Review: EltaMD UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46

Daily sunscreen usage is one of those things that every skincare expert says is an absolute must to protect your skin and it’s one of the most effective ways in preventing signs of aging. For years and years, I kept hearing this advice but never really took heed because I hated all sunscreens that I tried. Too thick, too smelly, too greasy…the list goes on. I knew of the benefits but I wasn’t willing to risk my skin breaking out so I put off trying to find one that worked, especially since it seemed like I had tried them all.

In a recent trip to Austin, the topic of sunscreen came up between some of my girlfriends and one of them mentioned the EltaMD UV Clear being her absolute favorite. She said she found it through all the amazing reviews it had. I was definitely interested so I looked it up and she was absolutely right…raving reviews. It actually baffled me that somehow this product had gone under my radar, because I am always reading about skincare. I immediately purchased it and after trying it for the first time…never looked back.

First off, the actual product is really nice. It doesn’t have a really strong, offensive sunscreen scent that most others do (I’m sorry, but I don’t want to smell like I’m headed off the swimming pool all the time.) It has a really smooth texture and glides over the skin really nicely. I have found in the past that many sunscreens made for the face have a weird, grainy texture and that can cause some irritation. I will say that it does take a minute or so to completely sink into the skin so do not be alarmed if you have a metallic-y sheen to your skin initially. If you are going to be putting makeup on over this, then you can do so right after applying it, it won’t show through. In fact, this gives my skin a very healthy glow underneath makeup 🙂

Secondly, and in my opinion, the most important…the ingredients in this. I love that not only is this an elegant formula with a SPF of 46 (and UVA/UVB protection), but it’s loaded with great ingredients for your skin that are usually found in serums.

Stand out ingredients include: Niacinamide, Hyaluronic Acid, Vitamin E, Zinc Oxide, Antioxidants, and Lactic Acid.

• Niacinamide: Also known as Vitamin B3. It’s helpful for reducing enlarged pores, uneven skin tone, and giving dull skin a boost.
• Hyaluronic Acid: Amazing for providing hydration to your skin.
• Vitamin E: An antioxidant that helps neutralize free radicals and has anti-inflammatory properties.
• Zinc Oxide: Great at controlling oil and can help heal breakouts.
• Antioxidants: Limits the production of free radicals, which can cause damage to skin cells and assists with reducing signs of aging.
• Lactic Acid: An alpha hydroxy acid (AHA) that serves as a chemical exfoliant for the skin by helping to break down material that hold dead skin cells together.

I highly urge anyone that has had similar difficulties finding a good sunscreen to try this because it has seriously been such a game changer for me. My skin definitely looks a lot brighter and healthier when I use this and not to mention that any breakouts or hyper pigmentation go away a lot quicker when you are protecting your skin. I know that when you are young and your skin is free of wrinkles and all the issues that can come up from sun damage, it can really seem like sunscreen is unnecessary. But trust me, you don’t want to look back and wish you had thought about your skincare differently. I’ve been converted to a daily sunscreen user because of this stuff and I urge everyone to check it out 🙂

You can find it here.