It doesn’t happen often, but sometimes a reader suggests a product to me that I haven’t tried. S/he is so excited about the product, however, that I’ll do my best to track it down, and review it. Such is the case with the Powerful Sun Protection SPF 45 Cream by Dr. Dennis Gross (MD Skincare) ($42.00 4.2 fl. oz). The creator, Dr. Dennis Gross, is a New York dermatologist who produced a line of skin care products combining the best of nature and science, with multifunctional products that provide great skin solutions. The Advice Sisters have reviewed many MD Skincare products in past What Works columns. All of the products are made with natural and organic ingredients. They are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and formulated without parabens, sodium lauryl sulfates, mineral oil, paraffin, synthetic dyes and fragrances.
The Powerful Sun Protection SPF 45 Cream arrives in a bright orange box with white accents, and inside is a bright orange tube with white flip-top. Yes, it’s attractive, and it’s pricey. So why did my readers beg me to review it? For starters, this sun protection has an oil-free formula and is also very water resistant (so it is particularly great for people who are active). The press literature says that it will offer up to 80 minutes of powerful, anti-aging and sunburn protection. A friend of mine who swears this is the only sun protection she will use, often attends tennis matches that go on for hours. She reports that this cream keeps her from burning, even when the sun it at it’s hottest. A chelator removes iron left on the skin from tap water, which helps in skin cancer prevention, and the formula also contains wrinkle-fighting antioxidants and humectants. The product is very luxurious and absorbs quickly, with no odor or residue. You can use it on your face as well as your body (nice, when you’re traveling and don’t want to take two different types of sun protections). In addition, the product doesn’t look chalky on the skin, even though it has 4.6% zinc oxide. For those who tend to break out from products with a high SPF, this one seems to be suitable, even though it has a broad spectrum SPF of 45. Other actives are Oxctinoxate (4.5%); Octisalate (4%) and Oxybenzone (4%). Other key ingredients include: Vaccinium Angustifolia (Blueberry Fruit Extract), Solanum Lycopersicum (Tomato Fruit Extract-Lycopenes), and Glycerin. Noteable, is that this products provides both a physical and chemical sun block. While no product will protect your skin indefinitely, this particular product does seem to work long, and hard, You still need to apply the cream to your face and body a recommended 30 minutes before sun exposure, and after towel drying, swimming, or perspiring. Still it is a superior sunblock. No wonder readers are gushing over it. It really does live up to it’s name: “powerful,” and well worth a little extra.
Another product I didn’t need any prompting to re-review this season is the Powerful Sun Protection SPF 30 Daily Sunscreen Towelettes ($18.00/20 towelettes). Each towelette is one application, in a thin, orange package. Tear it open and wipe it on your skin (there is no sticky residue, really comfy on the skin), and you’re good to go! These are super for travel. But what is so special about these is not just the amazing portability and ease of use, it’s the cocktail of impressive, powerful ingredients that protect your skin from UVA/UVB rays, and environmental pollutants such as smog. Helpers include Vitamin C and green tea. The oil-free formula is good for both face and body. The three key sun-protection ingredients include 3% Avobenzone (protects against UVA rays), 7.5 % Oxybenzone (p-protects against both UVA. UVB rays), 5% Octinoxate (protects against UVB rays) and 5% Octisalate (protects against UVB rays). There are other antioxidants that promote collagen and protect it against ozone, and even lycopene to reduce wrinkles, fine lines, and fend off free radicals. It’s also economical, because none is wasted. The SPF 30 is good enough to cover most needs. Love it, love it, love it!
For everyone who is a fan of tinted moisturizer (and I know that there are many), Dr. Dennis Gross has a luxurious and effective one called: All-In-One Tinted Moisturizer Sunscreen SPF 15 ($44.00 1.7 fl. oz.) This award-winning tinted moisturizer marries a lightweight foundation with SPF 15 in five colors: light, light/medium, medium, medium/dark, and dark. The sheer product hydrates, evens skin tone and provides a bit of protection against the sun’s harmful UVA/UVB rays. Many tinted moisturizers are greasy or leave the face shiny. This one just adds a whisp of tint, and is moistly matte, not overly “dewy.” The formula has antioxidants to prevent collagen breakdown and slow aging, and Hyaluronic Acid and Allantoin to hydrate and soften skin and stimulate tissue growth. It is great for travel, when all you need is a casual face look. My only complaint is that it is pricey, but like all the other Dr. Dennis Gross products, you get what you pay for. Key ingredients include: Sodium Hyaluronate, Vitamins C & E, Dimethicone, Titanium Dioxide, Allantoin, Octinoxate, and Avobenzone.
While some products are pricey and don’t live up to expectations, these, do. Visit the Dr. Dennis Gross Website to get these products and many more: ,http://www.dgskincare.com
