiful round shape, perfect for little hands so they can apply their sunscreen on their own. You might be wondering about our Tinted Lip Balms and our Spray? Their packaging and formulas have not changed! We hope this was a helpful guide to our new sustainable packaging, SPF and skincare assortment. As always, please reach out with any questions info@mdsolarsciences.com. And for a limited time, we are making the 'Vintage' collection available for purchase. If you miss that vintage 'red tube', click here. To read more about our commitment to the environment and sustainable practices, check out this blog.
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Sun Safety Tips for Spring and Summer
Spring Break! The unofficial start of fun in the sun. Finally, fresh air, hikes, time near or on the water. Shedding heavy clothes in exchange for shorts and sunglasses and the feel of the sun on your skin. And, while we all want to add a little glow to our pasty post-Winter complexion, sun safety needs to be the priority. With the excitement of sun-soaked days, this can be overlooked. SPF, specifically Broad Spectrum, should be a part of your daily regimen, just like brushing your teeth. Respect Your Skin. Those first few days that we start spending extended periods of time outside is when our skin is most sensitive. Think about it, we’ve been covered up for months with long sleeves, hoods and masks. If you plan on organizing a family picnic, days at the beach or are flying off on a long-awaited vacation, remember to include SPF in those plans. Start with a higher SPF like MDSolarSciences™ Mineral Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 50, or Mineral Moisture Defense Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen (great for dry skin!) These feel-good formulas deliver lightweight, silky-smooth texture that keep face and body moisturized and protected. Gentle enough for the most sensitive skin and suitable for kids 6 months and older. Pack one of these along with your hat and rash guard. Fake It, Don’t Bake It. While many love the look of tanned skin, there are better ways to get that sun-kissed look. Dr. Christopher Tomassian, a Kansas City dermatologist, with a passion for cosmetic and aesthetic dermatology, is often asked “can you tan with sunscreen on?” His reply? “Laying out in the sun for the purpose of tanning is not recommended. At the end of the day, tanned skin is damaged skin. However, that does not mean you should not enjoy outdoor activities.” Dr. Tomassian, who loves to educate his clients via social media (Instagram/TikTok: @dr.tomassian) recommends wearing at least SPF 30 and reapplying every two hours. Set a timer on your phone or watch to remind yourself. He also suggests to: “Go for a glow instead, I recommend using a tinted sunscreen to achieve that sun-kissed look.” MDSolarSciences™ Mineral Tinted Crème Broad Spectrum SPF 30 is dermatologist-approved and sweat-resistant. The formula is satiny-smooth, glides on and leaves an instant healthy-looking glow on skin. Other Sunscreen Tips! Finally, look for sunscreens that contain natural antioxidants, like Vitamin C, Vitamin E, fruit extracts and Zinc Oxide. Read packages to see if they feature cruelty-free and reef safe logos, as well as the coveted seal from the Skin Cancer Foundation. Above all, enjoy the beautiful weather, have fun and stay sun safe! To read more about our Reef Safe Sunscreens and formulas, check out this blog.
