In partnership with MDSolarSciences. Editor’s Note: We only select and work with partners that meet our quality standards, so you can rest assured we only endorse products we believe in.
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Growing up, my mother instilled the notion of applying sunscreen daily, but I didn’t truly understand the importance of it until I became a beauty editor in my early 20s. When I was a child, my mom would also apply and reapply SPF, reminding me to always go for an SPF 50, but when I lived on my own and went to college, I didn’t pay much attention to applying sunscreen unless I was going to the beach.
It was only when I started my editorial career and saw first-hand the effects of not applying sunscreen that I started to pay attention. Through my work, I’ve also had the opportunity to learn more from several amazing dermatologists – two of whom I tapped to answer several questions I had before trying MDSolarSciences, a buzzy dermatologist-developed and recommended brand.
Here’s what I learned from Dr. Dhaval Bhausalli (the board-certified dermatologist behind both Rhode and Elm Biosciences, developed with Hailey Bieber and Martha Stewart, respectively) and Dr. Kiran Mian (who specializes in both procedural and medical dermatology and you may recognize from multiple of Alix Earle’s viral skincare journey TikToks). Plus, my experience with some of MDSolarSciences’ best-selling products.
I understand how applying sunscreen before applying your makeup can feel frustrating, especially when it starts to pill. But I’m here to say that it doesn’t have to be that way. All it takes is the right product, like this mineral sunscreen that also acts as a makeup primer. It comes in SPF 50 for broad-spectrum sun protection, but it also provides a smooth matte finish, leaving you with the perfect base to apply your makeup – no pilling in sight.
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For days when you want to have a natural glow to your skin (while still keeping it out of the sun’s harmful rays), try this illuminating tinted sunscreen. Not only does it hydrate your skin and boost elasticity, but the finish of the sunscreen is beautiful and, as the name suggests, it leaves your skin glowing. Key ingredients along with SPF 50 include Vitamin C and Green Tea for increasing collagen, and a ceramide complex to help restore your skin barrier.
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If you’re looking for a sunscreen/makeup hybrid, the MD Mineral BB Crème is for you. It helps you get the SPF coverage that your skin requires while evening out your skin tone and reducing discoloration with its light makeup coverage. You can choose from three different shades: Light, Medium, and Dark. It leaves your skin with an easy glow that comes in a matte finish that doesn’t feel greasy on the skin.
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I was quite excited to test out this product, especially with the plethora of awards to its name. This tinted lip balm helps your pout get the sun protection it needs with Broad Spectrum 30, while also being packed with hydrating ingredients like Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, and Avocado Oil. Out of the seven buildable sheer shades, I tried the color Blush. The cool pink-mauve shade went on super-smooth and kept my lips hydrated pretty much all day long, which was wonderful.
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For a daily moisturizer that also provides a broad band protection of SPF 30, I knew I was going to love the Daily Perfecting Moisturizing. Some days my skin feels super dry, and I just want to put on a lightweight moisturizer and be done. This moisturizer with SPF protection contains nourishing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Snow Mushroom, as well as antioxidants. I could see that it helped hydrate my skin’s barrier and make my skin feel a bit brighter, too. I also loved that it's recommended for daily use by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
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What To Look for in a Sunscreen and How It Affects Aging
When it comes to sunscreen ingredients, Dr. Bhanusali recommends looking for Zinc, Titanium Dioxide, and Avobenzone, depending on whether you’re using a chemical or mineral sunscreen. Dr. Mian adds, “More advanced filters that are formulated to leave less of a while cast include ethylhexyl methoxycinnamate, Ethylhexyl Triazone, and Diethylhexyl Butamido Triazone.”
If you are wondering why applying sunscreen daily matters when it comes to aging, Dr. Mian and Dr. Bhanusali break it down for us: “It protects you from the harmful rays of the sun,” Dr. Bhanusali explains. “These rays can lead to collagen breakdown (wrinkles), pigmentation, and even skin cancer. It’s important to be consistent – you can even get sunburns on cloudy days!”
