If you’ve been keeping up with my blog, you’ll know sun protection is one of my favorite weapons against aging. Somme Institute’s Double Defense, the fifth step in the skincare regimen, is a light weight sun protection lotion that will not clog pores, and it has a broad spectrum SPF of 30 (Somme Institute, n.d.).
The UV radiation in sunlight accelerates the aging process by producing free radicals, which cause cellular damage. The formula contains the company’s double-patented MDT5, a matrix of stable and potent re-engineered peptide-encapsulated vitamins. Additionally, Parsol 1789 provides protection against UVA and UVB rays, aloe hydrates and helps with healing, lanolin moisturizes and soothes irritation, and willowherb helps calm the skin (Somme Institute, n.d.).
When taking a look at the ingredient list, I noticed that the active sunscreens appear to be chemical rather than physical. Physical sunscreens, such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide work by physically deflecting the sun’s rays from your skin. These ingredients are effective immediately as soon as they are applied. Chemical sunscreens, such as octinoxate and oxybenzone work by absorbing the sun’s rays. With a chemical sunscreen, you need to wait about 20 minutes for the product to absorb before going into the sun.
While in recent times, it seems many people lean toward physical sunscreens, I prefer this type. My skin doesn’t feel like it’s “suffocating” the way it does with many physical sunscreens. Also, these ingredients can double as a makeup primer, especially when combined with the silicone in the formula (contrary to what many think, silicone is not a bad ingredient, see more information here.)
At first, Double Defense seems a bit thick and heavy. Not to worry, it actually applies very easily, and is readily absorbed. After a minute or so, it wears very comfortably and doesn’t feel heavy. Even though I have oily skin, I don’t feel greasy, and my skin can still breathe.
Overall, Somme Institute Double Defense is a great product, and with an SPF of 30, it’s the gold standard in facial sunscreen. Highly recommended!
Somme Institute Double Defense is available at SpaceNK, Nordstrom, Dermstore.com, and SommeInstitute.com. It retails for $48.00 for 3.8 oz.
Source:
Somme Institute (n.d.). Somme Institute: The Highly Recommended Brand. Somme Institute.
See also:
Somme Institute Skincare: First Impression
Somme Institute Nourishing Cleanser
Somme Institute Skincare: Final Thoughts
