Sunscreen is your not-so-secret anti-aging weapon!

I almost never hear people describe sunscreen as their go-to anti-aging product. And that’s a shame. But the shame truly belongs to the big beauty companies and their big budget marketing that has conditioned us all to believe in nonsensical stories about miracle anti-aging elixirs made with breakthrough ingredient complexes that they somehow invented in a New Jersey lab.

Sunscreen is your
not-so-secret anti-aging
weapon!

Seriously. Stop looking for “anti-aging” miracles. Stop being wowed by the Le Mer’s of the world. Stop believing that there’s some ingenious product out there that only a few people know about — as if there’s an anti-aging club you need in on. That anti-aging miracle is right under your nose. It’s called sunscreen.

Two weeks ago, I wrote an article about my top sunscreen product picks. If you missed it, you can catch it here. In that blog, I said that you need to get into the habit of wearing sunscreen every single day of the year (if you aren’t already!). To quote myself, “It doesn’t matter if it’s sunny, partly sunny, partly cloudy, raining, snowing, whatever. Unless you’re running from a tornado and don’t have time to apply sunscreen. That’s the one exception!” Whether or not the sun is intense, its UV rays can and will reach your skin. You need to apply sunscreen every morning.

If you can see the sun, the sun can see you!

The best way to get into the habit of doing so, and the best way to assure you’re wearing sunscreen religiously, is to find one you love — and one you trust.

Meet MDSolarSciences, Doctor-developed Facial Sunscreen

I first discovered MDSolarSciences a few years ago, though I never actually tried any of their products until this past year. I had been attending a skincare and spa convention at New York’s Javits Center — a massive convention center on the far west side of Manhattan.

MDSolarSciences was founded by dermatologic oncologist Dr. Robert J. Friedman.

Seriously, the place spans multiple city blocks. Attending anything there is a bit overwhelming. There were so many exciting brands, I felt like I was dreaming. My friend Hillary (also my former Marketing VP at Kiehl’s) and I were meandering up and down the aisles in an otherworldly daze — like kids in a candy store. Seriously, we hadn’t had that much excitement since the bus trip to DC where the Smithsonian Museum had inducted three Kiehl’s products into its permanent collection of American pharmacological products. (She’s lucky I can’t find the picture of her dead asleep in the front row of the bus.)

So there we were at the Javits Monstrosity Center. We explored serious spa brands like LA-based SONÄGE and hip, new CBD brands like Hempfield Botanicals from Lancaster, Pennsylvania. But one brand really got me excited — MDSolarSciences! I had always wanted to get to know the brand better — and finally try their products. After all, they’re based in Stamford, Connecticut, not far from where I grew up. And, of course, there’s that nerdy fascination of mine for sunscreens. A rare convergence for sure. I talked to the folks from the brand for 20 minutes and left smiling ear to ear, a tube of their top-selling facial sunscreen product under my arm. It was love at first sight.

I’m so excited to be writing this blog article on the brand all these months later. I’m even more excited to have the opportunity to collaborate with MDSolarSciences — and to offer an exclusive discount for Skincarma followers (details just below!). Find a sunscreen you love — and a brand you trust. I sure did!

**EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT FOR SKINCARMA FOLLOWERS**

Use code SKINCARMA20 to receive 20% off all MDSolarSciences sunscreen products! Follow the link below to the MDSolarSciences site and use the exclusive code.

GO TO MDSOLARSCIENCES

Mineral Crème 50

MDSolarSciences was founded by dermatologic oncologist Dr. Robert J. Friedman. The brand’s sunscreen products are top-rated by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) — with four formulas receiving the coveted rating of “1”. Among the four is the brand’s workhorse, the Mineral Crème SPF 50.

The non-toxic, cruelty-free and reef-safe Mineral Crème 50 is a 100% mineral sunscreen with a blend of 2% Titanium Dioxide and 17% Zinc Oxide — and leaves only a minimal grayish white cast on application that dissipates before I’m out the door. That’s when it works its mattifying magic that keeps my skin looking healthy and fresh, not greasy and slick. That’s been torture-tested in the most humid days of the summer this year on the hot streets of Brooklyn! Because it’s so reliable, Mineral Crème 50 has earned its place as one of my sunscreen go-to’s — and why it was included in my picks of the best facial sunscreens!

