SkinMedica® Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 32 (Tinted)

• Protects against damaging UVA and UVB rays
• Will not clog pores
• Paraben free, hypoallergenic, oil free, and fragrance free

What does a PA rating* mean?

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++++.

Do the Essential Defense sunscreens provide infrared (IR) protection?

No, only TOTAL DEFENSE + REPAIR delivers the breakthrough benefit of IR protection.

Do the Essential Defense sunscreens have both titanium dioxide and zinc oxide?

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.

How does the Essential Defense Mineral Shield Broad Spectrum SPF 32 Sunscreen Tinted work with darker skin types?

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.