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How to Choose the Right Sunscreen
SPF has evolved well beyond just general protection from the sun when enjoying a day at the beach. SPF is now a major player and must-have benefit in daily skincare products, which have become multi-tasking, natural, hydrating with incredible formulas and textures for any lifestyle or skincare need. So, which one do you choose? SPF should be worn every day. Read that again. The skin is the largest organ and needs to be protected and treated well to keep it in peak condition. First, you should choose a product with Broad Spectrum SPF (UVA/UVB) and apply it daily to your face and body, no matter what the weather report is. Skin is exposed to elements whether the weather is sunny, cloudy, windy or hazy. Face the Day. Start your day with a product that you can wear on your face, alone or under makeup. If you are looking for a multi-tasker, try our MDSolarSciences™ Mineral Crème SPF 50. It’s filled with antioxidants, helps blur fine lines, and is oil and fragrance-free. If you prefer fuller coverage, try our oil and fragrance-free MD Mineral BB Créme SPF 50. Available in 2 shades, this luxurious, whipped formula contains calming caffeine and versatile niacinamide to help reduce discoloration and even skin tone. For a more natural look and feel, our Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30 blends effortlessly onto skin offering a sheer tint to help even out tone with a beautiful matte finish. Oil and fragrance-free. From Head to Toe. Prefer an all-in-one product? Try a crème or lotion for face and body. And if you will be outside for extended periods (a hike, a company picnic, errands, a soccer game?), don’t forget to apply sunscreen on the back of your neck, ears, hands, knees and top of your feet. Our Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 is formulated for face and body. Antioxidants and fruit extracts are part of this rich, yet smooth texture that blends onto skin. It also contains Ceramides for that extra hydration. Great worn alone and under makeup. Everyday Nourishing Lotion SPF 50 is another lightweight, fast-absorbing and hydrating formula. It contains Vitamin C and fruit extracts to help restore and maintain brighter, healthier-looking skin. Don’t forget to slip some SPF on your little soccer stars! All our mineral SPF formulas are suitable for kids 6 months and older. Bring it at the Beach. Warmer days are finally here and beach days are just weeks away. In addition to our Mineral-based crèmes and lotions with varying SPF levels, with comfortable textures, our Quick Dry Body Spray SPF 40 is a popular favorite. Non-greasy and fast-drying, it’s perfect for both adults and children 6 months and older. Toss some SPF in your travel bag. Products from our skin and sun care collections are available in travel-friendly 4 oz. (or smaller!) sizes. Perfect for air travel or to tuck in your back pack before a bike ride or hike. Another option is our portable Mineral Sunscreen Sticks, with SPF 40 for Face and Lips (yes, lips need protection, too) available in both the Adult and Kids versions. Use it for lips, cheeks, nose, shoulders – anywhere you may need a little extra protection ‘on the go’. And, if you’d like a dash a color for an outdoor dinner date or day outing, try our Hydrating Sheer Lip Balms with SPF 30, available in 3 universal shades. Our water-resistant, reef safe daily sun protection products will keep you sun safe, not only on a sunny, summer day, but all year long. Remember that the best SPF is the one that fits your lifestyle and skin needs, but also the one you will love to wear every day and in every situation! For more information about our SPF formulas and how they fit in a skincare routine, check out this blog.
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Respect Your Skin and Our Seas
Educate Yourself and Choose the Best Sunscreens to Protect Your Skin and Our Ecosystems. Warmer weather is finally here! Time for some fun in the sun and beach days galore! While SPF should be part of your daily skincare regimen, we know that most people only pull out the sunscreen in the warmer months. Which means, it’s probably time to refresh your sun care collection (yes, sunscreen does expire, check this blog! ). However, before you do, consider this: Did you know that certain chemicals in sunscreens are toxic to coral reefs and other marine life? It’s estimated that approximately 14,000 tons of sunscreen end up in coral reefs per year causing impactful and irreversible damage. Coral reefs aren’t just home to hundreds of species, they also help reduce climate change by regulating carbon dioxide levels in the ocean, stabilize the ocean floor, filter and clean sea water, plus prevent coastal erosion and storm surge damage. Sunscreen pollution can also impact marine life by decreasing fertility in fish, causing defects in shellfish and impairing growth of green algae. Several states and islands, including