When Beverly Hills, Calif, cosmetic dermatologist Jason Emer, MD, starts talking about skin care products and cosmeceuticals, he can go on and on and on. He has so much to say about what they do, how they smell, and why they are essential that this article is Part II of what will likely become an ongoing series. Part I looked at lotions, potions, and creams that target hyperpigmentation, acne, less-than-luscious eyelashes, and more. Now, Emer takes on sunscreens, antioxidant serums, and undereye dream creams. Here are some of his all-time faves:
Protect Your Pucker
Jack Black® Intense Therapy Lip Balm SPF 25 “This is great for men,” Emer says. “It comes in different flavors, goes on very smoothly, and lasts a long time,” he says. “Our lips are at risk for photodamage and skin cancer, but we tend to forget about them when applying our sunscreen.” 0.25 oz, $7.50 www.getjackblack.com
SuperGoop!®
Acai Fusion Lip Balm SPF 30 “This lip balm gets its power from the acai superberry. It smells really good, and Shea butter and other ingredients add moisture back to dry, chapped lips,” he says. “It also has an SPF of 30—that’s pretty high.” There’s more: It’s sheer pink, so it serves double duty as a lipstick. $8.50 www.supergoop.com
Catch the Wave
Headhunter® SPF 30 War Paint “This is so cool,” Emer says. “It was developed by a surfing company as a very strong sunscreen for people who are in the water a lot,” he says. Replete with zinc oxide and titanium, “it comes in different colors and is great if you are active and spend a lot of time in the sun.” 14.8 mL, less than $10 www.headhuntersurf.com
One and Done
Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant ?SPF 33 by JanMarini “All of JanMarini’s products are antiaging and protect against the sun’s damaging ultraviolet A and B rays,” Emer says. “This product also has phytomelanin and beta glucan 1,3, which prevents and reverses damage caused by sun exposure.” An added bonus: “It smells really good.” Antioxidant Daily Face Protectant SPF 33 by JanMarini is available in three tints. “Consider this your luxury sunscreen,” he says. “For men, its great because they don’t like layering products, so choosing one that has SPF plus something that fights aging is a win-win.” 2 oz, $54 www.janmarini.com
Body Buddy
EltaMD® UV Spray ?Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 “When your skin is really dry it has cracks, and lotions fill the cracks, but there’s often not enough left to cover up the skin’s top layer unless you apply and reapply,” he says. By contrast, “Spray disperses easily. It goes into cracks and covers the skin in one application,” he says. “It sprays on white, and when you rub it in, it’s clear.” 4 oz spray, $29.50 It’s also available as a 1.7 oz pump. www.eltamd.com
Morning Glory
SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic or Phloretin CF in the AM “These are both antioxidant workhorses,” Emer says. “One has a combination of vitamin C and ferulic acid, and the other has vitamin C plus Phloretin CF. Both reduce the visible sings of aging, reduce hyperpigmentation, and give UV protection,” he continues. “The Phloretin CF (1 oz, $159) is a better choice for an oily complexion because it has alcohol, which dries out oil, and allows the active ingredients to better penetrate the skin.” 30 mL, $159 www.skinceuticals.com
Eye SPY
SkinCeuticals Physical Eye UV Defense SPF 50 “It’s tinted, so it can cover dark circles and provide sun protection.” Specifically designed for thin, sensitive skin, this product contains ceramides that remoisturize the über delicate undereye area. 10 mL, $30 www.skinceuticals.com
Denise Mann is the editor of Plastic Surgery Practice. She can be reached at [email protected]
