Three Powerful Protectors
Mineral-based sunscreens can be formulated differently, but here are some ingredients to look for when choosing the #1 product in skincare—your every day sun protection.
1. Micronized Zinc Oxide
Zinc Oxide is a photostable mineral that blocks the broadest range of UVA (aging) and UVB (burning) rays.
In the past, zinc oxide was thick, sticky, and left a very white cast on the skin when applied. But, with the latest technology, the zinc can be finely milled into micro particles that appear clear when applied. The circular zinc particles are so thinly cut that it can lay completely flat on the skin and overlap—preventing sun from passing through.
Think about placing whole, circular potatoes in a casserole dish vs. laying scalloped potatoes overlapping across the same dish. Any type of liquid or topping will more easily pass through the gaps between the whole potatoes, where as the overlapping slices create a better barrier. This is the type of barricade the micronized zinc forms to protect from UVA and UVB rays.
2. Iron Oxides
Dropping a truth bomb…traditional sunscreens don’t protect against visible light. They’re typically formulated to block invisible light—the UVA and UVB rays we’re always talking about around here.
However, if you’re still noticing lingering dark spots or new ones forming, the culprit could be visible light. This is the light the human eye can see, those colors of the rainbow, and according to a 2015 study by dermatologists, this type of light can definitely affect your skin’s pigment! The solution? Iron oxides.
These minerals, typically found in cosmetics and skincare for coloring purposes, also prevent your skin from the damaging effects of visible light. They also help prevent and reduce dark spots by absorbing environmental heat, which we know can trigger melasma.
That means, your best bet is a combo of traditional SPF and iron oxides: here’s where Tinted Protection SPF 50+ enters the chat. This type of broad spectrum SPF protects against UV rays, while its iron oxides intercept visible light and heat.
Bonus, iron oxides make up universal pigment technology, meaning the tint warms to the body’s temperature to blend into the skin, matching a wide-range of skin tones
3. Hyaluronic Acid
Protect your skin from environmental-caused dryness and dehydration with this amazing skincare ingredient that can hold 1000x it’s weight in water. It pulls moisture from the air to increase the water content of the skin for added hydration (vital when outside!) and a healthy glow. Hyaluronic Acid also…
- Improves the skin barrier
- Smooths skin texture
- Plumps the skin