Ok--Memorial Day has come and gone, and summer is (un)officially here! (Though if you live in the Pacific NW, it feels more like fall than spring or summer!) With the warmer, sunnier days, it's really important to start getting your sun protection routine into place.
I recently picked up Kiehl's new Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+ and I can't wait to really give it a try. Before I do (I'll be sure to give you a review soon!), I wanted to give you a preview of this product.
So...what is it? It's an ultra-lightweight, oil-free product that you put on after your moisturizer and before your makeup. It provides protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It's also waterproof and fragrance free, so it should be long lasting.
According to Kiehl's (and I tend to agree with this statement), 90% of skin aging comes from exposure to the sun, and from damage done by the sun's rays. Dark spots, discoloration, and premature aging are all attributed to unprotected sun exposure.
I like that this product can be applied in the morning and then forgotten about. Who wants to fuss with sunblock when they're wearing a full face of makeup? I also like that it's from Kiehl's since their products are usually very high-quality.
I'll let you know what I think of this soon. In the meantime, if you're interested in trying Super Fluid UV Defense, you can pick it up at your local Kiehl's or online for $32.
Product Preview: Super Fluid UV Defense
Boys of Summer
Summer means dealing with hot, humid weather...and that makes our skin and hair behave in strange ways, not to mention the fact that we have to wear SPF to keep sun damage from taking over. Well, women aren't alone when it comes to needing special products for summer skin care. Don't forget about the men in your life! They could certainly benefit from some of these products from ZIRH.
ZIRH Skin Nutrition offers the essentials for summer grooming – from rejuvenating shower and body products to moisturizers and lip balms with SPF, ZIRH has you covered from head to toe!
Show Face
Cleansing your skin is one of the first steps in any skincare regimen and ZIRH makes the experience a refreshing one with Clean, an alpha hydroxy face wash that cleanses skin without stripping it of necessary oils. For a deeper clean, Scrub is a gentle, aloe based exfoliator that works to remove surface dead skin cells to reveal newer, younger looking skin. Lastly, Refresh is an invigorating astringent that not only tones and cools skin but helps to reduce excess sebum.
Protect Skin With SPF
Protecting skin from the sun’s harmful rays is necessary for protecting a healthy complexion. ZIRH facial moisturizer Defend is light for everyday use and suitable for sensitive skin types. Defend contains an SPF 15 while also helping to maintain skin’s natural elasticity. For the ultimate lip protection with SPF 15, ZIRH Lip Balm is made with beeswax and natural oils to maintain a hydrated pout. Available in four flavors: Vanilla, Black Cherry, Peppermint and Unscented.
The Ultimate Shower Gear
Summer days require the need for a revitalizing shower and ZIRH has the perfect gear. ZIRH Warrior Shower Gel Collection features five gels based on ancient warriors – each offering a sexy, yet masculine scent. Try Julius Caesar – this blends citrus notes with sweet almond fruit extract.
The ZIRH Cocktail Bar Collection can make any shower a happy hour. A classic body bar with a fun twist! Each bar is formulated after a signature cocktail – whether he fancies a Long Island Iced Tea or a Sake Bomb, his skin will feel detoxified and nourished. The light scents and vibrant colors make the perfect summer body pairing.
Don't Forget: May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month
Here are a few more tidbits for Skin Cancer Awareness Month:
Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is partnering with the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) for the month of May in honor of National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Dermelect will donate the May net sales of its two best-selling products, SPF 20 Facial Armour and Age-Def Eye Cream with SPF 15, to the MRF. These SPF products are great because they protect against the sun while also targeting wrinkle reduction and signs of aging.
The SPF 20 Facial Armour sells for $42 and the Age-Def Eye Cream with SPF sells for $36. Both products protect against UV sun damage and free radicals and are available for purchase at www.dermelect.com.
ABOUT MELANOMA
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, is one of the fastest growing cancers in the United States and can strike people of all ages, all races and both sexes. In fact, with a one in 50 lifetime risk of developing melanoma, more than 62,000 Americans were expected to be diagnosed with the disease in 2008, resulting in an estimated 8,400 deaths (approximately one every hour). Melanoma is the most common form of cancer for young adults age 25 to 29 and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults age 15 to 29.
