Beauty: Saving face in a hot summer

After paying attention but not always walking the talk, this summer I’ve been more vigilant about daily facial sun protection. Layering on sun protection and makeup, though, can be a bit tricky and even irksome until you find the right routine or products for yourself.

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50 ($39)  is serious protection that also solves the daily makeup routine–a treat for me in a summer like this one, with its unusual streak of very hot weather. Natural physical filters titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provide high broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. The bonus is that it’s sheer and mattifying and gives a subtle tinted coverage. So, great for the office, or the cottage-country break.

Founded in 1997 by dermatologists, SkinCeuticals emphasizes the power of antioxidants in age-prevention skin care. It recommends optimizing the efficacy of sun protection products by using them in tandem with one of its serums that  contain a high concentration of stabilized vitamin C. The company has been addressing another assault to youthful-looking  healthy skin. Apparently, we need protection not just from UVA/UVB but also from infrared radiation wavelength. This is somewhat a new discussion in sun protection. According to SkinCeuticals, antioxidants like vitamin C do help.