MDSolarSciences powered up their non-comedogenic formula with three of the most potent antioxidant botanical extracts — Green Tea Extract, Cranberry Fruit Extract and Pomegranate Extract. That’s some serious antioxidant power! Perhaps the most intriguing of the formula’s ingredients is Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate — a stable oil-soluble form of Vitamin C that is similar in potency to L-Ascorbic Acid, the purest form of Vitamin C.

“SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays, SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays, and SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays. So, the difference between 30 and 50 is about 1 percent.”

Mineral Tinted Crème 30

I’ve only recently discovered the tinted baby sister of MDSolarSciences’ Mineral Crème 50 — the Mineral Tinted Crème 30. When I first dispensed it, I was certain that it wouldn’t blend into my skin well enough as it appeared a shade or three darker than my skin tone. It also seems thick. But, quite surprisingly, it blended just fine. Perfectly, in fact, and didn’t look like I was wearing makeup.

The formula of Mineral Tinted Crème 30 is very similar to big brother Mineral Crème 50 — with a powerful antioxidant complex that’s combined with a mineral sunscreen blend of 2% Titanium Dioxide and 17% Zinc Oxide.

Mineral Tinted Crème 30’s antioxidant defense matrix comprises the brand’s signature complex of green tea and berry extracts — along with Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, the same oil-soluble, stable form of Vitamin C. According to my skincare guru, Paula Begoun, “Some researchers believe this form of vitamin C has a greater affinity for skin because its fatty acid component helps aid penetration. It pairs well with other forms of vitamin C and retinol for enhanced effectiveness.”

Mineral Tinted Crème 30 blends well, feels comfortable on skin — and, of course, since it’s tinted, leaves no white cast.

The Mineral Tinted Crème 30 contains a powerful antioxidant complex that’s combined with a mineral sunscreen blend.

““Our mission is to eliminate skin cancer, and we believe wearing sunscreen every day is the best first step to achieving that goal.”
-MDSolarSciences ”

It’s important to find a sunscreen you love. If you love it, you’re more likely to use it daily.

**EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT FOR SKINCARMA FOLLOWERS**

Use code SKINCARMA20 to receive 20% off all MDSolarSciences sunscreen products! Follow the link below to the MDSolarSciences site and use the exclusive code.

GO TO MDSOLARSCIENCES

Mineral Crème 30

The MDSolarSciences untinted Mineral Crème 30 is similar in texture to the others, but seems to have a slightly thicker weight than Mineral Crème 50. Also non-comedogenic, it’s an identical mineral sunscreen blend of 2% Titanium Dioxide and 17% Zinc Oxide with that antioxidant complex and Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate (Vitamin C).

Upon closer inspection, though, I discover that Mineral Crème 30 is not identical to the others. Similar, but not just a simple adjustment in the SPF protection. That slightly thicker texture actually results from the addition of CoQ10 (Ubiquinone), Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin C) and Squalane — one of the most skin-compatible non-fragrant plant oils. These make this one a better option for cooler months as they help to keep skin moisturized in dry air.

So what’s the deal with Ubiquinone, or coenzyme Q10? According to Ms. Begoun, “it is a vitamin-like, fat-soluble substance naturally present in the body. Applied to skin, it can have antioxidant benefits due to its energizing effect on factors in skin that tend to slow down with age and cumulative sun exposure.”

With the addition of these three replenishing ingredients, I’d say that Mineral Crème 30 is the better formula. After all, the tradeoff between SPF 30 and 50 is a mere one percent in terms of defense against UVB rays. You get near-perfect sunscreen defense as well as super, potent antioxidant protection and excellent skin nourishment. Mineral Crème 30, I’ll see you in the fall!

Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30

MDSolarSciences’ Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 is more of what I’d consider a conventional combination sunscreen and moisturizer. With the exception of Mineral Crème 30, you’d likely want to apply both Mineral Crème 50 and Mineral Tinted Crème 30 over a moisturizer in the morning.

