You can’t keep her name out of your mouth. Social media is buzzing about her every appearance. Dermatologists and celebrities alike flock to her. She’s a summer essential. Say hello to your new best friend, EltaMD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46.
Unless you’ve been suntanning on a deserted island (hopefully wearing sunscreen), you’ve probably heard about the dermatologist-beloved, cult-favorite sunscreen by Elta MD.
Drew Barrymore, Kendall Jenner, and Mindy Kaling are all huge fans, it has a five star ranking with over 2352 reviews on Dermstore, and I can say with total confidence it’s the one sunscreen that can do it all.
Since May is National Skin Cancer and Melanoma Awareness Month, it felt like the perfect time to spotlight a game-changing sunscreen. Dr. Ellen Marmur, board-certified Dermatologist and founder of New York City dermatology practice Marmur Medical, jumped on a call with me to break down why Elta MD’s UV Clear Broad-Spectrum deserves the spotlight right now (yes, you should be applying sunscreen even at home in self-isolation) along with how to apply it and what key ingredients make it so great.
And the award for best All-Around goes to…
“I think what makes it so great is that it’s accessible,” explains Dr. Marmur. “It applies like a luxury serum, it plays well with other products, you can put makeup on top of it, and it’s a really nice product for all different skin types.” The last bit is vital to me. As a woman of color, I’ve struggled with the white cast left by most sunscreens my entire life. This is one of the few mineral sunscreens that doesn’t leave me with residue or turn me gray. I apply this every morning and it truly feels like I’m not wearing anything on my face.
The Elta MD Sunscreen Family Brings Variety
I have oilier skin that’s prone to breakouts. One wrong face cream and a day or so later, my pores are clogged and I’ve got pimples galore. With the UV Clear formula I don’t have to worry about any of that. “If you have acne, Elta MDs Clear is perfect because of the lactic acid that can help,” says Dr. Marmur. Lactic acid is an AHA exfoliant that works by breaking down and dissolving the structure of dead skin cells. For me, it’s helped improve my skin hyperpigmentation and fight skin congestion. But if you have more sensitive skin types or drier skin types, Dr. Marmur recommends other Elta MD sunscreens. According to Dr. Marmur, sensitive types should reach for the UV Elements SPF 44, while drier skin types should grab the UV Daily SPF 40.
It fights computer blue and infrared light
Here’s another friendly reminder that you should be wearing sunscreen inside the house in self-isolation. “I’ve had a lot of clients calling me saying their skin pigmentation, with issues like melasma, is getting worse since they have been inside,” tells Dr. Marmur. “When a lot of us are working from home, we are in front of our screens, and as we know, the light from our computers can cause inflammation of the skin. The key ingredient of this sunscreen is mineral which can help shield from sunlight that can cause inflammation. The sunlight also does go through your windows and can reflect on the metal and mirrors,” adds Dr. Marmur. So again, for a third reminder, you should be applying sunscreen inside.
It’s free from chemicals
The mineral-based sunscreen uses zinc oxide to fight UVB and UVA rays. You don’t have to worry about chemical ingredients that are common in most sunscreens. At least that’s one less thing you have to worry about today?
You’ll actually want to apply this sunscreen
Dr. Marmur recommends applying sunscreen in the morning after you have cleansed and exfoliated the skin. If you’re prone to breakouts, you can skip a moisturizer and go straight for Elta MD sunscreen because it can hydrate the skin without irritation. She also recommends applying a second time in the afternoon while in self-isolation. “But, if you are going outside and active, you should be applying every two hours,” says Dr. Marmur. Take it from me, you’ll look forward to applying.