As a resident dermatologist, beauty writer, and long-time skincare enthusiast, I’ve tried
hundreds of sunscreens over the past decade. As someone of color and who cares for
a diverse patient population, it’s been my mission to find inclusive sun-protective
products I can personally use and recommend. After trying many products, I
continuously find myself reaching for EltaMD’s UV Clear and UV Daily facial
sunscreens. With their lightweight and white-cast -free formulas, I can confidently say
these are some of my favorite sunscreens on the market. In the past, these sunscreens
have been available in two formulations - an untinted and a tinted version. However, I
am so excited to share that EltaMD has just launched new additions to these sunscreen
lines: both the UV Clear and UV Daily in a deeper tint.
Sunscreen Science:
These sunscreens have multiple benefits for the skin, including protecting against sun
damage, hyperpigmentation, and free radicals. The EltaMD UV Clear Tinted SPF and
UV Daily Tinted SPF are broad spectrum sunscreens designed to protect against UVA,
UVB, visible light, and oxidative stress. They protect against multiple types of UV
radiation emitted by the sun, including UVA and UVB rays. This is important, as UVA
rays are responsible for skin aging, whereas UVB rays are associated with sunburns.
Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer, regardless of skin tone, as well as lead
to hyperpigmentation. Oxidative stress produced by ultraviolet rays and pollution is also
a cause of premature skin aging and skin pigmentation. Vitamin E, a powerful
antioxidant, in these sunscreens protects the skin against these environmental factors.
Tinted vs. Non-Tinted Sunscreens:
Recent studies show that visible light in the environment (including from electronic
devices) can contribute to skin hyperpigmentation, especially in skin of color. Using a
sunscreen formulated with iron oxides can help protect against visible light damage.
When it comes to sunscreen formulations, an important difference to note between
tinted and non-tinted sunscreens is iron oxides. Iron oxides in tinted sunscreens protect
against visible light in the environment. The EltaMD UV Clear and UV Daily are
available in two tinted formulations, one lighter and one deeper, to suit a variety of skin
tones.
Additional Skincare Benefits:
In addition to sun protection, both of these sunscreens offer additional benefits for the
skin.
EltaMD UV Clear Tinted Sunscreen is designed with high-purity niacinamide to visibly
improve skin complexion. It is clinically proven to improve skin texture by 40% and skin
discoloration by 38%. It's also non-comedogenic, so it’s safe for acne-prone skin.
EltaMD UV Daily Tinted Sunscreen is formulated with hyaluronic acid to help reduce the
appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. It also helps the skin retain moisture and
improves skin feel by reducing flaking and restoring suppleness. This is a sheer,
lightweight formula that is ideal for normal to dry skin types. It’s also non-comedogenic,
so it will not clog pores.
Sun Protection in Skin of Color:
The expansion of these sunscreen lines in a deeper tint sheds light on an important fact:
all skin tones need sun protection. Even though people with deeper skin tones are less
likely to burn, sun damage is more likely to present as pigmentation and skin aging. In
addition, skin cancer can affect anyone, of any skin tone. This is why sun protection is
essential, regardless of complexion. For deeper skin tones, using a sunscreen like
these two new EltaMD products can help protect against visible light damage,
hyperpigmentation, oxidative stress, and skin aging. I look forward to using and sharing
these new products with my friends, family, and patients.
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