Science Repository
At Les Duets, every ingredient has a purpose and the science to back it up. This page distills key insights from peer-reviewed research and clinical studies behind our formulations. Educate yourself, make confident choices, and begin your journey to powerfully defended skin.
Why is Sunscreen a Daily Essential?
ANTI-AGING | PREVENTS SUN SPOTS | PROTECTS AGAINST CANCER | FACILITATES VITAMIN D SYNTHESIS
Article I
Takeaway: Skin aging was frozen in individuals who used daily sunscreen with zinc oxide, in studies spanning 5 years.
Explore the Article >Article II
Takeaway: Sunscreen prevents melanoma and photoaging with UVA, and facilitates synthesis of vitamin D with UVB.
Explore the Article >Article III
Takeaway: UVA rays account for 95% of our sun exposure. They cause skin aging and contribute to skin cancer by penetrating the skin and damaging collagen and cells that leads to wrinkling loss of elasticity. Applying mineral sunscreen STOPS this process, shielding you against skin cancer and aging.
Explore the Article >Article IV
Takeaway: Using mineral sunscreens as a part of your daily skincare routine has been shown to stop the loss of elasticity that occurs over time, keeping your skin youthful.
Explore the Article >Why Mineral Sunscreen vs. Chemical?
SAFER | MORE EFFECTIVE | BETTER FOR SENSITIVE SKIN
Article V
Takeaway: Mineral sunscreens sit on the surface of your skin, while chemical sunscreens absorb into your body & blood and can cause endocrine / hormone disruption
Explore the Article >Article VI
Takeaway: Zinc oxide sunblocks are advantageous over other sunscreens since they do not cause photoallergic reactions; provide stronger coverage against UV; and are immediately effective (unlike chemical sunscreens that are not effective until 15–20 minutes after contact with the skin)
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Why Zinc Oxide vs. Titantium Dioxide?
FULL UVA1 COVERAGE | SUPERIOR PHOTO-AGING DEFENSE | CLINICALLY PROVEN SAFE
Article VII
Takeaway: Zinc oxide sunscreens are extremely safe for your skin and are recognized by the FDA as GRASE (Generally Regarded as Safe and Effective).
Explore the Article >Article VIII
Takeaway: Zinc provides superior protection for your skin against the penetration of UVA1 (the culprit of photo-aging), as compared to Titanium dioxide.
Explore the Article >Article IX
Takeaway: Zinc Oxide is a miracle mineral that blocks the sun, heals wounds, boosts the immune system, and regenerates skin.
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The Absorbance Curve
Zinc oxide has been proven the most effective active ingredient for sunscreen given its unparalleled UV absorbance curve. In the image to the left, zinc oxide is the solid blue line - clearly achieving high absorption of both UVB and UVA rays - something that Titanium dioxide and chemical sunscreens (represented here by the conventional OMC ingredient) do not achieve.
Interpreting the Absorbance Curve
The “amplitude” (vertical height) of the absorbance curve reflects the degree of protection. The higher the amplitude of the curve, the greater the absorbance, and the more protection provided at that wavelength. Within the UVB portion of the spectrum (290nm – 320nm) this amplitude correlates with the SPF.
The greater the “breadth” of the curve, the more protection provided against longer wave UV radiation. In other words, the greater the “breadth” of the curve, the broader the spectrum of sun protection provided. Sunscreen products that provide broad spectrum protection have broad (wide) absorbance curves that extend over the majority of the UV spectrum.
Article X
Takeaway: UVA wavelengths confer the most damage to skin, such as induction of matrix metalloproteinases (i.e., MMPs/collagen degradation enzymes) and secretion of inflammatory cytokines. You need a sunscreen that will block UVA (which is a key benefit of mineral sunscreens) to prevent true skin damage. Les Duets provides the crucial protection against UVA.
Explore the Article >Article XI
Takeaway: Zinc oxide sunscreens decrease melanoma (skin cancers) by 50%.
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Why 25% Zinc Oxide Concentration?
25% FOR MAXIMUM PROTECTION | PAN-UV BLOCKING | DEEP UVA1 DEFENSE | PHOTOSTABLE PROTECTION | BUILT FOR LONG EXPOSURE
Article XII
Takeaway: Zinc oxide sunscreen (with >20% zinc) is pan-UV blocking (stops UVA, UVB, and UVC from penetrating skin). This is a unique feature of zinc sunscreens that set them apart from other sunscreens.
Explore the Article >Article XIII
Takeaway: Full-spectrum UVA1 protection to effectively defend against hyperpigmentation and aging
Explore the Article >Article XIV
Takeaway: 25% zinc oxide provides a photostable, non-toxic, ultra-reliable formula for long sun exposure
Explore the Article >
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Les Duets
The Weekly Muse
Get a weekly dose of inspiration from the Les Duets Muses, where fashion, skincare, and pop culture collide. Think of it as your go-to guide for all things elevated and cheeky – the new trendsetting.