ABOUT DERMELECT
Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is a forerunner when it comes to easy-to-understand, multi-tasking cosmeceutical skincare, developed with the most effective and innovative ingredients on the market. With a refreshingly realistic beauty philosophy, Dermelect Cosmeceuticals is the must-have brand if you want to treat your skin with the latest product innovations that provide actual results. Availability of Dermelect treatments includes high-end apothecaries, specialty retailers, department stores, medispas, and pharmacies. Dermelect is distributed in over 12 countries globally and is also available online at www.dermelect.com.
ABOUT MELANOMA RESEARCH FOUNDATION
The Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) is the largest independent, national organization devoted to melanoma in the United States. Committed to the support of medical research in finding effective treatments and eventually a cure for melanoma, the MRF also educates patients and physicians about the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of melanoma. The MRF is an active advocate for the melanoma community, helping to raise awareness of this disease and the need for a cure. The MRF’s Web site is the premier source for melanoma information seekers. More information is available at www.melanoma.org.
BECOME A MELANOMA MESSENGER
If you want to do more to fight melanoma, head over to MRF's Melanoma Messenger page. The MRF Melanoma Messengers program is a national network of volunteers that help educate, build awareness, and raise money for melanoma research in their local communities. As a MRF Melanoma Messenger, you can bring the national voice of the MRF to into your local community. Check it out--get involved!
Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Blasts from the Past
Don't Let This Happen To You!Here are links to a few posts I've done in the past about Skin Cancer Awareness Month. Take a moment to check them out:
- If you prefer to have a "healthy" glow, click here for pointers on how to fake and bake like a pro.
- Don't forget to cover up easy to miss parts of your body when applying sunscreen. Click here for more from my May 2008 post (sorry...the giveaway mentioned in that post is no longer running!)
- Is sunblock safe to use? Click here to find out.
- The sun shines year round, so don't think of sun safety as only a summertime concern. Click here for more.
- Screen yourself for troublesome moles or sun spots in the privacy of your home. Here's info on how to do this yourself.
- Be a smart sunscreen consumer. Click here for tips.
Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Always Use Protection!
It's easy to say that you should use some sort of protection when you're out in the sun, but do you really know what you should be using? Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for the warmer, sunnier months ahead:
- Look for broad-spectrum sunscreens. These products contain ingredients that block both UVA and UVB rays.
- Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going outside.
- Reapply sunscreen frequently; at least every two hours.
- Remember: sunscreens can contain a number of chemicals. If you are sensitive or allergic to chemicals, physical sunscreens/blocks or chemical-free sunscreens contain titanium dioxide and/or zinc oxide, which reflect UVA and UVB.
- When in doubt, wear SPF 15 or higher. Look for products with the AAD Seal of Recognition.
- Wear a wide-brimmed hat to keep the sun off your face.
- Don't forget to take care of your eyes. Wear dark sunglasses when outside to avoid getting lines around your eyes and to slow the development of cataracts.
- Wear protective clothing. Companies like L.L.Bean now offer shorts, t-shirts, swimsuits, etc. that have fabrics that are treated to provide SPF protection.
- Get Vitamin D from food, not from sun.
- Peak sun hours are between 10 am and 4 pm--even when it's cloudy.
- Do not go to tanning salons. Ever. I don't care what you're reason is...just stay away.
Skin Cancer Awareness Month: Get Shady at Ricky's
If you read my blog, you should know that May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month...and many companies are honoring the month by offering new products and great deals.
Here's one deal to check out: Ricky's NYC is offering 20% off any Shady Day product purchased on their website using coupon code LOVESHADY. If you're lucky enough to live in NYC, head over to a Ricky's where they're offering free a Shady Day Sunscreen Stick with any Shady Day purchase.
Also, a portion of proceeds from sales of Shady Day Protect Your Pout will go to support Aim at Melanoma Foundation, an international organization that provides comprehensive melanoma resources for patients, caregivers, and physicians.
Shady Day products were created by two health conscious moms with the help of a top dermatologist. The products provide easy to use, effective sun protection. Check out their SPF30 wipes, lip balm with sunblock, and many other awesome products.
Beauty Product of the Week: UV Defense Regenerating Lotion
What is it? Olay's new Regenerist Advanced Anti-Aging UV Defense Regenerating Lotion SPF 50 Moisturizer "combines powerful UVA/UVB (SPF 50) sunscreen with our exclusive Peptide + B3 complex and Olay moisture to help protect from damaging UV rays while moisturizing and regenerating skin's appearance. The result? Younger looking skin without drastic measures. Instantly the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles is softened and skin's appearance will be beautifully regenerated." Available this month wherever Olay products are sold for $29.99. (Note: the product shown above is their SPF 15 version...the SPF 50 version I'm writing about looks the same, but has an orange box in the right hand corner that says SPF 50.)
