Skincare Insights

Happy summer gorgeous! This isn't your grandma's skincare lecture. We're diving deep into the nitty-gritty of UV damage, exposing the sneaky ways it sabotages your skin. And honey, it's not pretty. The Science of Sun Damage: UVA vs. UVB: UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin, causing long-term damage like wrinkles and age spots. UVB rays are the primary culprit behind sunburns, but they also contribute to skin cancer. Free Radicals: UV radiation generates free radicals, unstable molecules that wreak havoc on your skin cells, damaging DNA and accelerating aging. Photoaging: This is the premature aging of your skin caused by chronic sun exposure. It goes beyond wrinkles – think leathery texture, uneven tone, and broken capillaries. Inflammation: Sunburn is an inflammatory response, but even subtler sun exposure can trigger low-grade inflammation, which contributes to skin aging and other issues. Why Sunscreen Isn't Enough: Let's be real, sunscreen isn't perfect. It can wear off, wash off, and sometimes, those sneaky UV rays still manage to slip through the cracks. Plus, sunscreen doesn't protect against other environmental aggressors like pollution and blue light, which can also contribute to skin damage. Sun Damage: The B*tch That Never Sleeps Think of UV rays as tiny little vampires, sucking the life out of your collagen and elastin. These are the proteins that keep your skin plump and juicy, like a ripe peach. But with each unprotected sun exposure, those proteins break down, leaving you with wrinkles and the appearance of older looking skin that is truly unnecessary at the time when we have so many And let's not forget those charming little souvenirs called sunspots. They're like unwanted tattoos from that spring break fling you'd rather forget. But the sun's evil plans don't stop there. It also triggers inflammation, messes with your DNA, and basically throws a tantrum on your face, leaving it looking dull and lifeless. Sunscreen: It's Not a Magic Shield  Now, I'm not saying sunscreen is useless. It's your first line of defense, but it's not foolproof. It wears off, sweats off, and those sneaky UV rays can still find a way to wreak havoc. 6 Sunscreen Tips to Save Your Skin (and Your Sanity): Don't be a cheap: Slather on a shot glass full for your body and a quater-sized dollop for your face. Think of it as an investment in your future wrinkle-free self. Timing is everything: Apply sunscreen 15 minutes BEFORE sun exposure. This gives it time to bind to your skin and form a protective barrier. Mixology is for cocktails, not skincare: Don't dilute your sunscreen by mixing it with moisturizer or makeup. It'll weaken its protective powers. Layer it on, baby: Apply a thin layer first, let it dry, then go in with a thicker second coat. This ensures even coverage and maximum protection. Protect the hot spots: Pay extra attention to areas that get more sun exposure, like your nose, ears, and the tops of your feet. Reapply like a boss: Every two hours, or more often if you're sweating or swimming. And don't forget those lips! (A lip balm with SPF is your friend.)   The Montrbo Skincare Approach: At Montrbo, we believe in a holistic approach to skincare. That means protecting your skin from the inside out, with a combination of: Smart Sun Protection: Choose a broad-spectrum (UVA + UVB) sunscreen with at least SPF 30 and a plate before your foundation makeup. Your makeup is not enough!!  Antioxidant Power: Eat and use more antioxidants like Vitamin A, C and E to neutralize free radicals and repair damage from the inside out.  Skin-Nourishing Ingredients: Look for products with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, peptides, and ceramides to hydrate, plump, and protect your skin barrier. Mindful Lifestyle Choices: Eat a healthy diet, manage stress, and prioritize sleep for optimal skin health. Accidently got a sunburn?  I got you! As soon as you notice, redness or the feeling of burning, get out of the sun and cool off your skin with a cold compress. Then apply our  Vitalizing Vitamin B Serum or Beauty Elixir  to mop up free radical damage and help your skin heal faster. Ditch the alcohol-laden after-sun products and reach for a soothing blend of oatmeal and aloe vera instead.  Did you know that Exfoliating is Your Way to Smoothness and Sun Protection? Sure is! Regular exfoliation is key to removing dead skin cells and preventing clogged pores (which can lead to breakouts). The Pro Transformation Pads are a gentle yet effective way to slough off that dullness and reveal your natural radiance. Plus, they help your sunscreen penetrate better, so you get the most out of your sun protection. The Montrbo Skincare Difference: At Montrbo, we're not just about slapping on sunscreen and calling it a day. We believe in a holistic approach to skincare, combining smart sun protection with potent antioxidants, hydrating ingredients, and a whole lot of self-love. So buckle up, babes. We're about to embark on a summer skin journey that'll leave you glowing, radiant, and armed with the knowledge to fight back against the sun's reign of terror. XOXO, Cody 

It breaks my heart to see Intelligent people blowing money on the latest and most expensive skincare products only to ruin their skin and results they have achieved by not wearing sunscreen correctly.     We all know that wearing the correct amount of sunscreen has been proven to prevent premature aging, pigmentation, skin cancer, and wrinkles.  However with that being said, I am confused and concerned by how many people still don’t apply enough sunscreen and when they do, it's often done incorrectly.    After 20 year in the skincare industry working with thousands of clients, It seems like people develop a little amnesia when it comes to using sunscreen.   They either forget to use it altogether, how to apply it properly, or how much sunscreen is needed to protect the skin from UV damage that causes pigmentation, premature aging, and cancer.    Truth is, if you are using expensive skincare products now but don't use sunscreen perfectly, you are wasting money and ruining your results by not protecting your skin properly.    So today I thought it would be fun to share my first 3 Important Sunscreen Tips That Most People Forget so you get this right. Please read my tips and watch the video below.  I have 6 more sunscreen tips coming soon and hope today's tips will inspire you to be more serious about wearing sunscreen and sun safety.(  If you want to learn how I recommend applying sunscreen, watch this quick 60 second video here. )  I promise If you follow my sunscreen tips you'll be able to achieve healthy and more youthful-looking skin for years to come while sustaining the results you have already achieved.  3 IMPORTANT SUNSCREEN TIPS THAT MOST PEOPLE FORGET  1. If you know you are going to be outside at the pool, the beach, or if you know you are going to be very  active in the sun going for a hike or run, apply sunscreen 15 minutes before you go outside.  This will allow the chemicals enough time to absorb into the skin so that they can effectively reflect or absorb UV radiation. If you apply sunscreen while already outside in the sun, girl it's too late!  We see many innocent people getting frustrated that their melasma or sun-damage is coming back because they forget that sunscreen needs to be used very specifically in order to work.  Sunscreen is classified as a drug by the FDA and just like any medication, they need to be used as directed and prescribed in order to be effective.  Also, did you know that if you apply a ton of face cream and then immediately apply your SFP, you are effectively cutting the SPF protection in half? Allow your face cream to soak in for a few minutes before applying SPF  2. If you are prone to melasma, sun-damage, or a specific skin concern that you are trying to protect or prevent, ( like driver side sun-damage, sun spots or pigmentation ), always apply sunscreen all over your face, then apply more to those areas to help give an added layer or sunscreen protection.  3. Don't forget to apply sunscreen to your ears!  Most people forget to apply sunscreen to their ears and behind their ears which is the number one place we see suspicious moles, freckles and actinic keratoses develop which can or will eventually become cancerous if not checked and properly diagnosed.  Watch my quick 60 second video explaining everything in today post.     Alright gorgeous! Thank you for allowing me to ramble on about sunscreen today. I'm curious what you learned or enjoyed most from today’s post? Have a glorious day gorgeous! Also let me know if you have any questions about today’s post or about sunscreen in general as I love answering all of your questions.  Much love to you beautiful,  Cody Montarbo