Hawaii, Aruba and the U.S. Virgin Islands, prohibit the use and sale of these sunscreens in an effort to protect our oceans and marine life. But the ocean is vast, making up 71% of Earth’s surface, which leaves a lot of the responsibility up to us and you. Choosing the right sunscreen might seem like a simple task, but it isn’t just about protecting your skin – it’s also about protecting our oceans and aquatic life. HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST ECO-FRIENDLY, REEF-SAFE SUNSCREEN The term “reef-safe” is not a regulated label you can always trust. That’s why it’s important to look out for certain ingredients and attributes to ensure you make an educated SPF choice. Here’s where to start: Always choose oxybenzone-free and octinoxate-free formulas Oxybenzone and octinoxate are two commonly used active ingredients in chemical sunscreens because they’re great at absorbing harmful UV rays to protect your skin. Unfortunately, though, they’re not reef-friendly and are known to cause serious damage to coral reefs, aquatic life and even water quality. You can see the list of Active Ingredients on the back of your SPF carton or tube, in the Drug Facts box. It’s okay if you prefer chemical SPF, just make sure to check the ingredients label and always choose oxybenzone-free and octinoxate-free. While we’re at it, here are other reef-harming ingredients to avoid: PABA, parabens, triclosan, and camphor. Consider 100% mineral SPF An alternative to traditional chemical sunscreens, these formulas can be better for our oceans, and our environment. In order for sunscreen to be considered 100% mineral, it can only contain two active ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. Neither of which are linked to coral bleaching. For more information on mineral sunscreens, check out this blog. If you choose mineral SPF, make sure it's a “non-nano” formula Mineral formulas come in two variations: nanoparticles and non-nanoparticles. Nano size particles can be ingested by coral reefs or absorbed by your skin. Non-nano formulas have a greater particle size that cannot be ingested by coral reefs, and stays on top of the skin.. Broad-spectrum protection is a must Make sure your sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection, which means it protects against both UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays. Additionally, never consider anything less than SPF 30 as this is the minimum required to ensure you’re adequately protected. (All of our SPF formulas were developed to provide broad-spectrum protection and come in SPF 30, 40 and 50 options!) Go for water-resistant sunscreen These are formulated to stay on the skin when it gets wet, whether you are swimming or sweating. They typically last up to 80 minutes in the water, which means less of it will wash off in the ocean. Water-resistant sunscreens, like ours, will keep your skin protected longer, yet, as a rule, you should reapply every 2 hours for maximum protection. Look for recyclable SPF packaging As we all know, marine life doesn’t just have a sunscreen pollution problem, it also has a plastic problem. Go the extra step on your SPF hunt by choosing sustainable packaging. Look for anything that’s reusable, biodegradable or fully recyclable. As of 2021, ALL of our packaging is fully recyclable! Wear more UPF clothing A simple way to cut back on sunscreen pollution? Wear less in the ocean! This is not to say that you should go unprotected. Instead, opt for UPF clothing and other sun protective gear (i.e., sunglasses, hats, etc.) that can provide the majority of the protection for your skin. That way there’s less surface area that requires SPF. Check out UVSkinz for some great options. WE MAKE CHOOSING SAFE SUNSCREEN EASY MDSolarSciences™ is committed to offering clean, sustainable chemical and mineral formulas. Ours are made with EcoCert, or organically-certified, Zinc Oxide. We do not use PABA, oxybenzone, parabens or octinoxate. All of our SPF formulas carry the Skin Cancer Foundation seal of approval and these formulas are gentle enough for children 6 months or older, and adults. And, of course, our sun care is reef-safe, cruelty-free and several products in our collection are top EWG-rated by the Environmental Working Group, an organization dedicated to protecting human health and the environment. We are committed to helping preserve our fragile marine ecosystems as well as skin health for you and your loved ones! Check out our reef-friendly SPF here. For more information about our commitment to sustainability, check our Sustainability Report Blog. The best thing you can do for our ecosystem? Be an advocate! Educate yourself, and others, about the importance of using reef-safe sunscreens as part of saving our marine environment. Visit websites like theoceanagency.org, seasave.org or savethereef.org for more information and resources.
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Fall in love with our silky, smooth and lightweight sunscreens!
