8 External Aging Factors

June 6, 2012 by DR. NICHOLAS PERRICONE • 2 Comments

Ever stand inches away from the mirror, closely examining your face because you’re sure you see a wrinkle that was absolutely not there the day before? Relax. Time does not march on quite that fast.

In fact, time is not your skin’s greatest enemy. The natural aging process gets a tremendous push from these major external factors:

sun exposure- as evidenced by this recent picture that’s caused a flurry of posts and sharing
cigarette smoke (inhaled or second hand)
environmental toxins
a nutrition-poor diet, especially one lacking in vitamins A, C, E and folic acid; yet high in fat and salt
excess alcohol consumption
stress
harsh soaps or detergent-based moisturizers
sleep deprivation

How do you guard against environmental factors of aging?

Why Customers Love Advanced Face Firming Activator

July 13, 2009 by admin • 14 Comments

Advanced Face Firming Activator has been one of our top selling products for years. It is highly effective in correcting imperfections, shrinking pores, and reducing redness and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

But don’t just take our word for it! Read what customers are saying:

“I have been using this product for a few months and I just love how it makes my skin feel and look. Great value for the price too. An all around great idea and deal.”

-Anu from Washington DC

“Wow, this is one of my fave beauty products. And I happen to be a product-junkie. Just try it once to feel the difference.”

- Jman from California

“I use this product every day and I think its amazing for all ages. I’ve noticed a difference in the brightness of my eyes.”

- Yasmeen from New York

“I have been using Dr. Perricone products for several years now, and Advanced Face Firming Activator is part of my daily skin care routine. My 62 year old skin looks better than it ever has. I am happy to report that the fine lines around my eyes are nearly gone.”

- Bonnie from South Carolina

If you love Advanced Face Firming Activator or one of our other highly effective anti-aging products, why not let others know how it works for you? Write a review on our website today on any of our product pages!

Preserving Lean Muscle Mass

June 29, 2009 by Dr. Perricone • 8 Comments

As we age we gain body fat and lose muscle mass. Fortunately there are several key nutrients that help us preserve lean muscle mass, such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and chromium.

Experts in the field of nutrition report that the general population of the United States is deficient in chromium–and it should come as no surprise that low levels of chromium are associated with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease—both of which are endemic in developed countries.

In a placebo-controlled, cross-over study, Dr. Preuss and a team of researchers at Georgetown University Medical Center showed that overweight African-American women consuming 600 mcg of chromium as niacin-bound chromium trade name ChromeMate® for 8 weeks had a significant loss of body fat and sparing of muscle (lean body mass) compared with a prior placebo period of the same duration. Increased fat loss was also observed among women who were randomized to consume chromium first, followed by placebo, suggesting a carry-over effect of the supplementation on fat loss. No adverse effects were observed.

Studies have also been published noting that increased consumption of sugar (and related sweeteners) depletes our body stores of chromium, placing us at further risk for hyperglycemia and hyperinsulinemia (too much blood sugar, too much insulin).

In a perfect world, we would avoid refined sweeteners. Realistically we know that we all succumb to sugar’s siren song on occasion, therefore remember to make sure that you take a chromium supplement to prevent depleting your body’s stores of this important nutrient.

A Longer, Healthier Life, as easy as NBC

June 27, 2009 by Dr. Perricone • 4 Comments

For many years, researchers in the field of aging believed that the only way you could increase lifespan was by caloric restriction (CR). This is because low caloric intake will improve blood glucose levels and insulin sensitivity, thereby helping to prevent one of the most dangers pitfalls of aging, obesity, metabolic syndrome and diabetes. Recommend calorie deficits are approximately 250 – 500 calories, about 30% less food than we would normally eat. While this is an effective strategy, you won’t be incorrect when I state that is not overwhelmingly popular.

However, there is good news on the horizon. The nutritional supplement, niacin bound chromium (NBC) appears to produce similar effects when compared to caloric restriction.

