Sunscreen: The Dailies

Here in the Boston area, it felt like we skipped spring and jumped straight into summer with 80 degree + days. I'm not complaining though. After record breaking snow falls (boo!!) I'm just so happy that the sun is shining and I'm not sinking into a 7 foot snow drift. But all that glorious sunshine leads to a major issue: sunscreen. 

It ain't just for the beach these days.

Tarte TarteGuard SPF 30 oil-free moisturizer // Jergens Natural Glow Protect Daily Moisturizer SPF 20

You guys, the beauty industry answered my prayers for a gradual tanning body lotion with SPF included. More specifically, Jergens came through for me. Luckily, I've already been an avid applier of the gradual sunless tanning body lotions (and yes, even though I'm super pale the medium to tan skintones is the one I use and it still looks subtle and natural) so to have it also contain a sunscreen is a BIG bonus. Now as the photo indicates, these are my everyday lotions with sunscreen. If I'm at the beach or outside a lot, that's a whole different sunscreen. 

The TarteGuard facial moisturizer is not only oil-free and super lightweight, but it also contains a physical SPF 30! It goes on a little white, but once it's fully rubbed in the whiteness disappears. It also wears perfectly under makeup. 

Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 45 // Supergoop Setting Mist with Rosemary SPF 50 

Ruby is obsessed with being outside, and we all know reapplying sunscreen is where it's at, but who wants to mess up their flawless makeup application? Um, no one. And Supergoop totally understands that and that's why they created an SPF 50 (chemical sunscreen) makeup setting spray. That's right, not only will it mattify that oily, sweaty complexion, it will keep the makeup in place and provide you with some extra sun protection. Win win! Supergoop made this bad boy in two sizes, the one pictured above is the small travel one, perfect for keeping in my purse.

I know I've professed my love of the Peter Thomas Roth SPF 45 powder mineral sunscreen before, but it goes without saying that this is essential for my hairline and part. The last thing my thin hair needs is a gloppy sunscreen weighing it down more than gravity already does. And even though this powder is a little yellow, once I rub it in it's not noticeable and it even absorbs oil. This is another one I keep in my purse at all times.


So, what are the sunscreens you use everyday?

protecting that baby skin

Elise Ruby at 10-months old

After I had Ruby, I needed to do a lot of research on a good sunscreen for her, and after I did the sunscreen posts a couple weeks ago, I had some inquires as to what sunscreen is safe for babies, kids, or anyone who is pregnant or nursing. With anyone, a safe bet will always be using a physical sunscreen (or anything labeled "natural" as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are natural minerals), and baby sunscreen is really fine for any age.

Most Dr.'s (and the Skin Cancer Foundation) say it's safe to apply sunscreen to a baby after 6 months of age, and trying to find the right type is tricky. The skin of a baby is thin and prone to a lot of sensitivity from fragrance to ingredients, so it's important to always chose a physical sunscreen because a chemical sunscreen will absorb into their skin, whereas the physical will sit on top to protect it. Also, most sunscreens labeled for "babies" have little to no fragrance and a much higher SPF count. All of these qualities are important for babies and anyone with sensitive skin. 

Badger // Johnson's // Neutrogena // Mustela // California Baby

Of course if you're at the beach or pool all day, keeping that baby covered, wearing a hat and under an umbrella (or in a tent- although I always thought those tents would get too hot because there's no breeze) with lots of sunscreen is important.

I recently read an article from Consumer Reports that found evidence of spray sunscreens being bad for children's lungs... this is really frustrating because I love those spray sunscreens for me and Ruby- they're so convenient for reapplication. The article says that if you're going to use them, then only spray it outdoors and in your hand, not directly on the child. Considering I just bought a 3-pack of spray sunscreen this may be what I do to use them up, and I'll make sure Ruby is turned away from the sunscreen when I'm spraying it. Also, any mineral powder sunscreen (i.e., Bare Minerals, Peter Thomas Roth) is also not good for the lungs, so only apply this stuff outdoors and don't inhale!

I also thought this article on natural bug spray's (that are safe for kids and adults) was interesting and I can't wait to try them out.

How do you protect your baby? Do you use any of these sunscreens, baby or not?

Sunscreen's part 3, the hybrid

Yikes! Let's prevent the burn!

Sometimes a marriage of two things creates the best outcome- in this case, it's a broad spectrum UVA/UVB sunscreen that will protect your skin on every level.

