Tag: Obagi

Six Favorite Sunscreens and Tanners

Time for another appearance on Great Day Green Country! This morning, I’m highlighting favorite sunscreens and tanners in honor of Springtime. I know the official first day is in March, but there is something about it finally being April that makes me ready to soak up some sun. First, a couple notes about sunscreen:

FDA is now prohibiting the use of ultra-high SPF numbers on packaging. You don’t need to seek out shockingly high SPF factors like 100 – they don’t do anything more than SPF 50. Look for SPF 20 and higher (50 for the most sun intense days) and make sure to reapply very frequently.
Sunscreen sprays haven’t been thoroughly tested – if you decide to use them make sure you liberally spray completely covering skin and let them soak in (don’t rub).
For the best sun protection look for zinc or titanium oxide. My sensitive skin tends to do better with these “physical blockers” and they are the more proven sun protection ingredients.

Now on for my favorites:

ZO Skin Health ‘Oclipse’ Sunscreen + Primer SPF 30

I do my best to wear sunscreen every single day, but this stuff makes you want to wear it. The primer/sunscreen hybrid features natural melanin to reflect those nasty pigment causing rays. The silky formula works perfectly under makeup. (Tulsa folks: you can also purchase these products from Gabriel Horn at Dr. Manduano’s office).

Kate Somerville Body Glow Sunscreen SPF20

Kate always does it right – this SPF has the prettiest golden pearls that improve the look of skin while hiding imperfections. SolarX Complex blocks UVA and UVB rays while antioxidants like rosemary extract work to improve skin inside out. Mango butter hydrates and Caffeine improves tone and contours.

Cle de Peau Beaute UV Protection Cream Broad Spectrum Sunscreen SPF 50+

A truly luxurious sunscreen, the price point on this one can be shocking. But I’ve had my tube for quite a while and cherish every drop. The silky and creamy sunscreen prevents photo aging. It uniquely contains thyme and turmeric extracts to prevent DNA damage to cells that cause wrinkle formation. I love this under makeup, but it also has a luminous finish on its own – perfect for looking good at the pool.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 50+

For the sports buffs, this sunscreen is a champion for extreme outdoor protection. This formula soaks seamlessly into skin and has great high value SPF. It is very water-resistant so less need to stop and reapply if you are in the middle of a race (or just a marathon pool session). It is also perspiration-resistant and sand-proof.

Brush On Block BOB Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Mineral Powder Sunscreen

This novel formula provides invisible, natural sun protection in powder form, avoiding that whole greasy issue. I love this for traveling because you don’t have to deal with that pesky 3 ounce liquid rule. It also is fabulous for children or men with thinning hair.

Xen-Tan Luminous Gold Gel Sparkle Weekly Medium Self-Tan

I just won’t shut up about this fabulous self-tanner so I am going to mention it again. This clear, silky formula leaves the prettiest bronze shade. I sense no odor and the iridescent golden shimmer gives instant gratification. It is also so valuable when you can’t pass the drying time with dark clothes – feel free to wear while or light colors without fear.

And a note for those who are looking for something at the drugstore: I am a huge fan of the L’Oreal Sublime product line. They smell great, look good and are easy to use.

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Favorite Vitamin C Serums

Hyperpigmentation (grrr!) is my skin’s biggest issue. I’ve tried everything. And have made some progress. But every time summer rolls around, SPF be damned, I get those nasty spots again. (This summer, I am taking the hat-approach in addition to super-powdered SPF). The progress I have made, I credit to Vitamin C. This super ingredient can fade dark spots and even skin. It also helps with aging and radiance. So, here is my round up of Vitamin C MVPs:

SK-II Facial Treatment Repair C has been in my rotation for a while. I love the light formula with a silky finish. This serum also contains SK-II’s signature ingredient, Pitera to fight aging.

M-61 Vitablast C is a fabulous oil-free version from the BlueMercury brand. This formula contains gallic acid to naturally brighten. And at the same time, it soothes and nourishes skin with Vitamin E.

Taylor Owen Vitamin C+ 12% manages a decent level of Vitamin C without being irritating. This formula gave us some pretty immediate brightening and we love the way it smooths onto skin. Bonus points that this South Florida based skincare line is 98% natural.

OBAGI Professional-C Serum, 20% packs a punch. Obagi has consistently brought me fast and dramatic results. Expect no less with this highly concentrated serum. Not only will it bring the strongest brightening effects, but it will also give you a does of hydration.

Perricone MD Vitamin C Eye works specifically on this delicate skin and in conjunction with your your daily eye cream. For those with genetic dark circles, this could be the ticket. The formula is also loaded with antioxidant protection from Tocotrienols.

Summer Complexion Helpers

We are more than halfway through summer and I am still enjoying the casual days, subtle makeup and festive mood. I’m also seeing the effects of time by the pool – filled with pore clogging sunscreen and dreaded hyper-pigmentation causing sun. I thought I’d share some of my favorite complexion savers that have been especially helpful to me during the summer routine.

1. Kate Somerville Complexion Correction Daily Discoloration Perfector: This stuff goes after melanin (which causes those dark spots). The formula actually controls the creation of pigments, while lightening at the same time. Retinol is also included to fight those fine lines and wrinkles.

2. Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Rubberizing Mask: Bring a little piece of Bliss Spa home with this “way too fun” rubberizing mask. There is something so satisfying about peeling off the mask after it has dried. Tea tree, seaweed and willow and menthol extracts help complexion look less shiny and improves the appearance of pores.

3. 3LAB Perfect BB SPF40/ PA+++: Armed with high factor SPF, this tinted moisturizer can even skin and fight those dark spots while making skin appear flawless. The formula contains 3LAB’s proprietary bioengineered growth hormone that can reverse the signs of aging.

4. Obagi Professional-C Serum 15% Strength: This serum effectively delivers a high-powered amount of Vitamin C into the skin. Vitamin C is great anti-aging ingredient which also lightens and brightens skin. Unlike other Vitamin C products, I get zero irritation despite the high level of active ingredient.

5. Bliss No ‘Zit’ Sherlock Correcting Serum: Containing 1% Salicylic acid, this serum gently heals blemishes and fades darks spots that those blemishes leave behind. If you have oiler skin, it makes for a great all over serum, reducing pore size and redness.