Everyone under the sun should wear sunscreen—no matter your skin tone. It is crucial for your overall health and appearance of your skin and should be a part of your daily skincare routine – in and out of the sun. But, not all sunscreen products are equal. Some sunscreens contain chemical and/or physical active ingredients and some protect against one or both types of damaging UV radiation: UVA and UVB. But, how do you know what is the best. Here’s why we love EltaMD Sun Care and are proud to be an exclusive partner.
1. #1 Trusted and Recommended Sun Care by Dermatologists and endorsed by the America Cancer Society, and environmentally safe to coral reef protection.
2. Zinc Oxide: All EltaMD sunscreens are formulated with zinc oxide, a natural mineral compound that is more photostable than some chemical ingredients that degrade. Zinc oxide, a physical active ingredient, reflects and reduces the broadest range of UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) ultraviolet rays. Zinc creates a shield over your exposed skin to help protect against burning, sun-induced early skin aging, and the risk of skin cancer. As a natural ingredient, it is safe for even the most sensitive skin types.
3. Antioxidants: Antioxidants help combat skin-aging free radicals associated with ultraviolet (UV) and infrared radiation. Many EltaMD products contain antioxidants such as quercetin, ascorbyl palmitate (Vitamin C ester), tocopheryl acetate (Vitamin E) and thiactic acid.
4. UVA and UVB Protection: UVA Rays are the aging rays. About 95% of the UV rays from the sun that reach the earth are UVA rays. They penetrate deeply beneath the skin, damaging collagen and cells which cause wrinkling, pigmentation, and loss of elasticity. UVA rays increase the risk of skin cancer and are present all day, every day despite the weather. They can also pass through glass in office windows and vehicles.
UVB Rays are the rays that cause skin to burn and mostly affect the outer layer of the skin, which may also increase the risk of skin cancer. Unlike UVA Rays, which are present all the time, UVB rays vary with time of day and seasons, and are stronger in the summer. The SPF protection number of a sunscreen indicates the level of protection from UVB rays.
Sunscreens which protect from both UVA and UBV rays are labeled as “broad-spectrum.” Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF value of 15 or higher can claim to reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging. All EltaMD sunscreens are broad-spectrum.
5. Water Resistant: No sunscreens are “waterproof” because all sunscreens eventually wash off. Sunscreens can only be labeled as “water-resistant” if they are tested according to the required SPF test procedure. Sunscreens labeled “water-resistant” successfully are also required to state whether the sunscreen remains effective for 40 minutes or 80 minutes when swimming or sweating. EltaMD sunscreens that are water resistant are labeled clearly.
6. Hydration: In addition to providing superior sun protection, some of the EltaMD sunscreens contain Hyaluronic acid to help attract moisture and replenish dry, stressed, or post-procedure skin.
7. Oil Free: All EltaMD sun care products are oil free with a weightless finish and safe for all skin types. Therefore, you won’t experience clogged pores and the UV Clear contains niacinamide and lactic acid to diminish the appearance of blemishes, which makes this sunscreen ideal for acne-prone skin.
Daily sunscreen is your best protection against aging and skin cancer, but so is limiting the amount of time in the sun, earing protective clothing and sunglasses. Visit the Spa & Salon at PRO to discover EltaMD exclusive sun care.
Sources: American Cancer Society March 2016, eltaMD