Niacin Bound Chromium (NBC) for Life Extension
My colleague at Georgetown University’s School of Medicine, Dr. Harry Preuss, recently alerted me to very new and exciting findings. Animal studies found that chromium polynicotinate, also known as niacin-bound chromium (NBC) increased the average lifespan by twenty percent compared to animals taking a placebo. The NBC helps to lower the levels of circulating glucose (sugar) in the body. One of the reasons I advocate eliminating (as much as possible) sugar and simple starches from your diet is because high levels of circulating glucose in the body increase the presence of free radicals, which are the primary cause of metabolic disorders which can lead to diabetes. Scientists have repeatedly demonstrated that diabetes represents a premature form of aging, because of the damage caused by the excessively perturbed glucose-insulin system. This is really exciting news and one of the first strategies (other than caloric deprivation) shown to positively impact life-span

Chromium is a very important trace mineral that promotes normal insulin function and is essential for proper protein, fat and carbohydrate metabolism. As any anti-aging scientist well knows, elevated levels of insulin and blood sugar significantly accelerate cellular aging. Research now shows that the type of chromium known as NBC has a superior anti-aging and safety profile.

Extensive clinical and basic research utilizing a unique form of oxygen-coordinated niacin-bound chromium—generally known as chromium nicotinate or polynicotinate (trade name ChromeMate®) has shown that the niacin-bound form of chromium is the superior form (some forms have a worrisome profile, therefore I recommend utilizing the ChromeMate® brand for both safety and efficacy).

This form of NBC provides significant health benefits to those with diabetes and with metabolic syndrome and is, indeed, the most optimal form of chromium available as a dietary supplement.
The main benefits of NBC include:
• Promotion of proper insulin function and normal blood sugar levels
• Promotion of healthy blood cholesterol levels, normal blood pressure, and cardiovascular health
• Promotion of healthy body weight and lean body mass

Preserving Lean Muscle Mass
As we age we gain body fat and lose muscle mass. Fortunately there are several key nutrients that help us preserve lean muscle mass, such as conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) and chromium.

As always I welcome your comments and suggestions,

Nicholas Perricone, MD, FACN, CNS

In Full Swing—Secrets to a Longer, Healthier Life

June 24, 2009 by Dr. Perricone • 1 Comment

Scientists long ago established that exercise greatly reduces both the incidence and severity of age-related degenerative diseases. But we don’t just want to live longer; we want to extend the number of our healthy years. We want to stay fit and active with the capacity to enjoy life to its fullest. Gerontologists refer to this as our ‘health span’ – as opposed to our simple “life span” – and universally agree that exercise is a crucial component to extend and improve them both. The right exercise will strengthen our bones and muscles, improve and restore physical and emotional balance, relieve stress and improve physical, mental and emotional health.

Exercise will also significantly decrease the effects of what is known as “secondary aging”- the occurrence and severity of diseases associated with aging. In fact, it is these degenerative diseases from arthritis to Alzheimer’s that are often responsible for reducing both the life and the health span. Exercise is a key element in helping us to prevent disease and prolong our good health into our seventh, eighth, ninth decade and beyond. In recognition of this, I would like to tell you about a wonderful story headlined “102 Year-Old Golfer Scores Hole in One.” Elsie McLean, a golfer since the 1920’s set a new world record for the oldest woman, or man to hit a hole in one. “Well everybody wants a hole-in-one, and I said, ‘Why can’t I have a hole-in-one?’ I came within inches once,” Elsie told television station KNVN. She broke the age record of 101 set by Harold Stilson in 2001 at Deerfield Country Club in Florida. “For an old lady,” she said, “I still hit the ball pretty good.” She added.

Elsie not only enjoys a physically active lifestyle and fresh air through her love of golf, she also has friends to enjoy the game with—thereby avoiding two of the sorrows of advanced age, loneliness and isolation.

As always I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Nicholas Perricone, MD, FACN, CNS

Three Steps to Stop Menopause Suffering Before It Starts

May 27, 2009 by admin • 4 Comments

The approach to menopause can be a daunting time. Symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats loom on the horizon, and you may not feel like there’s much you can do. However, if you understand the causes of the symptoms of menopause, you can be proactive and halt them before they begin.

Menopause symptoms are due in large part to adrenal issues. The adrenal glands control the output of DHEA, cortisol, epinephrine (also called adrenaline), and norepinephrine, all of which are hormones related to our stress response. When the adrenal gland is stressed, cortisol levels go up, and the level of hormones like estrogen go down.

Diminished amounts of estrogen have a direct effect on the hypothalamus, the part of the brain responsible for controlling appetite, sex hormones, sleep, and body temperature. Thus changing levels of estrogen causes symptoms like hot flashes.

