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Mineral Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen, Which is Better?

by | Jul 17, 2018 | accent aesthetics, skincare colorado, Sun & Skincare

We can all agree that sunscreen is absolutely necessary for long-lasting, anti-aging, happy & healthy skin. But how do we choose between chemical sunscreen and mineral sunscreen? There are many factors that go into selecting which SPF is right for your skin like your skin’s sensitivity, seasonal changes, and skin condition. We wanted to educate and enlighten you on the sun’s different types of rays and broad spectrum, mineral/chemical sunscreen, and some of our various products and what they do for your skin.

Mineral Sunscreen vs Chemical Sunscreen, Which is Better?

First off, the sun has two type of penetrating Ultraviolet (UV) rays. UVA rays which cause aging, wrinkles and are absorbed by your dermis (second layer of skin) and UVB which causes burning and are absorbed by your epidermis (top layer of skin). We want to protect against both types of rays, this is why we use Broad Spectrum sunscreen. Broad spectrum sunscreen helps protect against both UVA and UVB rays, so keep that in mind when choosing your sunscreen.

So, what is the difference between chemical sunscreen and mineral sunscreen? and what’s best for you?

One thing we do like to suggest when choosing a sunscreen is finding a sunscreen you cannot WAIT to put on in the morning. A sunscreen you love so that it becomes part of your daily routine. Some sunscreens have tint, others have an airbrush effect and others are hydrating  – whatever you end up choosing for your skin, make sure you LOVE IT! 

mineral sunscreen, chemical sunscreen

Mineral sunscreen is also known as physical sunscreen. Typically made of a zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, this sunscreen creates a barrier on the skin and the UV rays bounce off.  Mineral sunscreen is naturally broad spectrum so prevents both types of rays from penetrating the skin, it also is great for sensitive skin as it may lessen skin irritation, and is great for individuals with “heat-activated” skin (ex. people with rosacea or redness).

Chemical Sunscreen, on the other hand, is absorbed down into layers of the skin and when UV rays make contact with the skin the chemical sunscreen absorbs the rays and disperses them as heat. This is the chemical process of protecting the skin. Chemical sunscreen comes in broad spectrum which protects against both UVA & UVB rays with a variety of options to help with anti-aging, oil-free hydration and acne control. 

At Accent Aesthetics we have a great variety of options for mineral and chemical sunscreens to match your needs.  Here are some of our favorites:

Revision TruPhysical

This tinted 5 in 1 anti-aging moisturizer has 100% mineral broad spectrum SPF 45 in it! It includes age-defying beneficial ingredients, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, 100% mineral SPF that protects against both UVA & UVB rays, firms skin, brightens and evens skin tone, enhances skin’s natural moisture and lastly provides antioxidant benefits. This fully loaded extremely beneficial SPF speaks for itself when it comes to an excellent physical SPF option for your daily routine.

Elta MD – UV Elements

This 100% physical sunscreen has a tinted, moisturizing base, and is extremely gentle and great for the most sensitive skin types.  It combines both zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to provide safe sun protection.  The mineral-based UV filters work with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid to protect and hydrate the skin.

Colorscience Brush-On:

This super powerful, 100% mineral skin shield provides protection in an easy to use and convenient on the go application. It can go on alone or over makeup. It is a broad spectrum and protects against both UVA & UVB rays while giving you a nice even layer of protection against both sun and water.

Elta MD UV Clear:

This oil-free SPF comes in either tinted or untinted options and is great for protecting and preventing sensitive skin types that may be prone to breakouts or skin redness (ex. rosacea). It is lightweight and silky, it can be worn with makeup or without. It has antioxidant protection which helps combat aging while it leaves no residue it is great for calming the skin and prevents acne for sensitive skin.

Revision Intellishade:

This matte or original tinted, sheer, award-winning moisturizer with sunscreen is formulated with peptides to reduce wrinkles, pore minimizing technology, fights premature aging and is broad spectrum which as you know, protects against both UVA & UVB rays.