How likely are you to use a product that may deliver great results, but doesn’t feel good on your skin? Chances are, you would probably avoid wearing it. When skincare and suncare formulas are too thick or even too thin in consistency, they can be unpleasant to wear. What ends up happening? If they are too heavy on the skin or under makeup, your skin will feel uncomfortable, pores may get clogged causing breakouts and, ultimately, causing you to stop using the products that were meant to keep your skin healthy-looking and protected in the first place. Are thicker formulas more effective? Years ago, many products did have a thicker consistency and, yes, the thicker the consistency, the more effective they were thought to be. And who doesn’t remember wearing a coating of white on their skin and nose during the summer? Well, both skincare and sun care formulas have evolved. Companies have partnered with skincare professionals, dermatologists, who know the skin on an intimate level. These professionals help in developing incredibly effective products, using sustainable and efficacious ingredients. These work in tandem to deliver benefits-driven formulas with textures that glide onto skin. Products do not look or feel heavy on the skin anymore. Lightweight sunscreens and soft-to-the-touch formulas are more likely to become part of your daily skincare (or sun care) regimen, keeping skin protected and in peak condition. I don’t like anything that feels heavy on my skin but know I should wear a daily SPF. What should I look for in a product? “One of the top reasons many people don’t wear sunscreen is that they don’t like the way it feels. Most SPF formulas just don’t feel good. They can be goopy, greasy, sticky, leave a white cast or sting eyes” states Renee Plato, CEO of MDSolarSciences™. “Choose natural, lightweight SPF sunscreens that are also reef-safe and cruelty-free” she adds. In addition, look for products that are vegan, gluten, paraben, fragrance and oil free. This will keep skin irritation at bay. Mineral-based formulas are less irritating on the skin and won’t sting eyes, they may be more suitable to people with sensitive skin. Chemical SPF formulas are also very effective. Make sure that the chemical active ingredients are reef safe (no oxybenzone or Octinoxate) and that the formula provides Broad Spectrum protection against both UVA and UVB rays. And, most importantly, know what ingredients are in the products you choose. What makes a product feel good on my skin, while still delivering benefits? When developing a skin or sun care formula, a cocktail of ingredients is crafted with complexes of powerful and protective antioxidants, fruit extracts that can help calm and soothe skin without causing irritation. Green tea, grape or pomegranate extracts are hydrating and nourishing. Vitamins C and E can have a natural brightening and softening effect. When choosing a product, check whether the brand is endorsed by Dermatologists, or third-party organizations like the Environmental Working Group (EWG), the American Skin Cancer Foundation or other. MDSolarSciences™ mineral sunscreen formulas are highly ranked by the Environmental Working Group (EWG). All our SPF formulas carry The Skin Cancer Foundation recommendation seal. Our products are developed and approved by dermatologists with clean, fragrance-free, tear-free formulas that have velvety-soft textures that easily glide onto skin. Sunscreens so lightweight, they have a barely-there touch and feel and can be worn alone or under makeup. Skin will feel breathable and no complaints from adults or kids! Our skincare is formulated for all skin types. Lightweight and fragrance-free, daily wear eye emulsion and restorative SPF moisturizers and beauty balms as well as night serum provide well-aging benefits with silky-smooth textures. Perfect for any daily (and nightly) skincare regimen. MDSolarSciences’ Mineral SPFs are suitable for all skin types including acne, rosacea prone and sensitive skin. They consistently receive high rankings from EWG and their texture is unparalleled. And our Lip Balms combine great sheer tints with broad spectrum sun protection and long-lasting hydration. To learn more about MDSolarSciences and our unique formulas, check out this blog. Make SPF part of your daily regimen, every day and everywhere you go!
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Understanding Skincare Ingredients...Harnessing Their Natural Power.
