L to R – Oil Free Matte SPF30, Solar Defense Booster SPF50, Super Sensitive Shield SPF30, Ultra Sensitive Tint SPF30
We all know the importance of applying sunscreen on a daily basis. Makeup products such as BB Creams, foundations and powders which contain sunscreens may not be enough as they are not sunscreens per se. These products can only be regarded as a bonus and it’s still necessary to apply a sunscreen if you want total and complete protection from UVA/UVB filters.
Dermalogica® has recently introduced new formulations and upgrades to its Daylight Defense System, a series of sun protection products for various skin types and needs, enhancing the system’s effectiveness, durability and wearability.
The new Daylight Defense System utilises two sophisticated technologies to boost product performance :
1) UV Smart Booster Technology
For enhanced photo-protection against harmful UV rays and free radicals, Dermalogica® has incorporated antioxidants into formulas via its revolutionary UV Smart Booster Technology. This allows essential antioxidants like Vitamins C and E to be encapsulated into a microcapsule that activates only when needed. Vitamins and released when exposed to UV rays, delivering photo-protection when it is most needed.
2) Oleosome Technology
Oleosome Technology is introduced in two of its reformulated products – Solar Defense Booster SPF50 and Oil Free Matte SPF30 – to encourage greater ease of daily use. Oleosomes are naturally-occurring spheres of emollient oils and Vitamin E found in Safflower Seeds. These unique molecules can deliver active ingredients such as sunscreens directly to the skin surface and release them over time to ensure the maximum skin benefits.
These qualities are especially relevant when formulating with chemical sunscreens because they allow for a higher SPF rating while using fewer sunscreen agents, lessening the chance of sensitivity and providing an elegant feel and wearability.
Sunscreens are generally divided into 2 categories : physical and chemical sunscreens or physical UV filters and chemical UV filters. Physical sunscreens are also known as sunblocks. Some differences between physical and chemical sunscreens are :
1) Ingredients
Key ingredients in physical sunscreens are titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Titanium dioxide can leave a whitish cast on skin especially when you’re having your photo taken with a flash as I have learnt to my detriment as I was using a compact powder which contained titanium dioxide! Oleosome Technology only works with Dermalogica®’s chemical sunscreens.
2) Absorption level
Physical sunscreens remain on the skin surface and deflect the sun’s rays while chemical sunscreens absorb the sun’s rays, chemical sunscreens absorb deeper into skin than physical sunscreens.
3) Skin Irritation
Chemical sunscreens tend to be more irritating to skin particularly sensitive skins but titanium dioxide can also cause irritations especially to those who cannot wear mineral makeup.
4) Texture
Physical sunscreens are generally thicker than chemical sunscreens which can sometimes function as a makeup primer. Physical sunscreens need re-application more often than chemical sunscreens.
These are the four products in Dermalogica®’s Daylight Defense System (all formulated without artificial fragrances and colours):
1) Oil Free Matte SPF30 50ml RM230(WM)/RM237(EM)
Upgraded from SPF20 and is now packaged as part of the MediBac Clearing® system (lime-green packaging). MediBac Clearing® is the range that helps clear acne. Contains UV Smart Booster and Oleosome Technology. This is a lightweight, ultra-sheer Broad Spectrum sunscreen that helps prevent shine, regulate oil production and soothe inflammation. Oil-absorbers help maintain an all-day matte finish without a powdery residue.
2) Solar Defense Booster SPF50 50ml RM278(WM)/RM286(EM)
Upgraded from an SPF30 using the new formulation, has been transitioned into the Dermalogica® Skin Health System (classic gray packaging). This sunscreen can be added to your moisturiser or foundation.
3) Super Sensitive Shield SPF30 50ml RM220(WM)/RM227(EM)
Now packaged as part of the UltraCalming® system (purple packaging) and contains the UltraCalming™ Complex to help reduce sensitivity, redness, irritation and inflammation. This is a chemical-free Broad Spectrum sunscreen to help protect and reinforce barrier lipids which are often compromised in sensitized skin conditions.
4) Ultra Sensitive Tint SPF30 50ml RM176(WM)/RM181(EM)
Now packaged as part of the UltraCalming® system (purple packaging) and contains the UltraCalming™ Complex to help reduce sensitivity, redness, irritation and inflammation. This is a Broad Spectrum sunscreen with tinted earth minerals to help guard skin against UV damage with antioxidants from soothing Grape Seed and Green Tea extracts. Shields against anti-aging and irritating UV damage.
If you have always wondered how much sunscreen is enough for it to be effective, the recommended amount is ½ a teaspoon minimum.
Other sunscreen tips from Dermalogica® :
1) Always use sunscreen even when indoors.
2) Try to avoid direct sun exposure between 10am and 8pm.
3) When using a chemical sunscreen for the first time, mix with moisturiser for the first 2 weeks (>SPF25).
4) For lighter texture preference, use it together with skin hydrating booster or toner.
5) For reapplication on makeup, spritz toner on skin and pat in sunscreen.
