Thursday Dash: PCA Protecting Hydrator & Hydrator Plus (SPF 30) (review)

(edit: it turns out I didn't need to dash at all because Blogger was down until just a few minutes ago)

Tonight is a mad dash because I spent all evening in a class. It was just a one-time thing, thank goodness. Since I stopped all the opera-related stuff, I’ve really gotten used to having my evenings free. They still get filled up, but in a more spontaneous, fun way. Eventually I’m going to need some kind of musical creative outlet; but for now, even that one little time commitment felt like a burden.

So…back to the dashing. Here's some fine hydration and protection from PCA Skin.

Protecting Hydrator (SPF 30) – For Normal to Oily Skin Types

Blurb: This non-oily daily hydrator with SPF is formulated with aloe vera and panthenol to provide light moisture with a matte finish. It provides optimal broad-spectrum UVA/UVB coverage with the ultra-sheer protective benefits of Z-Cote and additional sunscreen agents. Caffeine enhances photo-protection by suppressing sun-induced cellular damage, while the powerful antioxidant silybum marianum extract, also known as milk thistle, inhibits the formation of sunburn cells and prevents UVB-induced edema.

Hydrator Plus (SPF 30) – For Dry and Mature Skin Types

Blurb: This nourishing moisturizer with SPF is formulated with an outstanding blend of UV protecting ingredients, including Z-Cote, an effective barrier that provides superior broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection. It is specifically formulated to replenish the skin’s natural moisture content with water-attracting humectants sodium hyaluronate and sodium PCA for dry or dehydrated skin. The addition of caffeine reduces UV-induced cellular damage, while silybum marianum extract, also known as milk thistle, inhibits sun-induced inflammation and the formation of sunburn cells.

You already know I’m a big fan of sunscreen (understatement). And now I’m a big fan of these sunscreens. PCA makes products that do an excellent job of zeroing on specific skin needs, then consistently delivering results.

Both of these contain over 4% zinc oxide, as well as caffeine, milk thistle and panthenol. The Hydrator Plus also contains sodium hyaluronate, glycerine and vitamin E. Both worked beautifully when I tried them. The formula smoothed on easily, absorbed quickly and left no white cast. And it dried down to an invisible primer-quality finish. The new packaging (a pump) is well made, and made the bottles very portable. The Hydrator Plus provided more moisturizing for a longer time, but both did a good job of hydrating without causing oiliness.

I have yet to try these in our full-blast Philly summer weather; but so far I am super impressed.

Take a stroll through the website. You can also check out some of the other moisturizers with SPF, then visit the Skin Education section. PCA's products and treatments are available through select clinical practices throughout the United States and in 60 countries worldwide. I also found them at drugstore.com, Dermstore and Beauty Bridge.

(ftc disclosure: sample/product received from manufacturer or representative)