Skincare products come with a long list of ingredients that sound more like a recipe than a listing. Technically, that is exactly what they are. Each is chosen based on their efficacy in delivering product benefits and how well they work with other ingredients to give your skin what it wants and needs. MDSolarSciences™ daily sunscreen products for face and body, were developed with this in mind, making sure each formula is as efficacious as possible. WHAT IS IN MY SKINCARE AND WHAT ARE THEIR BENEFITS? ANTIOXIDANTSKey in superior skin and sun care, antioxidants can be found in other ingredients in formulas, protecting the skin from environmental damage and signs of aging in the skin. As part of a daily skincare routine, they can diminish the appearance of sun spots, help combat visible signs of aging and calm skin irritation. A more even tone, without redness or irritation promotes younger, healthier-looking skin. There are so many different antioxidants, some more potent than others. EXTRACTSGreen Tea, Pomegranate and Grape are just some extracts found in skincare and sun care products. Rich in antioxidants, they hydrate while helping protect skin against environmental aggressors and future damage which lead to signs of aging. Found in sunscreens, these extracts enhance the effectiveness of sunscreens. Water-based extracts, like Seaweed, help reduce signs of dehydration. This particular extract can help boost levels of hyaluronic acid, found naturally in the skin. Acting in tandem, they help improve elasticity in skin as well as maintain a healthy moisture balance. VITAMINSVitamin C is one of the most powerful antioxidants, followed by protective Vitamin A and nourishing Vitamin E, are found in better skincare products. Vitamin A, a natural anti-inflammatory, reduces skin sensitivity, shielding against redness and pigmentation, while Vitamin E softens and comforts skin. These key antioxidants address current damage by increasing cell turnover, naturally sloughing off dry or dead cells. As part of a skincare regimen, products with these vitamins will brighten, improve tone and maintain healthier-looking skin, giving you a more luminous look. CHAMOMILENaturally soothing and calming, the antioxidants contained in Chamomile help protect against sun damage. This ingredient is hypoallergenic and can reduce redness, neutralize skin irritants and help relieve irritation while promoting smooth, healthy-looking skin. BRIGHTENERSNiacinamide helps increase cell turnover by naturally removing dead skin cells. This helps even tone and diminish the appearance of dark spots, thus brightening your overall complexion. Rose Hips contain high levels of Vitamins A and C to provide a powerful antioxidant boost, protecting skin from UV damage. This ingredient also delivers brightening benefits along with fatty acids that promotes a healthy skin barrier. CAFFEINEFound in many pro-aging products, caffeine naturally decreases puffiness by drawing excess fluids out of cells. This helps tightens and tones skin, creating a more youthful appearance. Its natural soothing properties help to reduce swelling and redness, leaving a brighter, more even tone. It can also diminish the appearance of fine wrinkles and darkness under the eyes. ZINC OXIDE AND TITANIUM DIOXIDEThese organic minerals, also referred to as “actives”, provide a protective barrier between you and the sun, keeping redness to a minimum. Both are non-comedogenic; they won't clog pores. They provide broad spectrum sun protection against UVA and UVB rays. BROAD SPECTRUM SPFThis form of SPF goes through rigorous testing requirements to provide high level protection against both UVA and UVB rays. The higher the SPF, the higher the protection against the damaging effects of these rays. MDSolarSciences™ products are uniquely formulated with intelligent ingredients that work together to deliver powerful antioxidant combinations and benefits-driven results to keep your skin protected while maintaining a younger and healthier-looking complexion. For more detailed information on our clean beauty, cruelty-free products and ingredients, please click here. Below is a list of these ingredients by product: Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50Antioxidants Vitamin C, Green Tea, Cranberry Fruit and Pomegranate ExtractsActives: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide Daily Perfecting Moisturizer SPF 50Contains Chamomile, Seaweed Extract, Niacinamide and Caffeine.Antioxidants Vitamin C, Rose Hips, Grape, Rosemary & Green Tea Extracts Mineral Crème SPF 30, Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30, Mineral Crème SPF 50Antioxidants Vitamins C and E, Green Tea, Cranberry Fruit, Pomegranate Extracts Actives: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide MD Mineral BB Créme SPF 50Caffeine, Niacinamide and antioxidants Vitamins C and E, Green Tea, Cranberry Fruit & Pomegranate ExtractsActives: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide Everyday Nourishing Lotion SPF 50Antioxidants Vitamin C, Rosemary, Seaweed and Green Tea Extracts MD Restore Eye GelCaffeine, Niacinamide and antioxidants Vitamin C, Rose Hips, Grape, Rosemary & Green Tea Extracts MD Revitalize Retinol SerumCaffeine, Niacinamide, Chamomile, seaweed extract, as well as antioxidants Vitamin C, Rose Hips, Grape, Rosemary & Green Tea Extracts. Also contains encapsulated and stabilized retinol. Hydrating Sheer Lip Balm SPF 30 (3 shades)Tinted lip balms with SPF containing hydrating shea, avocado and olive butters. KidCréme SPF 50, KidStick SPF 40Sunscreen for babies and kids (6 months and up).Contains Antioxidant Vitamin E.Actives: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc Oxide
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Face, Body and Lip Sunscreen… What’s the Difference?