Dr. Mian explains that “it’s the cumulative dose of UV rays that causes sun damage to the skin, so minimizing exposure even on daily commutes or walks to and from the car is important. Protecting your skin from the sun on a regular basis minimizes UV exposure to our skin's DNA. UV exposure is what leads to not just DNA damage, but also damage to collagen, elastin, and increase in vascularity and pigmentation, all leading to signs of aging.”
Even if it’s not super sunny outside, you should 100% be applying sunscreen. “Whether on a cloudy day or if you are at the beach on a sunny day, the risk is real,” Dr. Bhanusali explains. “It’s important to apply at least 30 minutes before you head out and ideally every 2 hours or so after.” An easy hack to see what the UV index is? Just check your smartphone’s weather app, Dr. Mian says. “If the UV index is above 3, apply sunscreen before going outside.”
In order to prevent future sun damage if you haven’t been consistent with sunscreen, the best thing you can do is start now. “Start using a retinoid to stimulate collagen production, an antioxidant serum to undo free radical damage, and laser treatments for photorejuvenation. All of this can help undo sun damage that's accumulated over time,” Dr. Mian states. “There is more and more literature supporting various laser procedures to help undue the sun damage,” Dr. Bhanusali says. “While it’s promising, there is still the risk of skin cancer, and so it should be considered a last resort. Prevention is always key.”
Vetted and Trusted
After hearing all of this, I was even more determined to find more ways to incorporate SPF into my everyday routine and got down to testing out the MDSolarSciences products. Since it may be a little jarring to decide which products to start with, we’re breaking down some of our essentials from the brand ahead. I tried out five key products from their line to give you some options on what might work best for you and your lifestyle.
I understand how applying sunscreen before applying your makeup can feel frustrating, especially when it starts to pill. But I’m here to say that it doesn’t have to be that way. All it takes is the right product, like this mineral sunscreen that also acts as a makeup primer. It comes in SPF 50 for broad-spectrum sun protection, but it also provides a smooth matte finish, leaving you with the perfect base to apply your makeup – no pilling in sight.
We like
We don't like
For days when you want to have a natural glow to your skin (while still keeping it out of the sun’s harmful rays), try this illuminating tinted sunscreen. Not only does it hydrate your skin and boost elasticity, but the finish of the sunscreen is beautiful and, as the name suggests, it leaves your skin glowing. Key ingredients along with SPF 50 include Vitamin C and Green Tea for increasing collagen, and a ceramide complex to help restore your skin barrier.
We like
We don't like
If you’re looking for a sunscreen/makeup hybrid, the MD Mineral BB Crème is for you. It helps you get the SPF coverage that your skin requires while evening out your skin tone and reducing discoloration with its light makeup coverage. You can choose from three different shades: Light, Medium, and Dark. It leaves your skin with an easy glow that comes in a matte finish that doesn’t feel greasy on the skin.
We like
We don't like
I was quite excited to test out this product, especially with the plethora of awards to its name. This tinted lip balm helps your pout get the sun protection it needs with Broad Spectrum 30, while also being packed with hydrating ingredients like Jojoba Oil, Shea Butter, and Avocado Oil. Out of the seven buildable sheer shades, I tried the color Blush. The cool pink-mauve shade went on super-smooth and kept my lips hydrated pretty much all day long, which was wonderful.
We like
We don't like
For a daily moisturizer that also provides a broad band protection of SPF 30, I knew I was going to love the Daily Perfecting Moisturizing. Some days my skin feels super dry, and I just want to put on a lightweight moisturizer and be done. This moisturizer with SPF protection contains nourishing ingredients like Hyaluronic Acid and Snow Mushroom, as well as antioxidants. I could see that it helped hydrate my skin’s barrier and make my skin feel a bit brighter, too. I also loved that it's recommended for daily use by the Skin Cancer Foundation.
We like
We don't like
Final Thoughts
Whether you’ve been consistent with SPF application in your life or are just realizing the importance of it, it’s not too late to start now. Retroactive suncare has never been easier, especially when you have SPF-based products that seamlessly work into your everyday skincare and makeup routines. It goes to show that taking care of your skin and keeping it out of the sun’s harsh rays is easier than it looks. So, what are you waiting for? Start your SPF journey with MD Solar Sciences now.
Shop MD Solar Sciences at https://mdsolarsciences.com.
