EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 | Mineral Sunscreen for Sun-Damaged Skin

The EltaMD UV Restore Broad-Spectrum SPF 40 is a 100% physical mineral sunscreen that visibly improves the appearance of sun-damaged skin while providing comprehensive daily UVA + UVB protection. Formulated with squalane, vitamin E, and antioxidant defense, UV Restore (untinted) delivers all the skin-restoring benefits of UV Restore Tinted in a clean, color-free formula — perfect for clients who prefer their natural skin tone to show through or who layer their own tinted base.

At Le Petit Spa in Charlotte, NC, we recommend UV Restore (untinted) to clients dealing with cumulative sun damage — fine lines, uneven tone, dehydrated texture, and loss of elasticity — who want a treatment-grade daily SPF without added pigment. It's especially popular with male clients and clients who wear their own foundation/BB cream over sunscreen.

Key Benefits

• SPF 40 broad-spectrum 100% physical mineral protection (zinc oxide)
• Visibly improves sun-damaged skin over time with consistent use
• Squalane-enriched to restore moisture and softness
• Universally flattering untinted finish
• Antioxidant defense protects against free radical damage
• Lightweight & non-greasy — wears beautifully alone or under makeup

Step 1: Cleanse & Treat
In the morning, cleanse with a gentle cleanser. Apply your vitamin C serum, hyaluronic acid, or other AM actives. Follow with your regular moisturizer. Allow products to fully absorb.

Step 2: Apply UV Restore
Dispense a nickel-sized amount onto clean fingertips. Apply to forehead, both cheeks, nose, chin, jawline, neck, ears, and decolletage if exposed.

Step 3: Massage Until Absorbed
Gently massage in upward circular motions until the product fully absorbs (30–60 seconds). UV Restore leaves a soft, conditioned finish.

Step 4: Wear Alone or Under Makeup
For a clean, polished look, stop here. To layer with makeup, wait 60–90 seconds for the SPF to fully set, then apply your foundation, BB cream, or tinted moisturizer.

Step 5: Reapply Every 2 Hours
Reapply every 2 hours of sun exposure or after swimming/sweating. For midday reapplication over makeup, use EltaMD UV Stick SPF 50+. Continue daily for cumulative anti-aging benefits.

Active Ingredients:
- Zinc Oxide — 100% mineral broad-spectrum UV filter providing UVA + UVB protection

Key Treatment Ingredients:
- Squalane — lightweight non-comedogenic lipid that mirrors skin's natural oils; restores moisture and helps reverse UV-induced dryness
- Vitamin E (Tocopheryl Acetate) — powerful antioxidant that neutralizes UV-induced free radicals
- Hyaluronic Acid (Sodium Hyaluronate) — humectant for sustained skin hydration
- Niacinamide — supports skin barrier function and even tone
- Glycerin — humectant supporting overall moisture balance

What's NOT in it: No chemical UV filters, no fragrance, no parabens, no oxybenzone, no octinoxate, no dyes, no gluten.

Ingredient Note: Ingredients may change from time to time. Please refer to the product packaging for the most current and complete ingredient list before use.

Should I choose UV Restore Untinted or UV Restore Tinted?
Choose Untinted if you wear your own foundation/BB cream, are a male client, have very deep skin tone, or prefer no color in your SPF. Choose Tinted if you want a sheer skin-evening finish that lets you wear your sunscreen alone with no additional makeup needed.

What does UV Restore actually do for sun-damaged skin?
It addresses multiple visible signs of UV damage: dehydration (via squalane), uneven pigmentation (via daily UV blocking that prevents further darkening and antioxidant repair of existing damage), loss of elasticity (via barrier-strengthening), and dullness (via overall moisture and antioxidant support). For active pigmentation correction, pair with vitamin C in the morning and retinol/retinoid at night.

Is UV Restore safe during pregnancy?
Yes. As a 100% mineral sunscreen with only zinc oxide as the active filter, UV Restore is widely considered safe by OB/GYNs during pregnancy and breastfeeding. (Always consult your own provider for personal medical advice.)

Will UV Restore leave a white cast?
Mineral sunscreens can leave a slight cast on deeper skin tones, though UV Restore is formulated more sheer than traditional mineral options. For very deep skin tones, we recommend EltaMD UV Clear Deep Tinted SPF 46 or UV Daily Deep Tinted SPF 40 to avoid any cast.

Is UV Restore okay for sensitive or post-procedure skin?
Yes — the 100% mineral formula and absence of chemical filters, fragrance, and parabens make it ideal for sensitive, reactive, and post-procedure skin. Once cleared by your provider, UV Restore is excellent for daily wear after laser facials, microneedling, or chemical peels.

How is this different from EltaMD UV Skin Recovery (untinted)?
Both are 100% mineral untinted face sunscreens. UV Restore (SPF 40) is formulated for sun-damaged and mature skin with squalane for restoration. UV Skin Recovery (SPF 50) is formulated for compromised barriers with patented AA Complex for clinical-grade barrier repair. Choose UV Restore for general anti-aging and sun damage reversal; choose UV Skin Recovery for clients with active sensitivity, rosacea, or barrier damage.

How long until I see visible improvements in my sun damage?
Daily moisture benefits are immediate. Texture and dullness improvements appear within 4–6 weeks. Substantial reduction in fine lines and improvement in elasticity build over 3–6 months of consistent use. Cumulative protective benefits compound over years.

At **Le Petit Spa in Charlotte, NC**, we love EltaMD UV Restore (Untinted) because it offers all the skin-restoring power of the tinted version in a clean, color-free formula — ideal for clients who want barrier repair and sun damage reversal without any added pigment.

This is the version we recommend to:

- **Male clients** who don't want any color in their daily SPF
- **Clients who layer their own tinted base** (foundation, BB cream, tinted moisturizer) and want a neutral SPF underneath
- **Clients with very deep skin tones** who find universal tints don't match well
- **Clients in pre-procedure phases** when even sheer mineral pigment is not desired

The **squalane content** remains the hero of this formula. Squalane is a lightweight lipid that mirrors the skin's natural sebum — it replenishes the moisture barrier depleted by decades of UV exposure and environmental damage. Combined with vitamin E and antioxidant defense, the formula nourishes skin as it protects, leading to softer, plumper, more even-toned skin over 6–8 weeks.

This is also a **100% mineral** formula, making it perfect for sensitive skin, post-procedure recovery, and pregnancy considerations. It's our go-to for our 'reverse the damage' anti-aging protocol when a tinted finish isn't what the client wants.