Additionally, when adrenal function is impaired or weak, a person may suffer from low blood sugar, blood pressure, and body temperature as well as a total feeling of exhaustion. Prolonged stress begins to weaken the organs, and other health related problems such as hypoglycemia can result.

Some factors that contribute to adrenal exhaustion are continued stress, poor diet, excessive consumption of sugar and refined carbohydrates, too much caffeine, alcohol, drugs, nicotine, and vitamin B and C deficiencies. To compound the issue, when the adrenals are weak, the thyroid gland tries to pick up slack. So when I treat my patients approaching menopause, it is imperative to treat both the adrenals and the thyroid simultaneously.

To strengthen your adrenal and thyroid function and head off menopausal symptoms, try taking these steps:

Eat a whole-foods based diet.
The body’s ability to metabolize refined sugars decreases with age. The inner aisles of the grocery store are filled with foods high in sugar and salt. Get ahead of the curve by shopping in the outer aisles of the grocery store, where all the fresh produce is located, and cut out the processed foods that ultimately make you gain weight.

Waist away.
Many women notice a huge shift in their weight distribution to the abdomen as they head into menopause. To combat this, try incorporating yoga into your fitness regime. Research has shown that women who do yoga once per week don’t gain any weight as they go through menopause.

Burn, baby, burn.
It is imperative to incorporate heavy weight lifting into your fitness regime three times per week. This not only boosts bone density but also does wonders for your figure and your hormones. The key is proper technique: you must lift the heaviest weights you can and complete three sets of twelve repetitions. Twenty minutes of intense weight lifting can be just as effective as an hour of cardio if done correctly.

As you begin taking these steps, give yourself four weeks for the behaviors to become habits. In time, it will become a lifestyle that changes both how you look and feel about your magnificent body!

Esther Blum, MS, RD, CDN, CNS
Registered Dietitian
NV Perricone, MD Flagship
791 Madison Avenue
New York, NY 10065
212.734.2537

The 10 Sins of Skin Aging

May 21, 2009 by admin • 8 Comments

Pro-Inflammatory foods (sugar and starches)
Foods can be pro-inflammatory or anti-inflammatory. Avoid pro-inflammatory foods—these will promote wrinkles, a host of diseases, accelerate aging and cause the storage of body fat. Eating pro-inflammatory foods such as sugary and starchy foods shows up on the skin as a loss of radiance, dark circles under the eyes, the loss of tone, puffiness, an increase in fine lines and wrinkles, the loss of facial contours and increased pore size. These foods can also exacerbate acne, which is a systemic, inflammatory disease. I am not exaggerating when I say that sugar can rob you of your youth, health, and beauty.

Excessive exposure to the sun.
Although we have all heard it a million times, excessive sun exposure will accelerate skin aging and cause skin cancer. We need to get some sun in order to absorb Vitamin D and keep our bones strong and healthy. However, baking out in the hot sun at the beach or by the pool is very destructive to your skin, as well as to your immune system. Excess sun exposure will cause photoaging, resulting in the following:

Loss of skin elasticity
Thinner, more translucent-looking skin
Wrinkles
Dry, rough, leathery skin
Broken capillaries on the face
Freckles,
Liver spots on the face, back of hands, arms, chest and upper back
Spots or blemishes on the lower legs and arms
Skin Cancer

Stress
Of all the destructive, pro-inflammatory and pro-aging forces I have observed as a physician, nothing compares with the negative effects of stress. Stress causes certain hormonal changes in your body, which rapidly alters the function of the cells in your vital organs. Not surprisingly, these effects are reflected in the appearance of your skin.

Stress causes the release of the hormone cortisol. When we have large amounts of cortisol circulating in our blood streams for extended periods of time, it is extremely toxic. Our brain cells, or neurons, are extremely sensitive to the effects of cortisol. When it is circulating at a high level, cortisol causes brain cells to die. Excess cortisol can destroy your immune system, shrink other vital organs, decrease your muscle mass, and cause thinning of the skin, accelerating skin aging and wrinkling and making blood vessels under skin more prominent.

Smoking Cigarettes and/or exposure to second hand smoke
Cigarette smoke is highly damaging and aging to skin. When we inhale just one puff of a cigarette, over a trillion free radicals are produced in our lungs, which then trigger an inflammatory response that circulates throughout our body. When we inhale tobacco smoke, the result is activation of white blood cells which line our arteries, causing an inflammatory response, predisposing us to heart disease.