I think the real selling point for a combined physical and chemical sunscreen-in-one is about texture. Oftentimes a physical sunscreen can be a little heavy so if it's paired with a translucent chemical sunscreen, it cuts down on the chalkiness, and you still get a maximum amount of protection.

So, here are my combined sunscreen recommendations:

For the FACE:

Kiss my Face // elta MD // Shiseido // Algenist

For the BODY:

BabyGanics // Dr. Dennis Gross // Jack Black // CeraVe

When looking for a combined physical and chemical sunscreen, don't assume that if you look at one bottle from a particular brand then they'll all be that kind. Most sunscreen brands offer a variety of physical, chemical and combined options... basically you need to read all the labels in order to figure it all out.

Do you have any favorite sunscreens? Were these sunscreen posts insightful and clear? I'd love to hear what you think.

Sunscreen's part 2, a chemical romance

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So now that we've covered the differences between physical and chemical sunscreens, and I've given you the physical recommendations, it's time to get chemical.

Here's a chemical sunscreen label and what to look for- it's not uncommon to see multiple chemical sunscreen ingredients together on a label:

Here are some recommendations for face and body.

Chemical Sunscreens for the FACE:

Algenist // La Roche Posay // Lancome // Neutrogena // Supergoop

Chemical Sunscreens for the BODY:

Shiseido // L'Oreal // SkinCeuticals // Sun Bum // Neutrogena

Chemical sunscreens are fantastic because they're lightweight, translucent and great for everyday. Also, most brands use chemical sunscreens in the spray/mist formulations which makes the application process a breeze. And pretty much anytime you see sunscreen in a makeup, you can pretty much guarantee it's a chemical sunscreen. Cosmetic companies do this because a chemical sunscreen won't change the texture or color of the product.

So, now that I've shown you the physical vs. chemical, there's a hybrid sunscreen that combines physical AND chemical sun protection in one... stay tuned for tomorrow!

Sunscreen's, part 1: let's get physical

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Ok, so I've got a lot of information on sunscreens (because it is that time of year, after all) but I'll be honest: I've been really hesitant about posting it because it's a lot of information. So I'll just forewarn you now that I've got three different posts about this topic, so hang in there with me- I think it's worth it :)

Did you know there are two types of sunscreen, physical or chemical? When someone asks me to recommend a good sunscreen I typically ask them which type of sunscreen they prefer and they look at my like I just asked them directions to the moon.

Sunscreen companies and the Skin Cancer Foundation are great at educating the general public on the necessity for sunscreen because of how harmful the suns rays are. But the type of sunscreen you use is the difference between you loving and hating sunscreen. If applying sunscreen is a chore, than maybe you haven't found the right kind.

When you look at a sunscreen label it will always tell you what the Active Ingredient is, and the Active Ingredient determines whether the sunscreen is a physical or a chemical one. I summed up some of the info from skinacea so that you could see the differences between the two types of sunscreen.:

And here's an example of what to look for on sunscreen packaging. Just like for acne products, sunscreens also list the active ingredient. 

So, now that you know the differences between the two, here are some great physical sunscreens for your face and body:

Physical Sunscreens for the FACE:

Peter Thomas Roth // CeraVe // Clarins // Josie Maran // Juice Beauty

Physical Sunscreens for the BODY:

Dr. Dennis Gross // JASON // The Honest Co. // Sunology // Badger

Physical sunscreens have come a long way. They used to be super thick and chalky, but with the current technology, they've been able to micronize the minerals so they're not leaving you with a ghostly pallor. I think only physical sunscreens should be used on babies, since no one wants chemicals absorbing into that sweet, soft baby skin. I also love that the instant you apply a physical sunscreen, it's working right away. Although chemical sunscreens have their advantages too...

Check back tomorrow for my recommendations on chemical sunscreens, and then on Wednesday will be my recommendations for some combined products.

see spot run, part 2

Okay, if you've used all the "brightening", "radiance"-type products from part 1 and the spots haven't budged.... it's now time for the big guns. Here are two ingredients that can really turn your skin around: retinol and hydroquinone.

Hydroquinone is more than a bleaching agent. It actually stops the pigment-producing enzyme deep in the skin and clears away the pigment on the surface.

Retinol rapidly overturns your cells while stimulating collagen, so it'll firm the skin while smoothing it out. Even though retinol is typically prescribed for people who need skin resurfacing (think acne scars, wrinkle, large pores) it also helps in lightening the surface pigmentation. Hydroquinone will go deeper into the skin and stop the pigment from forming while retinol will just work on the surface- basically it'll help fade the visible hyper-pigmentation that is on the surface of the skin.