Can I use the same SPF on face, body and lips? All dermatologists recommend wearing sunscreen and reapplying it within a few hours to keep your skin protected from harmful sun rays. Beyond reapplication, it’s also important to think about the areas that often get forgotten… and which ones are the most important. Our faces are definitely the most exposed parts of our bodies. They are at a higher risk of absorbing UV rays. If you haven’t checked out our other blog, ‘Different types of UV rays’, the rays that mostly contribute to the damage dealt to your skin are UVA and UVB rays. These rays contribute to the UV radiation being absorbed on your skin due to their penetration capabilities and may cause short-term and long-term damage to your skin ranging from sunburns to more serious consequences. Too much exposure to these UV rays causes premature aging such as dryer skin, fine lines, wrinkles, and impaired pigmentation. With that in mind, the skin on our lips is also very sensitive, more sensitive than you might think, making it prone to damage from sun exposure. That damage can gradually break down collagen and result in thinning, drying, and cracked lips. So what can you do? First of all, make sure you have your sunscreen handy. It's ok and safe to use 'Face' sunscreen on your body and vice versa. A Body lotion with SPF will most likely include a hydrating component like Ceramides. Our Mineral Moisture Defense is formulated that way and will give you the extra hydration you might need on your body. It locks in moisture by helping the skin’s natural lipid barrier with a unique blend of Ceramides and humectants. You can also use it on your face, just keep in mind that it has that extra hydration component, which may be good if your skin is on the dryer side. What about lips? Your lips need more physical protection from the sun and the wind than the rest of the face. They also get wet throughout the day, and may be exposed to irritants. Our lip balm contains oil and waxes to ensure that the sun protection element stays on top of the lips to create a barrier against all those environmental stressors. The idea is to create a nourishing cushion that stays on top of the lips to prevent water loss (transepidermal water loss). Some of the oils and humectants get absorbed in the lips and help to keep them soft and supple, while the SPF stays on the surface and protects them from the sun, potential water loss and other environmental stressors. Last but not least, as Dr Britt Craiglow pointed out in our 'Sunscreen for Kids' blog, make sure every area of exposed skin is covered with SPF. Think of the unusual areas like behind the ears, the neck, hands and feet of course. For those areas, our regular or tinted stick are great options for last minute or ‘on the go’ application/reapplication. USING YOUR FSA/HSA DOLLARS TO BUY SPF: Using sunscreen regularly may prevent skin cancer and decrease the effects of aging. Dermatologists generally recommend using a broad-spectrum sunscreen, meaning it covers both UVA and UVB rays. This is why Sunscreens that are SPF 15 and above and provide broad spectrum protection are covered under FSA/HSA dollars. We recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF 30 or higher, and to wear it any time you're going outside, even during the winter or on a cloudy day! Head over to FSAstore.com now before the December deadline to use your FSA/HSA dollars.
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