In addition, there is a tremendous inflammatory response in all organs of the body —including the skin. Cigarette smoking depletes the skin of oxygen and vital nutrients including Vitamin C, critical in keeping skin youthful, moist and plumped up. Tobacco also acts as a vasoconstrictor, which means that it causes constriction of blood vessels. This reduces local blood flow to an area, and temporarily raises blood pressure. When the blood flow is reduced to the skin it results in a gray, pallid, lifeless and unhealthy looking complexion. Smoking also causes dry, leathery looking skin, premature deep lines, wrinkles and loss of radiance.

Excess Alcohol
People generally think that alcohol is bad for the skin just because it dehydrates the body. They incorrectly assume that increasing our water intake will counteract the problem. Unfortunately, alcohol creates inflammation throughout the body including the skin, resulting in effects that far outlast dehydration. The metabolites of alcohol are molecules known as aldehydes. Aldehydes are destructive in that they cause damage to the cell plasma membrane, as well as other parts of the interior of the cell.

Alcohol causes small blood vessels in the skin to widen, allowing more blood to flow close to the skin’s surface. This produces a flushed skin color and a feeling of warmth which can lead to broken capillaries on the face. The alcohol-induced dehydration also makes the skin more prone to fine lines and wrinkles.

Dullness, enlarged pores, discoloration, sagging and lack of resilience are some of the short and longer term effects. Because alcohol alters blood flow to the skin, it will give you an unhealthy appearance that can last for days. An occasional glass of red wine can confer some health benefits for a number of reasons. But as with everything from eating to exercise, moderation is the key. Too much alcohol is highly destructive.
Lack of sleep
A good night’s sleep will ensure that you awake refreshed, looking radiant and youthful. Adequate sleep is vital to avoid eye area puffiness and maintain vibrant skin. When we look at the hormone parameters during sleep, we find that sleep turns down the negative effects of cortisol and the “bad” neurotransmitters, like epinephrine and norepinephrine that can be elevated during stress. Growth hormone is released during sleep—and growth hormone is the youth hormone. The hormone melatonin is also released, which has a positive effect on the immune system and the skin. It is during sleep that we rebuild energy reserves and regenerate the body as our cells undergo a process of repair. Studies also show that inadequate sleep leads to unwanted weight gain and a craving for fat laden and carbohydrate-heavy foods.

People who exercise regularly enjoy improved sleep quality. They fall asleep more quickly, sleep more deeply, awaken less often, and sleep longer.
Lack of Exercise
There are mountains of studies proving that exercise can take off pounds, reduce incidence of heart disease, lower blood pressure, improve mood, solve sleep problems, and even cut risks of certain cancers. Exercise will also ensure that you have beautiful skin. Studies have indicated that exercise benefits the skin in much the same way it improves bone and muscle quality. Without regular activity, bones become fragile and muscles atrophy. When the skin of those who exercise regularly is examined under a microscope, the impact of their high fitness levels is clearly apparent. The clear skin is thicker and has more and healthier collagen, the fibers that give the skin its strength and flexibility. Exercise increases circulation and gives the skin a healthy and radiant glow. As long as we use moderation and don’t overdo it, exercise of almost any kind has a powerful, positive, and anti-inflammatory effect on all our cells.

Not eating enough protein
This ongoing lack of protein is first notable in the face, as the features become soft looking. The sharp definition, contoured cheekbones and that great jaw line all becomes blurred. When the supply of protein is depleted, the body is then forced to feed upon itself. This causes both tissue and muscle to breakdown. Protein cannot be stored in the body. Because it is essential for cellular repair, the days that we don’t eat enough protein are the days that we are accelerating aging.

Going fat free
Healthy fats, especially omega 3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fat, have powerful anti-inflammatory effects improving skin’s moistness, texture, suppleness and smoothness. We need good fats, such as those found in salmon, sardines and other cold water fish, extra virgin olive oil, nuts, seeds, avocado and açai (a Brazilian berry whose fatty acid ratio resembles that of olive oil). These “good” fats will help us absorb nutrients from our vegetables and fruits, keep our cells supple, our skin glowing and wrinkle-free, our brains sharp and our mood upbeat. We also need dietary fat to burn fat.

