Skin Defense^TM

• Sunscreens use either chemical ingredients, which penetrate into the skin to absorb UV rays, or mineral ingredients, which sit on top of the skin and deflect the rays. The former tend to be more cosmetically elegant; the latter, less irritating. This formula combines the two.

• A.M.:

Use every morning, as the final step in your skin-care routine. Reapply every two hours, especially if you’re outdoors, swimming, or sweating.

• Sunscreen is a must, 365 days a year, rain or shine, since aging UVA rays can penetrate clouds and even glass.

• To increase protection from the free radical damage caused by sun exposure, layer an antioxidant serum, like Clarity RX Take Care Daily Antioxidant Red Tea Serum, under your sunscreen.

• To ensure you’re getting adequate protection, use a nickel-size dollop of sunscreen to cover your entire face. Don’t forget to use it on your neck, chest, and hands.

• Octyl methoxycinnamate: A chemical sunscreen ingredient that works by penetrating the skin, where it absorbs the sun’s UVB rays (those responsible for burning) before they can cause damage to the cells

• Zinc oxide: These hydrate dry skin while soothing irritation and inflammation.

• Safflower and sunflower oils: A type of chamomile, this is innately soothing and anti-inflammatory. It’s an especially good ingredient to use for redness and rosacea because it’s proven to work on the capillaries underneath the skin. By strengthening the walls of these tiny blood vessels, they (and the subsequent redness) become less noticeable.