Key Benefits of
Essential Defense
Protects against damaging UVA and UVB rays
Will not clog pores
Paraben free, hypoallergenic, oil free, and fragrance free
A sunscreen with a touch of color, this slightly tinted, lightweight formulation gives you the highest level of UVA protection available, along with UVB coverage in a mineral shield that’s gentle to your skin.
Appropriate for post procedure and sensitive skin types.
Apply in the morning after cleansing, toning, and application of treatment products.
Apply to your entire face, (neck and chest if desired) and other sun-exposed areas.
Apply liberally 15 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply at least every 2 hours.
For external use only. UV exposure from the sun increases the risk of skin cancer, premature aging and other skin damage. It is important to decrease UV exposure by limiting time in the sun, wearing protective clothing and using a sunscreen. When using this product, keep out of eyes. Rinse with water to remove. Do not use if allergic to any ingredient. Stop use and ask a doctor if rash or irritation develops and lasts. Keep out of reach of children. If swallowed, get medical help or contact a Poison Control center right away.
PA rating refers to the amount of protection the sunscreen offers from UVA rays since SPF only ranks protection from UVB rays. The PA rating system ranges from +(least) to ++++(most). The more plus symbols, the more protection from UVA rays, the rays that may cause long-term skin damage and, therefore, age the skin. SkinMedica® sunscreens have the highest PA rating at PA++++.
No, only TOTAL DEFENSE + REPAIR delivers the breakthrough benefit of IR protection.
The two Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum Sunscreens contain both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. Everyday Clear Broad Spectrum SPF 47 Sunscreen contains only zinc oxide.
For those with darker skin tones who are more concerned about a whitening look from sunscreens, Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 32 Sunscreen Tinted may be a good option, depending on how dark the skin tone is. All three Essential Defense sunscreens can be an appropriate choice if no whitening is observed once each one is rubbed in.
Sometimes the white coverage of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide found in traditional sunscreens can leave dark skin looking purple or blue, but since SkinMedica® sunscreens use a micronized zinc oxide, they tend to be more sheer. The zinc oxide and titanium dioxide contained in SkinMedica® sunscreens are embedded in a silicone matrix, which allows these minerals to spread evenly and smoothly on the skin without leaving the white residue typically seen with other sunscreens.
*The UVAPF value provides information on the magnitude of UVA protection and helps determine the UVA classification of topical sunscreen products. In Japan, the PA rating system (PA+, PA++, PA+++, PA++++) is used to classify UVA protection. PA ratings are not a USFDA requirement on sunscreens sold in the US.
Yes, all three Essential Defense sunscreens are noncomedogenic, paraben free, hypoallergenic, oil free, and fragrance free.
Noncomedogenic means the product is not expected to clog pores.
Hypoallergenic means it causes fewer allergic reactions than other products.
An all-physical sunscreen utilizes sunscreen actives, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide, that work by sitting on top of the skin to deflect or block damaging UV rays away from the skin.
A physical-chemical sunscreen utilizes a combination of sunscreen actives that include physical blockers and chemical filters to achieve a more elegant and sheer formulation. Chemical filtering sunscreen actives work by absorbing UV rays and converting them into heat energy on top of the skin.
TOTAL DEFENSE + REPAIR has been heavily researched and studied in clinical settings. It has published scientific data, Before & After photos, and clinical studies. More than a sunscreen, TOTAL DEFENSE + REPAIR goes beyond sun protection and actually helps support the skin’s ability to restore itself.
If you are new to SkinMedica® or just want to learn more about our
award-winning products, this is the perfect place to start.
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