Not drinking enough water
Remember these key facts: Water is important—If you do not drink water, your organs and cells cannot function. You don’t have to overdo it—but if you don’t drink water, you cannot metabolize fat, nor can you flush wastes out of the cells.

A dehydrated body provokes the development of aging, inflammatory compounds. Water has great anti-inflammatory properties and will help you skin to be radiant, soft and supple—the key difference between a grape and raisin is water.

Try Perricone Cold Plasma to reduce the 10 signs of aging.

Barbecue Your Way to Beautiful Skin

May 19, 2009 by Dr. Perricone • 1 Comment

It’s summertime, and the grilling is easy.

Once of the joys of summertime is the barbecue. Nothing tastes better than food cooked outdoors over an open fire. But cooking muscle meats and other protein foods at high heats can create carcinogenic chemicals called heterocyclic amines (HCAs). In addition, Advanced Glycation End Products (AGEs) are also created. The more AGEs we have, the more oxidative stress in our bodies, accelerating aging and disease risk in all organ systems, including skin. In fact, AGEs play a key role in both healthy aging and preventing wrinkles and deeply lined, sagging skin.

We can still barbecue and reduce our risk of creating toxins if we follow a few simple rules.

1.    Choose lean meat, ideally from grass fed cattle or lamb, fish and free-range poultry; trim any excess fat from meat and remove skin from poultry.
2.    Marinate before cooking. By marinating and/or basting most foods prior to or during cooking we can cut way back on the AGEs created. Use vinegar, citrus juice, herbs, spices, red wine and olive oil in your marinades because they have antioxidant properties
3.    Keep your grill clean; remove any build up of charred food
4.    Avoid charring food; remove any charred areas from food before eating
5.    Try poaching food on the grill. Nothing is more delicious that salmon poached in an aluminum foil packet, whether in the oven or on the grill.

Wild salmon is in season and is an excellent barbecue choice. It is also one of the world’s most “wine friendly” entrees, working well with crisp whites or more robust reds. For optimum flavor and anti-oxidants, try Pinot Noir or a glass of iced green tea with this dish.

Salmon, Chicken or Tofu Kabobs with a Basting Marinade of Fresh Lime and Rosemary
Makes 4 servings

Ingredients
4 (6-oz. each) skinless-boneless wild salmon fillets, boneless, skinless chicken breasts, or bricks of firm tofu, cut into chunks
4 large white mushrooms
1 medium zucchini sliced
1 large red bell pepper seeded and quartered
1 large onion peeled and quartered
salt
freshly ground black pepper

12 skewers
Note: If using wooden skewers soak in water for at least an hour, so they don’t scorch on grill.

Garnishes
lime slices
rosemary sprigs

Basting sauce
1/3 cup chopped shallots
1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme
1 tablespoon grated lemon zest (use organic lemons to avoid the pesticide residues that accumulate in citrus rinds)
Freshly ground sea salt and black pepper to taste

Preparation
•    Wash mushrooms; remove and discard stems. Wash peppers and remove seeds.
•    Thread vegetables onto skewers. Cook on grill over medium heat for about 10 minutes, turning occasionally and basting with marinade. Grilled veggie kabobs make the perfect accompaniment to our savory skewered salmon, chicken or tofu
•    Rinse the fish, chicken or tofu and pat dry. Cut into large cubes suitable for skewering.
•    Place the salmon cubes in a shallow baking dish and sprinkle with freshly grated    sea salt and pepper.
•    Place the marinade ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together until blended.
•    Pour the marinade over the fish and marinate for at least 10 minutes.
•    Lace the salmon, chicken or tofu onto the skewers and broil (or grill) for 5 minutes, turning once.
•    While the fish (et al) is cooking, pour the marinade in a small saucepan and heat it over medium heat.

To serve
Divide the fish among 4 serving plates and spoon some of the heated marinade over each. Garnish each plate with a few lime slices and a sprig of fresh rosemary and serve.

As an active researcher I welcome your comments and suggestions.

Nicholas Perricone, MD, FACN, CNS

The Science Behind Pigment Corrective

May 19, 2009 by admin • 5 Comments

Pigment Corrective is a powerful treatment that helps to reverse the signs of hyper-pigmentation or brown spots resulting from sun damage or chronological age. By lightening and brightening the skin’s appearance, it imparts a more youthful, radiant complexion.