What did you think? You've heard it a lot from me and you're going to continue to hear it: to keep your skin protected from the sun and looking its best, always wear a sunscreen...every day, no matter what. I don't know about the rest of you, but I need to use a moisturizer everyday. Having such a high SPF level mixed in with my moisturizer makes my life easy: not only will my skin be hydrated, but I'll also get my daily SPF protection.
This Olay product makes my skin feel nourished, just like other Olay products I've used in the past. This one also has a very light fragrance that smells clean and very girly. Oddly, it doesn't bother me...and I normally don't like scented products. My face feels smooth and healthy, not greasy in the least.
The final verdict? This product has the highest SPF protection of all the Olay products out there. I love getting both sun protection and moisturized skin with one product. Olay has yet to let me down, and I'm glad to see this high level of SPF protection is hitting the market...just in time for summer!
Skin Cancer Awareness Month
May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month and that means that along with my normal beauty posts, I'll be scattering plenty of information about skin cancer prevention and detection this month. Yup, it's time for me to piss off the tanning industry and to frustrate sun-worshipers across the globe.
Skin cancer is serious business. Consider these facts from the Skin Cancer Foundation:
- Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. More than one million skin cancers are diagnosed annually.
- Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than the combined incidence of cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon.
- One in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of a lifetime.
- Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common form of skin cancer; about one million of the cases diagnosed annually are basal cell carcinomas. Basal cell carcinomas are rarely fatal, but can be highly disfiguring.
- Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is the second most common form of skin cancer. More than 250,000 cases are diagnosed each year, resulting in approximately 2,500 deaths.
- Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma are the two major forms of non-melanoma skin cancer. Between 40 and 50 percent of Americans who live to age 65 will have either skin cancer at least once.
- In 2004, the total direct cost associated with the treatment for non-melanoma skin cancers was more than $1 billion.
- About 90 percent of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun.
- Up to 90 percent of the visible changes commonly attributed to aging are caused by the sun.
Until then, head over to Sephora to check out their Sun Safety Kit. Sephora is teaming up with the Skin Cancer Foundation to offer this product once again this year. This kit is extraordinarily popular, so be sure to get yours now before it sells out. It's chock full of everything you need to be safe in the sun. You'll be getting products totally $110 for only $22.50 AND 100% of the profits for this product will be going to the Skin Cancer Foundation. Nice!
Bustin' Out!
I was flipping through the May issue of Allure and came across one of their little snippets of information about something near and dear to our hearts: cleavage.
According to Allure, a study was done by a university in Wisconsin to see, as their study was titled, "Does Cleavage Work at Work?". And their answer to this question: "essentially--but not entirely--no."
In the study, men and women viewed four videos of a saleswoman pitching a phony allergy medication. The spokeswomen was either showing off cleavage or completely buttoned up, and she was hyping a product that was either "clearly effective or decidedly weak."
According to the findings in the study, showing off cleavage had no effect on her pitch of the product. Men in the study found that "using cleavage is effective when selling a weak product but counterproductive when selling a strong product."
Hmmm....very interesting!
Whether or not showing cleavage gives us more or less credibility, I'm sure we all show off our girls from time to time. And, if you're like most of us, the skin around your cleavage and neckline might need a little help to look it's best.
Because the skin on our decolletage is thin--much like the skin on the backs of our hands--it is more prone to showing the signs of aging and sun damage. So what can you do to keep your cleavage looking great?
- Avoid the sun! If you go out during the day and have any amount of skin showing, be sure to wear a strong sunblock, one that contains antioxidants to get the most out of your protection. Be sure to reapply your sunblock regularly--the longer you're out under the sun, the greater the risk of damage.
- Don't go to a tanning booth. Ever. I know many people who go, thinking they're getting their much needed Vitamin D. And in getting their "healthy" dose of D, they're also destroying their skin. Why pay to age yourself? The best bet is to stay away.
- Try a microdermabrasion. This will remove all the nasty dead skin cells that dull your skin. Do an at-home microderm treatment regularly (a few times a week) to get your decolletage glowing.
- Seek professional help. A dermatologist can analyze how much sun damage has been done to your skin, and may be able to prescribe Retin-A...a strong, proven anti-ager. They may also recommend a treatment like Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to remove brown spots, or fix blotchy skin.
