I never feel better about myself than when I go full Tashi Duncan and slather on my Augustinus Bader Body Cream before bed. Except maybe when I wake up in the morning and immediately apply my SPF before heading to the tennis court? (I have never done this, but I'm sure it would feel nice.)

Now (pending court time, SPF is always a must) I can feel the best about myself, because the two most rewarding self care practices are combining.

As of Wednesday, March 19th, Augustinus Bader's very first SPF has entered the world. A daily, non-nano mineral UVA/UVB protector with SPF 50, it's powered by the brand's proprietary TFC8 technology, which means it's on the cutting edge of both sun protection *and* skincare expertise.

Ahead, discover everything there is to know about the new suncare-meets-skincare launch—including all the science behind it.

Augustinus Bader

The Inspiration

Launched in 2018, Augustinus Bader is by no means a new brand—the luxury skincare line includes so many of our favorites already. But as staunch advocates for scientific research, they understand that proper product development takes time. They're not even a little bit afraid to premiere a new SKU in a saturated (yet necessary!!) market.

Something more than your average SPF, The Mineral Sunscreen doubles as a skin renewing cream, working to reduce the current appearance of visible signs of aging while protecting your skin against all the future signals of sun damage. At the same time, it evens your skin tone—providing a "luminous, effortless glow"—and delivers lightweight, lasting hydration.

Augustinus Bader

The Formula

As it goes with any Augustinus Bader product, the key ingredient here is TFC8, or Trigger Factor Complex TFCTM. The brand previously told Byrdie that the proprietary technology is "a complex cocktail of high-grade vitamins, amino acids, and compounds that react to your skin." After it gets to work aiding in skin cellular renewal, you're left with healthier-looking skin and hair.

Other (also special!) ingredients include SPF in the form of non-nano zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, which provide broad-spectrum sun protection. There's a restoring and protecting microalgae extract that helps reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and even further protection against visible signs of aging arrives via cotton seed extract.

Augustinus Bader

An antioxidant-rich complex of pomegranate flower, perilla leaf, and kakadu plum helps defend against delayed sun-induced skin damage and stress, while raspberry seed oil also shares its antioxidant abundance and photo protective benefits with vitamin E, vitamin A, omega 3, and omega 6.

Augustinus Bader

The Results

As noted, Augustinus Bader is all about the science behind their products; the whole brand is rooted in medical research.

In a four-week clinical trial testing The Mineral Sunscreen, it was shown to reduce skin redness by 36%, even out the skin tone by 27%, reduce fine lines by 14%, and—here's the big one—improve hydration by 248%. A stunning declaration for a product that encourages you to head out under those drying UV rays.

Meanwhile, in a four-week consumer perception study (50% of the 110 participants said their skin is sensitive), 85% of the 18 to 70 year olds quoted agreed that their skin felt more resilient and the sunscreen helped prevent the appearance of irritation.

Augustinus Bader

How to Use It

Listen up: it's SPF retraining time. Every morning, you're going to want to apply the sunscreen as the last step of your skincare routine, about 15 minutes before you're ready to step out into the sunshine. Derms say you should use three finger lengths of product for proper coverage.

Then, use upward, sweeping motions to smooth it over your face, neck, and décolleté. It's not water resistant, so make sure to double up if you plan to swim or sweat. Otherwise, reapply at least every two hours.

Now, go have some fun in the sun. Or stay in and watch Challengers? Just remember that SPF is important regardless.