Should consumers spend a lot of money on SPFs?

Consumers should focus on the quality and ingredients in the skin care product and the benefits on skin more than the price. There are a lot of skincare products on the market that are expensive but that do not provide much more benefit than those considered to be economical for most consumers.

Ambi’s Even & Clear Daily Facial Moisturizer with SPF 30 is affordable and packed with ingredients that get the job done. It is a moisturizer formulated with hyaluronic acid and natural extracts of Aloe and cucumber combined with antioxidant-rich vitamins C&E which rejuvenates, adds a glow and hydration to the skin without clogging the pores. It is also infused with SPF 30 that protects the skin from the sun while keeping it moisturized, soft, refined and even toned. An all-in-one product at a very affordable price.

Does SPF help minimize/reduce hyperpigmentation? 

Yes and more! Using sunscreen everyday helps in reducing/minimizing hyperpigmentation.

I recommend to my patients that sunscreen be worn all year round for the following reasons:

1. It helps to maintain an even skin tone. A common sign of aging that patients with darker skin tones present to the dermatologist with is hyperpigmentation, dark spots or uneven skin tone.
2. It helps prevent photoaging. A common sign of aging in all skin types is fine lines, wrinkles, leathery, thick skin and loss of elasticity or sagging of the skin.
3. It helps to prevent skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the US and although skin cancer is not as common in darker skin tones, when it presents, it tends to be diagnosed in the later stages and therefore have a poor prognosis.
4. It protects your skin from sunburn by UV rays. Let’s face it – sunburns are uncomfortable and ultimately lead to skin damage.

What ingredients should consumers with melanin look for in sunscreen? 

Broad spectrum, physical sunscreens, those containing zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are still the sunscreen of choice for skin of color since they are less irritating compared to chemical sunscreens that may irritate the skin.

Since development of dark spots are greater with skin of color it is best to look for products with vitamin C that can fight free radicals and help lighten the dark spots.

Hyaluronic acid, this will help hydrate the skin and prevent dryness that can accentuate hyperpigmentation.

Ambi’s Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30, not only offers moisturizer benefit, but a broad-spectrum SPF as well. It contains natural extracts like aloe and cucumber which is not only environmentally friendly but also non-irritating and suitable for sensitive skin; specially, for skin of color to prevent further occurrence of PIH. It is also filled with nutrients, proteins and vitamins C and E which are antioxidants that fight the free radicals causing skin damage. This product also does not leave an ashy white cast on the skin.

Do I need to wear sunscreen indoors?

Yes, UVA rays can penetrate through glass and cause skin damage. Also, visible or blue light emitted from electronic gadgets (cell phones, computers, television screens) can cause skin damage similar or worse than UV rays because visible light can penetrate deeper into the skin to create the damage. For optimal protection, it is advisable to use sunscreen daily indoors and outdoors.

If my foundation has sunscreen in its formula, do I still need to wear sunscreen? 

Yes, you still need to wear sunscreen even if your foundation already has a sunscreen formula in it. Foundation cannot replace sunscreen.

Try Ambi’s Daily Moisturizer with SPF 30 is a great addition to any skincare regimen. It is a broad-spectrum, lightweight SPF product that provides protection for the skin. It hydrates the skin without clogging the pores. It can be used all year round. It contains natural ingredients that make it a great option for all skin types.