Tips/Warnings about hydroquinone:
- Because Hydroquinone is absorbed through the blood stream and processed through the liver, if you are pregnant, nursing or have a liver condition do not use Hydroquinone.
- 2% of Hydroquinone is FDA approved for the maximum amount OTC but you can get up to a 4% in a prescription. This is only advisable if your Dermatologist really thinks this is the correct course. Most people see results with 2% so 4% just might be overkill.
- Hydroquinone can make your skin sun-sensitive and besides, the sun will ruin any results/progress you had in lightening the spots.
- Typically I advise folks who are on a Hydroquinone regimen to just use it for 3 months (or basically until the product is finished) and then move on to a natural lightener (see part 1). Once the natural brightener is finished really examine your skin to see if you need to go back to a Hydroquinone product. Use hydroquinone at night.

Tips/Warnings about Retinol
- Retinol is also absorbed through the blood stream so you cannot use it if you're pregnant, want to be pregnant or nursing (may cause birth defects).
- Because it's rapidly overturning your cells and resurfacing your skin (great news for wrinkles, sun spots and acne) it will also make your skin really photo sensitive so wear a sunscreen.
- With retinol you will only use it 3-4 times a week, maximum. It can cause irritation with too much use because it thins the skin. Like hydroquinone, it's most effective if used at night.

~ Hydroquinone and retinol are not for sun worshippers. If you love to sprawl out on the sand for 8 hours like it's your job, even if you're wearing an SPF 50, these are not the ingredients for you my friend. Just move along. Enjoy your tanned spots and don't worry about your life. Just think of all that great Vitamin D you're getting!

So, after all those warnings you're probably wondering why anyone bothers to use them? Because they actually produce results. Quite simply, they work. For brightening and aging, retinol paired with Vitamin C is a dermatologist gold-standard recommendation. And hydroquinone will give you much faster brightening results than using a natural lightener. Here are some products that will help pigmentation:

Murad Rapid Age Spot and Pigment Lightening Serum addresses all of the pigment producing issues with hydroquinone, a hexapeptide for overall brightening and glycolic acid to lightly exfoliate and make the product more effective.

Eventone Fade Cream uses Vitamin's C and E to enhance hydroquinone.

Dermadoctor Poetry in Lotion micro-encapsulates the retinol so that there's a slower delivery of retinol to the skin, bypassing irritation. 

ROC Deep wrinkle Retinol Serum contains retinol, Vitamin C and Vitamin E to prevent irritation.

Dr. Dennis Gross Ferulic Acid+Retinol Brightening Solution contains a mild amount of retinol so it may be used up to twice a day. This serum also houses Vitamin C, the antioxidant Ferulic Acid and salicylic acid to treat/prevent breakouts. This serum is great for pigmentation, wrinkles and acne. 

Kate Somerville RetAsphere 2 in 1 night cream time-release's the retinol to reduce sensitivity as well as hyaluronic acid to boost hydration. 

~ Definitely consult a doctor if you want to use Hydroquinone and retinol together, since this is something I would not normally advise. If your pigmentation isn't that bad then perhaps just use retinol and some Vitamin C products. If the pigmentation isn't going away then consider hydroquinone.

Do you use any retinol or hydroquinone products?

see spot run, part 1

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Note: I'm just going to preface this post by telling you it's long and wordy but there is a lot of information to cover when it comes to pigmentation and I'm barely scratching the surface! Dark spots, liver spots, age spots, hyper-pigmentation, sun spots, old acne spots/scars/staining, pregnancy mask/melasma... call them annoying and you've got it right. No, these aren't the cute freckles that are lightly smattered across your nose. They're the dark, misshapen spots that pop up on your hands and around your forehead. They creep up one day on the side of your face (most likely the left side if you drive a lot) and all of a sudden you're using way more concealer than you ever thought possible.

I heard it takes 15 years for a spot to be visible on the surface of your skin. Whether this is entirely accurate or not is TBD but I do know spots are stubborn and require time to remove. Now do you think one product will take it away in 15 days?! Unless you're considering a laser treatment, it's time to have realistic expectations from products that treat pigmentation issues.

In part 1 of this post I'll focus on natural ingredients and products that treat and correct hyper-pigmentation.

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So what causes pigmentation? Typically it's sun damage. A common misconception is that most of your sun damage happened when you were a little kid and no one knew the harmful effects of the sun, so sunscreen wasn't enforced, right?