Skinceuticals Sheer SPF 50

"A groundbreaking first-to-market mattifying fluid with transparent finish, this paraben-free, all-physical filter sunscreen provides increased protection in an ultra-sheer texture for all skin types, even very sensitive. Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50 offers the photoprotection of trusted broad-spectrum, physical filters, zinc oxide (Z-COTE) and titanium dioxide, and is enhanced by artemia salina, a plankton extract, to increase the skin’s defenses and resistance to UV and heat stress.  The unique ‘shake then apply’ action assures even distribution of active ingredients in this silky sheer fluid that dries quickly and leaves no residue."-Skinceuticals 

I wanted to love this, but the white cast is ridiculous and makes my foundation look HORRIBLE.  Great UVA/UVB sun protection with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.  It took some time to get used to it and find a way to get rid of the white cast- I've given up on this SPF.  I mixed moisturizer and this spf in the palm of my hand to warm it up and it spreads easily onto skin.  The fact that it is liquid makes it lightweight, easier to absorb and less likely to clog pores.  I had a few clogged pores on my neck and jaw. Suitable for FAIR, sensitive, oily, acne prone skin.  I do NOT suggest for brown skin (the white cast is terrible.)

Pros:

• Provides non-chemical UVA/UVB protection (contains zinc oxide & titanium dioxide)
• Matte Finish.
• Non-comedogenic and Paraben free
• Liquid formulation

Cons:

• Leaves a very noticeable white cast on brown skin (try mixed with moisturizer.)
• Contains dimethicone (can prevent skin from breathing and breakouts.)

Update 5/11/12:  This SPF must be mixed with a moisturizer to diminish white cast.  I tried mixing  equal parts spf & moisturizer, but it still leaves a unnatural white cast on my bronze skin.

$28-$32

50 ml

Bottom line: A good SPF for fair skin tones.

*Daily (that means rain or shine, indoors & outdoors) use of SPF 30+ will prevent sun damage:age spots, hyperpigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles and the general visual signs of aging.  SPF should be reapplied  every 2-3 hours and MUST be reapplied at the beach or during water activities.  NO SPF IS WATER RESISTANT OR WATERPROOF.

*Update: 1/22/13
I experienced irritation, a white/blue cast and clogged pores.

Review: PCA Skin Perfecting Protection SPF 30

 I always tell my clients the importance of wearing  SPF 30 everyday.  Protect your skin from sun damage, collagen & elastin deterioration (prevent wrinkles), free radical damage, environmental pollution, and most importantly, skin cancer.   I came across a light spf that promised to aid in treating hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin caused by increased melanin from sun damage or acne) and not cause breakouts.  I was very excited to try a SPF with Bearberry, Licorice Root Extract, Kojic Acid, Mulberry Root Extract, and Lactic Acid.  

"This revolutionary broad-spectrum UVA/UVB product combines the superior protective benefits of Z-Cote and other potent sunscreen agents with five melanogenesis inhibitors. This unique blend of ingredients works to reduce existing skin discoloration while preventing future hyperpigmentation. In addition, potent antioxidants caffeine and silybum marianum extract, commonly referred to as milk thistle, work to fight damaging environmental free radicals, inflammation and the formation of sunburn cells. perfecting protection spf 30 is suitable for all skin types and is also recommended following peels, lasers, other in-office procedures for its skin-soothing properties and inhibition of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. "-PCA Skin

I thought I could really knock out my hyperpigmentation faster (plus a lightening gel) with these lightening/brightening ingredients.  I found that the 9.8 % Zinc Oxide never fully absorbed into my skin, creating a white cast and bringing out my acne scars even more.  The lightening ingredients had no affect on my skin.  I avoid the sun, wear hats and sunglasses to prevent further darkening of my uneven skin tone, but no success with this SPF.  My uneven skin tone became darker, not lighter.

After trying many sunscreens with Zinc Oxide, I believe it is a culprit of my clogged pores.  I discontinued Zinc Oxide for a week and my congested skin dissipated.  I had high hopes for this product, but it did not work for me.


