Exfoliating is key to boosting your skin’s natural cell renewal, leaving you with a smoother, brighter complexion. By clearing away dead skin cells, it helps unclog pores, prevents dirt and oil buildup, and makes your other skincare products work even better. But with popular exfoliants like glycolic acid and urea on the market, how do you know which one is right for you?
While both glycerin and hyaluronic acid are excellent humectants with diverse applications, glycerin's smaller molecular size enables it to reach a bit further into the stratum corneum via aquaporins. This, combined with its molecular structure, allows glycerin to remain within the skin for a longer duration compared to water, which evaporates more readily.
“As a dermatologist, I cannot stress enough the importance of sun protection. Whether it is "chemical" or "mineral," sunscreen is the most important step in everyone’s skincare routine and often the most neglected.” Dr. Sam Ellis At Prequel we see sunscreen as an essential part of a daily skin care routine and the selection can be very personal. The choice between chemical (organic) or mineral (inorganic or physical), the format and the finish of a sunscreen all come into play when selecting a facial sunscreen product you want to use daily. We first launched with our Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 PA++++ and are excited to follow with our new Solar Shade Chemical Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 46 PA++++. Solar Shade Sunscreen contains chemical sunscreen actives to provide photoprotection. Chemical sunscreen filters, often referred to as organic filters, contain carbon atoms, hence the “organic” origin. They are divided into UVA and UVB filters depending on the wavelength they absorb. They need to be combined in various concentrations because in the US there is not an organic sunscreen filter that can stand alone as both a UVA and UVB filter. Whether you pick chemical (organic) or mineral (inorganic) filters, they work primarily the same way which is absorbing UV radiation and releasing in the form of energy like heat. While there are pros and cons to formulating an organic sunscreen over an inorganic sunscreen, both inorganic and organic sunscreens are safe and reduce sunburn and photoaging when used according to the directions (this includes reapplication which many consumers skip). Read our article Everything to Know About Sun Barrier Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ to learn more about the meaning of SPF Value, Broadspectrum, and PA++++. Our Solar Shade Chemical Sunscreen is a lightweight fluid with a moisturizing finish that provides optimal protection while supporting the skin’s moisture barrier. Barrier support is achieved through the use of biomimetic emulsifiers that reduce skin dehydration, rejuvenate the skin, and help reduce signs of photoaging. We included enzymatically modified phospholipids and a ceramide-like structured molecule that provide elegant feel, reduce transepidermal water loss, and promote improved topical skin elasticity. Solar Shade Sunscreen includes bioactives such as microalgae, ethyl ferulate, and rice phytomolecules that each provide unique support to skin exposed to solar radiation. Ethyl Ferulate, a derivative of ferulic acid, neutralizes the signs of external aggressors while soothing the skin. Antioxidant molecules extracted from black, red, and brown rice increase the skin’s tolerance and defense against oxidative stress caused by solar radiation and pollution. Microalgae rich in β-carotene and astaxanthin help reduce formation of reactive oxygen species that are known to accelerate photoaging. At Prequel we follow the Basic+ approach by taking tried and true ingredients or products and elevating them in a unique way. Cumulatively, the bioactives and emulsifiers added to Solar Shade Sunscreen elevate the sunscreen to provide broadened antioxidant protection, enhanced skin appearance, and continued moisturization. Our Solar Shade Sunscreen is non-greasy, fragrance-free, hypoallergenic, allergy-tested, suitable for all skin types, safe for sensitive skin, safe for eczema prone skin, dermatologist developed, and dermatologist tested. DISCLAIMER: All skin care articles are intended to help educate on specific ingredients and skin care topics. Our articles are written to be informative and informational. Any reference to a specific patient experience is not a medical suggestion for treatment. Please note that any Prequel products with referenced ingredients are formulated for Cosmetic Use Only and NOT intended as replacements for physician advice and/or pharmaceutical product recommendations.
Organic UV Filters, often referred to as chemical filters, are sunscreen actives that contain carbon atoms, hence the "organic" origin. They are divided into UVA and UVB filters depending on the wavelength they absorb.
Microalgae rich in β-carotene and astaxanthin to help reduce formation of reactive oxygen species that are known to accelerate photoaging.
Rice Phytomolecules are antioxidant molecules extracted from black, red, and brown rice that increase the skin's tolerance and defense against oxidative stresss caused by solar radiation and pollution.
Ethyl Ferulate is a lipophilic derivative of Ferulic Acid that soothes skin while helping to neutralize free radicals.
Polyglutamic Acid is a non-exfoliating natural moisturizing peptide proven to be a better hydrator than hyaluronic acid and collagen protein as it helps restore skin elasticity, smooth visual wrinkles, and increase production of NMF. This anionic soothing polymer can also help provide skin smoothness and protection against external aggressions.
Ectoin is an amino acid derivative that acts as a high-end, clinically proven active ingredient to help protect skin from dehydration and various external stressors such as free radicals, air pollution, and climate concerns and promote skin barrier improvements. Suitable for all skin types including sensitive skin.
Vitamin F is a soothing essential fatty acid blend that supports the skin barrier to help calm visible skin irritation and redness.
Both hyaluronic acid and polyglutamic acid offer immediate and noticeable skin hydration but polyglutamic acid can further improve dry skin by aiding in the skin’s natural production of NMF. Polyglutamic acid and hyaluronic acid can even be used together or layered for further hydration and skin plumping as neither of these materials has known compatibility issues.
Our Multi-Quench Plumping Hydration Serum is a humectant based serum with the star ingredient polyglutamic acid (PGA). Polyglutamic acid is a non-exfoliating peptide made up of several glutamic acid molecules. PGA is a moisturizing polymer that can be synthesized in the lab or created from the fermentation of natto and similar to hyaluronic acid, the molecular size dictates its function or skin benefit.
Osmolytes Blend is a blend of organic compounds that regulate water balance to help provide an immediate moisturizing effect and help support the skin barrier function.
There are several product combinations that can be used and the list will change as we continue to launch many exciting new products but below are basic skincare routines for those creating a routine based on skin type.
Sun Barrier Broad Spectrum SPF 50 PA++++ Mineral Sunscreen contains antioxidants including tetrahydrocucuminoids, standardized molecules from turmeric root, that scavenge free radicals, reduce irritation and increase skin brightness. Pongamia is an extract that helps reduce skin stress following UV exposure and environmental aggressors. We also added bisabolol, calendula, and centella asiatica to reduce the appearance of redness and provide skin relief.