Hybrid Sunscreens: The Future of Sun Protection
In terms of the equinox, we still have a full month of summer weather ahead, so let’s talk about sunscreen. You already know you need to wear it every day, even when it’s not summer and also when it’s cloudy. So, as the transition from summer to fall is upon us, wouldn’t it be great if your hybrid sunscreen did more than just protect you from the premature aging associated with the sun’s rays? Imagine if it also specifically targeted your skin concerns and was smooth, easy to apply, and comfortable all day. We are happy to announce that we can make your dreams come true with ANY of our sunscreens. Today, we’re taking a deep dive into the science that takes our hybrid SPF formulas to the next level, so white coats at the ready...
All of our sunscreens (6! count ‘em!) offer triple defense with superior shielding from mineral ingredients zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, plus antioxidants that provide environmental AND daily hydration defense. But we’ve taken our formulas to the next level with impressive new ingredients that will protect your skin at a higher level because there’s more than just UVA and UVB rays attacking your skin . . .
PROBLEM: Infrared Radiation
No, this is not a sci-fi novel; infrared radiation is a form of electromagnetic energy (again, not sci-fi), and around half of the sun's total energy output is infrared radiation. While it falls under the invisible light spectrum, meaning you can’t see it with your eyes, it can be felt as heat. It has the ability to penetrate the skin, triggering structural damage, including photoaging. Exposure to infrared radiation, particularly from the sun, can contribute to skin aging and potentially increase the risk of skin cancer over time.
OUR SOLUTION: Elix-IR™
This remarkable knotgrass extract is rich in flavonoids and helps to protect the skin against some of the damaging effects of infrared radiation. It’s proven to protect dermal fibers from overall sun damage (both UV and infrared) while increasing firmness and reducing the appearance of wrinkles. You’ll find it in all our sunscreens, so apply daily and you’ll be fighting a problem you didn’t even know you had.
PROBLEM: High Energy Visible Light (HEV)
AKA blue light (in the visible light spectrum), this is emitted from screens, but it also comes from sunlight. It may well contribute to visible skin aging, hyperpigmentation, and damage, though research on its specific effects is ongoing. For now, protection through screen filters and skincare products can help mitigate potential harm.
OUR SOLUTION: Physavie®
Another of our hybrid sunscreen ingredients is a plant extract that’s clinically proven to biologically reduce damage from infrared radiation and visible light and protect skin from the harmful effects of blue light. We use Physavie® in all our sunscreen formulations, so you can put this concern to rest.
PROBLEM: POLLUTION
Particulate matter from pollution can be undetectable to the human eye, a problem in so many ways. Did you know some of the smallest particles are a fraction of the size of the circumference of a hair strand? Particulate matter is able to adhere to the skin like glue and can even penetrate the skin barrier, often leading to trans-epidermal water loss and exacerbating sensitivities, not to mention triggering premature signs of aging.
OUR SOLUTION: EXO-P™
Our sophisticated solution is an exopolysaccharide that forms a breathable, biomimetic shield that works to trap particulate matter before it enters the skin. Apply one of our sunscreens each day, and you’ll protect your skin against this harmful pollution, which is particularly useful if you live in a city or drive on busy roads.
Our hybrid daily sunscreens bring all this and our triple defense - mineral ingredients: zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, antioxidants that provide environmental protection, and daily hydration defense. And of course, SPF (read all about it in our Busting the Myths of SPF blog). We make the best hybrid sunscreen (if we do say so ourselves!), and remember you have 6 options: Clear Shield, Sheer Hydration in untinted or versatile tint and Moisture Matte in Ivory for cool undertones, Sand for warm undertones, and Amber for neutral undertones. You can even replace your daily moisturizer with our hydrating sunscreen formulas if that works better for your skin. For personalized skin advice, don’t forget our skin pros offer seasonal consultations and will customize a tailored routine for the summer months (or any season). Take your skin protection to the next level and future-proof your skin day in and day out with a sophisticated AlumierMD formula; find yours here.