Ingredients: Zinc Oxide (9.8%), Octinoxate (7.5%). Water, Ethylhexyl Palmitate, Glycerin, Cyclopentasiloxane, Isononyl Isononanoate, Cetearyl Alcohol, SD Alcohol 40-B, Polyacrylate-13, Dimethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Lactic Acid, Kojic Acid, Butylene Glycol, Morus Alba Root Extract, Arctostaphylos Uva Ursi Leaf Extract, Glycyrrhiza Glabra (Licorice) Root Extract, Caffeine, Silybum Marianum Extract, Arginine, Microcrystalline Cellulose, C20-22 Alkyl Phosphate, C20-22 Alcohols, Polyisobutene, Cetearyl Glucoside, Caprylyl Glycol, Cellulose Gum, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium PCA, Sodium Hyaluronate, Magnesium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Tetrasodium EDTA, Citrus Grandis (Grapefruit) Peel Oil, Ethylhexylglycerin, Phenoxyethanol.

$24
1.7 oz.
1/5
Available at Dermstore.com

face sunscreen

Protect your Skin!

I cannot stress enough, spf is a must. Sun exposure leads to skin cancer, aging, burning, hyperpigmentation (over production of pigment/uneven skin tone), free radical damage, capillary damage, and weakens collagen & elastin.  90% of skins aging is due sun exposure.  It does not matter how dark you are-you need a spf.   "I don't burn, I have a natural spf, I don't go outside, it's cloudy/snowing outside, there's spf in my power/foundation".  EVERYONE needs a proper spf.  Why & What is spf? It is the  "sun protection factor".  Even on cloudy days the suns UVA & UVA rays can reach you.  They reflect off the snow when you are snowboarding.  Spf in cosmetics is not the proper amount, nor the proper form of spf.

There are 2 types of UV rays, UVA and UVB. Simple put, UVA=aging.  UVB=burning.  UVA rays are longer rays that can reach deeper in your skin, all the way into the dermis.  When the UVA reaches this point, it causes cell death, weakens elastin and collagen fibers causing sagging and wrinkling.  Elastin and collagen give skin its firm and smooth appearance and is near impossible to rebuild.  UVB rays are shorter rays and can damage the epidermis, are stronger then UVA rays, causing sunburn, sun spots, hyperpigmentation, and can damage eyes.  

There are 2 types of spf, sunscreen and sunblock.  What makes a sunscreen or sunblock?  Chemical sunscreen ingredients include, oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate and can be quite irritating on skin.  Chemical sunscreens absorb ultraviolet rays.  Physical sunscreens or Sunblock include, zinc oxide, titanium dioxide and reflect ultraviolet rays.  Physical spf is ideal for hyperpigmented skin, so UV rays reflect off the UV barrier.  Full Spectrum sunscreens or Broad spectrum protect skin from UVA & UVB rays.  A spf of 15 sunscreen blocks 93.3% of UVB rays. Spf 30 sunscreen only blocks 96.9%. Doubling the spf does not double your sun protection factor.  Anything higher then spf 30 is not anymore effective.  The higher the spf, the more potentially irritating ingredients are added to thicken the concentration.  I always say, "double check the ingredients".

When applying spf, apply at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure so the product has time to shield your skin.  There are a ton of spf's out there, liquid, cream, gel, powder, added to makeup, but they are not all sufficient for UV protection.  A powder or foundation with spf is not sufficient.  A spf should be a layer in itself before makeup. Powder does not cover and surround the skin with protection like a liquid, cream or gel spf can.  Lastly no matter what your skin tone, you need to protect your skin from the sun.  Darker skin tones have more melanin (skin pigment), but the more the melanin, the more there is to damage.  Darker skin is actually more sensitive to the sun the pale skin tones.  Melanin is activated by the sun and can cause hyperpigmentation (uneven skintone), as well as damage collagen and elastin.  This damage maybe invisible for a while, but it will pop up in later years.  Pale skin tones see the instant damage, a sunburn.  Because this skin has little melanin, it will burn, and be more susceptible to collagen and elastin damage.

During the summer months, wear a hat, sit under a umbrella, reapply sunscreen if swimming (it will come off, no matter that the label says), and reapply if working out in the sun.

My current favorite is Skinceuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50. Specifically great for oily and acne prone skin.