Independent clinical studies demonstrated extraordinary results:

• 100% reported a decrease in the appearance of new brown spots
• 96% reported their skin appeared brighter

How is it unique?
Pigment Corrective is safe and effective. Regular use improves the appearance of brown spots and hyper-pigmentation, while brightening the skin’s appearance with Pycnogenol® and Vitamin C Ester. It also helps tone skin, improves elasticity and smoothes the appearance of lines and wrinkles with DMAE.

The science
Pycnogenol® is sourced from maritime pine trees in the South of France, known for their centuries-old healing properties. It improves skin health and collagen renewal, while providing potent antioxidants to brighten skin.

Pigment Corrective complements any skincare regimen and can be used in combination with your favorite Perricone Products to help reduce the appearance of age spots. The topical cream is most effective when used with Pigment Corrective dietary supplements. Both of these will be made cheaper with Perricone coupons.

Sunscreen and SPF: What You Really Need to Know

May 15, 2009 by admin • 5 Comments

The days of wearing nothing more than a bikini and a smear of baby oil between your skin and the sun are long past. However, the quick trip to the drugstore for a generic bottle of SPF 15 seems almost as obsolete. As a recent article in the New York Times reports, with terms like avobenzone appearing on labels next to SPF levels topping out at 70 and above, navigating the sunscreen aisle is anything but a day at the beach. When it comes to sun safety, the line between science and hype is thinner than ever. Luckily, if you want to protect your skin from aging and reduce your risk of melanoma, there are actually only a few things to know when buying and using sunscreen.

Look for sunscreens that block both UVA and UVB rays.
The term SPF (for sun protection factor) only refers to the protection the sunscreen offers from UVB radiation, the rays that cause sunburn. However, most photoaging results from UVA rays, and both types contribute to skin cancer. Be sure to choose a product that blocks UVA and UVB. Wondering what Mexoryl SX or avobenzone mean on the label? They’re newer compounds that some high end sunscreens use for enhanced UVA protection and stability when exposed to light. Older ingredients like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide also provide great protection against UVA rays.

SPF numbers over 50 aren’t necessarily better.
New sunscreens with ever higher SPF ratings appear on shelves every summer, but there’s little additional benefit from products with an SPF above 50. No sunscreen, no matter how strong, can offer total protection, and although it sounds like SPF 100 sunscreen would offer twice the benefit of an SPF 50, this isn’t true. SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB rays, but SPF 50k blocks 98 percent. Even seemingly old fashioned SPF 30 keeps 96.7 percent of UVB rays away from your skin. If your sunscreen of choice has an SPF over 30, don’t feel like you need to replace it just to chase a higher number.

Different SPFs don’t add up.
If you wear an SPF 15 sunscreen and use SPF 10 makeup, it doesn’t mean you get SPF 25 protection. You only get the ultraviolet blocking benefit of the highest single SPF product you use. Also, don’t assume that your clothes provide adequate protection for your body. While it’s always a good idea to cover us when you’ll be in the sun, a white cotton T-shirt only provides an approximate SPF 5. Darker colored or tightly woven fabrics provide much more protection, as do some specially treated UV protective clothing.

Apply plenty of sunscreen and apply it often.
When you find a sunscreen you like, the most critical thing you can do to maximize your protection is to apply it often and in adequate quantities. You need a shot glass full to cover your whole body. Skimping decimates the amount of protection you recieve. According to the New York Times, if you use half the recommended quantity of an SPF 70 sunscreen, you only get the protection of an SPF 8.4.

It’s also important to know that one application in the morning doesn’t mean you’re protected all day. Sweating, swimming, and friction all make sunscreen less effective, as does exposure to sunlight. Even if your product has Mexoryl SX or avobenzone, both of which have improved photostability, it’s important to reapply about every two hours when you’re outside.

All sunscreens may not be created equal, but if you keep these few things in mind, its not impossible to find one that does the job. After all, the most important thing is the choice to use it consistently and correctly. Whether you choose cream, gel, or spray, if sun protection is regular part of your health and beauty routine, it helps ensure your skin stays beautiful for years to come.

For a product that blocks UV rays, evens skin tone, and provides a dose of topical antioxidants, try Perricone MD’s Active Tinted Moisturizer.