In fact, MDSolarSciences refers to their Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 as a multi-tasking moisturizer. It’s a super lightweight formula made with a blend of chemical filters: 3% Avobenzone, 5% Octisalate, and 2.75% Octocrylene. While these three aren’t among the controversial chemical sunscreens making headlines lately, personally I prefer mineral sunscreens.

What’s the fuss over chemical sun screens? In a report titled The Trouble With Ingredients in Sunscreens, the EWG stated that the “FDA has put the entire sunscreen industry on alert by proposing that in just two instances do we have enough safety information about ingredients to determine whether they’re safe and effective: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide.” That leaves the affects and efficacy of chemical sunscreens indeterminate — with the apparent exception of one: oxybenzone. The FDA raised concerns over the absorption of oxybenzone by the skin in a simple ominous statement about Oxybenzone in what’s listed under the “FDA 2019 proposed status”: Insufficient data and concern for absorption through skin and hormone disruption.

You can read the EWG’s report of the FDA analysis here.

With that, there’s no reason to believe that any other chemical filters pose a risk of any kind, including the three that deliver the robust broad-spectrum UV protection of the MDSolarSciences Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 — Avobenzone, Octisalate, and Octocrylene. In its 2019 assessment, the FDA simply stated, “Insufficient data to determine safety – significant data gaps.”

The point here is that there’s no reason to be so skeptical of chemical filters that you avoid using sunscreen entirely. Many people have a strong aversion to mineral sunscreens, believing that they always leave a discernible white cast on skin and that they’re too hard to use. And that’s why I put such emphasis on finding a sunscreen you love.

If you hate mineral sunscreens, then you’ve got to find a chemical sunscreen that you love enough to use. The Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 is a well-formulated product that blends a number of terrific moisturizers, antioxidants, humectants and effective sun filters. The non-comedogenic formula is quite well-rounded and a solid anti-aging treatment. In the top ten alone are several pro-skin health ingredients including humectants Glycerin and Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract as well antioxidant brighteners Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate — a stable, water-soluble form of Vitamin C that not only functions as an antioxidant but there is research showing that concentrations of Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate between one and five percent can help treat breakouts. Not only won’t Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30 clog pores, but it may help to clear them out as well.

Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40 fits right into your pocket!

MDSolarSciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40

This little guy has been with me wherever I go lately. It’s the perfect size and the perfect formula for sun protection on the go. It literally fits in my pocket, waist bag or backpack and is no heavier than a tube of lipstick or a pair of sunglasses.

Not only is it super convenient, but it’s also super well-formulated! With a blend of 8.1% Titanium Dioxide and 6.6% Zinc Oxide, the creamy sun stick means you’re sure to get the UV protection you need any time, any where.

I was expecting the MDSolarSciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40 to be chalky and icky for some reason. And was sure it would leave me as white as a geisha. How could it not leave a white coating on everything it touches?

It’s a mineral sun stick!

I think it’s the high levels of Shea Butter and Petrolatum that make it creamier and more blendable than I imagined it would be. Not a fan of Petrolatum? Well, it’s ingredient number 3 in La Mer’s phony anti-aging miracle Crème de la Mer — right after Seaweed and Mineral Oil.

No white cast, easily bendable, 100% sun filters, non-comedogenic, sweat-resistant — and even gentle enough for kids over 6 months. Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40 is a real gem.

Oh, hey there, Jeanne and Susan.

Of course, I would never write a Skincarma blog article about the importance of wearing sunscreen products without an appearance from my friends Jeanne and Susan — identical twin sisters.

No, they're not my actual friends; in fact, we’ve never met. But I feel like I know them. As good friends would, they inspire me to be better — and to wear sunscreen every day. If you need proof of the very real effects of sun damage on your skin, look no further than these two ladies. The sisters looked exactly alike growing up. But Susan has spent her life in Florida worshiping the sun (she’s also a heavy smoker!) while sister Jeanne lives in Ohio and has generally avoided overexposure to the sun (and smoking) throughout her life. While both were 61 when the photo was taken, a scientific study of Susan’s skin at Case Western Reserve University showed an 11-year age difference — Susan has extreme hyperpigmentation (sun spots), deeper wrinkles and degradation in skin elasticity. Be a Jeanne, not a Susan!