 

Elta MD UV Daily:

This superior hydration formula combined with the broad spectrum SPF protection that goes on sheer makes for a great daily addition to your routine. It is a lightweight moisturizer comes in both tinted or untinted and combats aging, increases skin smoothness/softness, and glides on easy so the skin absorbs it quickly.

As you can see, we have a wide variety of amazing options to benefit your skin. Of course, it is always great to set up a consultation or service with one of our dermatologist or skin care specialists/providers in order to see what your skin needs in this season of your life. If you have any questions, feel free to contact us or call us and we will be happy to assist in what ways we can!

 

Skin Care Essentials For “Sun-Proofing” Your Skin

by | Jul 13, 2018 | Sun & Skincare

Skin Care Essentials For “Sun-Proofing” Your Skin

The sun can do incredible things for our bodies and has some damaging effects as well, so it is important to take the right skin care measures.  It helps stimulate our body’s production of Vitamin D, which helps absorb calcium for bone strength. It helps regulate our sleep cycles and promotes a great, healthy energy. But if we don’t protect our skin from the sun we risk getting wrinkles, age spots and most importantly, skin cancer.

 

SO WHAT EXACTLY DOES THE SUN DO TO OUR SKIN?

UV rays break down our skins’ collagen and elastin, eventually creating sagging, wrinkled skin.

Sun exposure causes free radical damage, attacking our skins antioxidants and eventually can lead to skin cancer.

Sun in small amounts over time, and definitely in excess, damage our Melanocytes. These are specialized skin cells that produce the protective skin-darkening pigment Melanin. This damage leads to uneven skin tone such as brown spots, freckles, white spots and different types of discoloration.

 

What Can You Do To Protect Yourself?

Daily application of SPF will benefit you long term more than any wrinkle cream regimen, so apply and REAPPLY for long-term beneficial results. Most sunscreens break down and lose their efficacy after 2 hours.

 

Here is a general overview of what you may need in your daily routine for sun-proofing your skin.

DAILY ROUTINE

Vitamin C

Vitamin C applied topically to the skin provides antioxidant protection which helps prevent free radical damage. Free radicals destroy skin cells and can eventually lead to DNA damage.

Vitamin C also helps brighten the skin and decrease redness, lightening skin discoloration and soothing inflammation with consistent use.

Vitamin C is vital for the synthesis of collagen. We are unable to produce and store Vitamin C, so if you don’t have enough, your collagen production shuts down, leading to sallow, sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles, etc.

 

An  SPF You LOVE To Wear.

 

It is important to always have a layer of good SPF on your face, one that you cannot wait to put on so it’s easy to incorporate into your routine.  No matter what season we are experiencing in our sunny Colorado, protection is essential. Here are a couple of our favorites:

 

Revision Intellishade:

 

Sheer, mineral tint for radiant skin. Breakthrough peptides reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Lightweight; superior hydration. Comes in both Original, Matte and TruPhysical.

 

Elta Elements:

This is a 100% physical sunscreen in a tinted, moisturizing base. Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide combined with ultra-hydrating hyaluronic acid protect and hydrate even the most sensitive skins, including post-procedure skin.

 

Colorscience Sunforgettable Total Protection Brush-On Shield SPF 50

 

 

This all-powerful, all-mineral skin shield provides total skincare protection in one convenient, on-the-go application. Alone or over makeup, this SPF brush makes reapplying your sunscreen every 2 hours easy, fun and beautiful! Formulated with antioxidants, moisturizers, and soothing ingredients, it protects your skin from free radicals and pollution while hydrating and calming the skin with a hint of sheer coverage.

 

Elta MD UV Sport

Specially formulated for active lifestyles, this water-resistant sunscreen will not rinse off in water or drip into your eyes and sting. This SPF is great for swimmers, skiers, runners, golfers and other athletes or for those who just love to be outdoors! Perfect for our Colorado lifestyle.

 

Colorscience LipShine SPF 35

Sun protection, a touch of gloss, and just the right natural color. Zinc Oxide, peptides, Vitamin E and hyaluronic acid keep your pucker protected, soft and beautiful!

Any further questions, please contact us.