There’s no reason you can’t bask in the summer sun and protect that healthy, radiant skin while you’re at it. This week on Live The Process, we’re soaking in all things natural sun care. Come back tomorrow for more stories like this one.
If you think only a sunny day at the beach deserves the SPF treatment, think again. “Sunscreen needs to be used every day because an individual receives significant US radiation daily—even while indoors,” says Dr. Stan Kovak, lead Cosmetic Physician at the Kovak Dermatology & Laser Institute. Makeup containing SPF doesn’t quite cut it, so find a broad-spectrum sunscreen that you feel comfortable wearing every day, which might mean an organic, natural, or paraben-free option, especially if you have sensitive skin.
Another factor to consider, says Dr. Kovak: “Two types of radiation affect our skin: UVA and UVB.” SPF measures how much protection a sunscreen provides against UVB, which injures the surface level of the skin, causing burns, says Dr. Kovak—but there’s no rating for protection against UVA radiation, which penetrates the skin on a much deeper level. “When using a sunscreen, one needs to find a product that protects against both types of ultraviolet radiation,” Dr. Kovak says. Often, skincare products will explicitly state whether they protect against both. If they don’t, look for Zinc Oxide, a common ingredient that protects against UVA.
Whichever elixir you opt for, find one that feels comfortable enough for daily wear—because even on cloudy days, our skin needs and deserves some lightweight armor. Here, get a glimpse of four all-new, all-natural sunscreen products that will keep your skin healthy, glowing, and feeling good.
Farmacy Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 30
I’m known for being: Mark Veeder, cofounder of Farmacy.
I'm helping to launch: Green Screen Daily Environmental Protector Broad Spectrum SPF 30 , $36 on our website or at Sephora.
What it is: Our first SPF product. As with all Farmacy products, this is farmer-cultivated, science-activated skincare and is formulated with our signature ingredient, Echinacea GreenEnvy™, which contains a high concentration of cichoric acid, a natural antioxidant that helps support and protect the skin’s collagen. Green Screen SPF 30 is a broad spectrum, paraben-free SPF 30 physical sunscreen that protects against UVA/UVB rays. Extremely lightweight and sheer, Green Screen SPF 30 leaves no telltale white afterglow upon application.
Your body will thank you because: This daily SPF not only helps protect skin from damaging UV rays but also uses marigold extract to shield against the damaging effects of HEV light, also known as the ambient blue light your handheld digital devices emit.
The launch date is: March 2017.
Vitabrid C12 FACE Brightening Powder
I’m known for being: Ron Choi, international business development manager for Vitabrid C12.
I'm helping to launch: Vitabrid C12 FACE Brightening Powder, $60 on our website and at Barneys New York stores.
What it is: A product that uses patented technology to continuously deliver active vitamin C into the skin for over 12 hours. To optimize UV protection and slow sun-induced aging, it is important to apply antioxidants like vitamin C to the skin. Research has shown that when vitamin C is applied to the skin sunburn cell formation was reduced by 40-60% and erythema (or the superficial reddening of skin by UV rays) was reduced by 52%. Vitamin C’s benefits for the skin are truly amazing and our technology delivers active vitamin C into your skin all day long.
Simply mix the FACE Brightening Powder with your skincare product of choice (toner, serum, or sunscreen) for enhanced antioxidant properties. This combination will protect against skin damage caused by free radicals from UV exposure. Additionally, the zinc oxide mineral layers in the powder help block UV rays from reaching the skin.
Your body will thank you because: you can now experience the full strength of vitamin C’s benefits for your skin! Vitabrid C12 FACE Brightening Powder is highly effective in keeping your skin looking firmer, healthier, brighter, and revitalized while also diminishing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
The launch date is: August 7, 2017, at Barneys New York, in store and online.
Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics Sun Drops
I’m known for being: Dr. Barbara Sturm, founder of Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics.
I’m helping to launch: Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics Sun Drops, $145 at molecular-cosmetics.com and violetgrey.com.
What it is: A lightweight SPF 50 serum that you can wear alone or mix with your favorite moisturizer for broad-spectrum UV protection. This innovative sunscreen is the perfect solution for lending sun protection to your favorite products. The unique SPF 50 serum contains an active complex of cassia extract, vitamin E, and beta-glucan that slows the development of wrinkled, prematurely aged skin while preventing facial brown spots and skin discoloration caused by UV rays.
Your body will thank you because: Dr. Barbara Sturm Molecular Cosmetics Sun Drops are formulated specifically to provide an SPF booster to your favorite Dr. Barbara Sturm skincare product while maintaining the efficacy of their active ingredients. Its dual application means the serum can be applied traditionally as an SPF, or mixed with a daily moisturizer, whereby the powerful cocktail deploys highly concentrated antioxidants like purslane, while visibly reducing the depth of existing fine lines and wrinkles.
The launch date is: June 2017.
Susanne Kaufmann Face Sunscreen Protection SPF 30
I’m known for being: Susanne Kaufmann, founder of my botanically based line of skincare products.
I'm helping to launch: Susanne Kaufmann Face Sunscreen Protection SPF 30, $105 at beautyhabit.com and susannekaufmann.com.
What it is: Formulated with active natural ingredients, the Susanne Kaufmann Face Sunscreen Protection SPF 30 is an innovative hybrid (mineral and botanical) sunscreen that delivers long-lasting, waterproof protection from damaging sun exposure in a luxurious, naturally scented cream.
Your body will thank you because: Scientists estimate sun damage is responsible for 90% of premature skin aging. For many years, sun-induced aging, or photo aging, was attributed exclusively to UVB radiation. Recent studies have shown that UVA rays and the heat they generate contribute to the loss of skin elasticity and firmness and the appearance of premature wrinkles. The new Susanne Kaufmann Face Sunscreen Protection SPF 30 incorporates the latest innovations in chemical-free sunscreens to simultaneously protect skin from sun damage and treat the signs of skin aging.
The launch date is: June 2017.