That’s it guys! Be sure to check out MDSolarSciences — and take advantage of their generous offer of 20% off for Skincarma followers.

🖤 SKINCARMA

**EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT FOR SKINCARMA FOLLOWERS**

Use code SKINCARMA20 to receive 20% off all MDSolarSciences sunscreen products! Follow the link below to the MDSolarSciences site and use the exclusive code.

GO TO MDSOLARSCIENCES

MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème 50

MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30

MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 30

MDSolarSciences Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30

MDSolarSciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40

The Ingredient List of the MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème 50:

Actives: 2% Titanium Dioxide / 17% Zinc Oxide
Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, Dimethicone/ Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Polysilicone-15, Iron Oxides, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract.

The Ingredient List of the MDSolarSciences Mineral Tinted Crème SPF 30:

Actives: 2% Titanium Dioxide / 17% Zinc Oxide
Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Silica, Butyloctyl Salicylate, Polysilicone-15, Dimethicone/Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Iron Oxides, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Camellia Sinensis (GreenTea) Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract.

The Ingredient List of the MDSolarSciences Mineral Crème SPF 30:

Actives: 2% Titanium Dioxide / 17% Zinc Oxide
Dimethicone, Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Glyceryl Isostearate, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Dimethicone/ Vinyl Dimethicone Crosspolymer, Silica, Butyl Octyl Salicylate Polysilicone-15, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract, Punica Granatum (Pomegranate) Extract, Iron oxide, PEG/PPG-18/18 Dimethicone, Triethoxycaprylylsilane, Ubiquinone, Tocopheryl Acetate, Squalane.

The Ingredient List of the MDSolarSciences Daily Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 30:

Actives: 3% Avobenzone / 5% Octisalate / 2.75% Octocrylene Water, Salicylate, Coco-Caprylate/Caprate, Glycerin, Sorbitol, Lecithin, Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Extract, Caffeine, Zea Mays (Corn) Oil, Proline, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Ascorbyl Phosphate, Rosa Moschata Seed Oil, Niacinamide, Vitis Vinifera (Grape) Callus Culture Extract, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract, Camellia Sinensis (Green Tea) Extract, Diatomaceous Earth, Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Extract, Laminaria Digitata Extract, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Ferric Hexapeptide-35, Sesamum Indicum (Sesame) Seed Oil, Macadamia Integrifolia Seed Oil, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Polysilicone-15, Sodium Hyaluronate, Dimethicone, Ceteareth-25, Cetyl Alcohol, Behenic Acid, Cholesterol, Ceramide NP, Ceramide NS, Ceramide EOS, Ceramide EOP, Ceramide AP, Caprooyl Phytosphingosine, Caprooyl Sphingosine, Caprylic/ Capric Triglyceride, Teprenone, Sodium Stearoyl Glutamate, Polyester-8, Caprylhydroxamic Acid, Caprylyl Glycol, Carbomer, Acrylates/C10-30 Alkyl Acrylate Crosspolymer, Allantoin, Panthenol, Sodium Polyacrylate, Mica, Melaleuca Alternifolia (Tea Tree) Leaf Oil, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Sodium Hydroxide

The Ingredient List of the MDSolarSciences Mineral Sunscreen Stick SPF 40:

Actives: 8.1% Titanium Dioxide / 6.6% Zinc Oxide
Polyethylene, Dimethicone, Butyrospermum Parkii (Shea) Butter, Petrolatum, Butyloctyl, Salicylate, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Undecylcrylene Dimethicone, Neopentyl Glycol Diheptanoate, Acrylates/Ethylhexyl Acrylate/Dimethicone Methacrylate Copolymer, Behenyl Olivate, Aluminum Hydroxide, Stearic Acid, Glyceryl Isostearate, Beeswax, Polyhydroxystearic Acid, Cetyl PEG/PPG- 10/1 Dimethicone, BHT, Benzylidene Dimethoxydimethylindanone, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate

Welcome to Skincarma.

Aug 13 BRANDS I LOVE : MD SOLAR SCIENCES DOCTOR-DEVELOPED FACIAL SUNSCREEN PRODUCTS

Sunscreen is your

not-so-secret anti-aging

weapon!

If you can see the sun, the sun can see you!