Ask Lydia: Festival/Camping Makeup
Lydia,
I was wondering if you had any recommendations for how to stay pretty while camping. I just bought my tickets for the Sasquatch Music Festival, where I'll be forced to stay in a tent/not shower/feel gross for a few days. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Simone
Hi Simone!
First, have fun at Sasquatch! I live near Seattle and have thought about going over to the Gorge to check out Sasquatch, but the prospect of being outside, camping...with all those people, sort of turns me off. I am not a camper. camping for me means staying in a B&B with a shared bathroom.
Anyway, if I were going to a multi-day music festival...or if I were actually camping...there are a few things I would take with me in order to keep looking cute. You don't want to be bogged down with products, but you do want to take care of your skin and use products that will do double duty. For me, my makeup essentials are good looking skin, a quick coat of black mascara, and a hint of color on my lips. When camping or at a festival, you don't want to do your full face, so leave your eyeliner, eye shadow, blush, concealer, etc. at home.
Here's my must have list of your situation--if anyone has anything to add, please leave a comment!
TO KEEP CLEAN:
- Boots Quick Thinking 4 in 1 Wipes...or something similar. These wipes are great. They don't require any water or rinsing, and they make your skin feel perfectly clean. These are available from Target, but there are many other brands out there. They're a great way to wash your face with minimal effort (and no running water!)
- Oscar Blandi Pronto Dry Shampoo: You can use this on days when you don't have time to wash, or when you don't have access to water or a blow dryer. It will make your hair feel and smell good, even if you're hanging out in the elements.
- MD Skincare Powerful Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Pads: these are awesome! Sure, this is an expensive product ($42!), but they're easy to apply and even easier to pack. Plus they provide a high level of sun protection, and that's essential at outdoor festivals or when camping.
- Some sorty of bug spray. Many people swear by Avon's Skin So Soft, but I use the ultra-toxic stuff that contains DEET, like Deep Woods Off. Use what you like, but be sure to take something with you!
- Alba Terra Tints Natural Tinted Lip Balm, SPF 18...or something similar. These tinted lip balms will refresh your lips with their minty scent/flavor, and they'll give your lips protection from the sun...all while adding moisture and color to your lips. I love double duty products, and this is one of my favorites!
- Any sort of tinted moisturizer containing SPF, like Olay Complete Plus Ultra-Rich Tinted Moisturizer. Again, this is a double duty product--your skin will get much needed moisture, and you'll quickly even out your skin tone.
- Your favorite waterproof mascara (I like Great Lash by Maybelline). Mascara will give your eyes just enough pop with minimal time. Go for a waterproof product so it won't smudge...and don't worry about getting it off--the Boots 4 in 1 wipe can handle it!
My Three Sunblocks
If you've read my blog for any length of time, you no doubt know that I am not a sun worshiper. Hell, when it comes to the sun and my skin tone, I am downright vampiric! I am extremely fair skinned, have blonde hair and blue eyes...add to that an irrational fear of skin cancer, and you'll understand why I don't go running out to tanning beds. And why I am, most likely, Vitamin D deficient.
Anyway...being a heliophobe (the Lydia term for a super pale goth girl), I wear sunblock every day of my life. I thought I'd share my favorite sunblocks that I've been using this summer.
Aveeno Active Naturals Daily Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 15: $11.00 (approx); available at drugstores
Why I like it: This provides sun coverage and moisturizing all in one cream. It is a bit thick, but it goes on easily. Plus it has almost no scent so it won't interfere with perfumes or other fragrances. I put it on when I get out of the shower and can breath a bit easier knowing that I have at least some protection for the day.
What I'd change: Not much--maybe just increase the SPF to 30 or higher.
Best for: Limited sun exposure; everyday use (don't use on your face--it's too greasy!)
MD Skincare Powerful Protection SPF 30 Sunscreen Pads: $42; available at Sephora and department stores
Why I like it: These are so convenient and are a snap to use. They're like moist towelettes that provide a nice layer of sun protection. They're so simple to use I can even get my hubby to use them without too much complaint.
What I'd change: The price. Convenience never comes cheap.
Best for: Stashing in your bag for use when you didn't expect to be in the sun.
Skin Effects by Dr. Jeffery Dover Sun Effects SPF 45 Active Sunscreen Continuous Spray: $12.99; available at CVS
Why I like it: It sprays on quickly, providing coverage without getting your hands all gunked up with lotion. It smells good and feels cool on the skin...a nice bonus in the summer!
What I'd change: I'd cut down the drying time just a bit, but it's so easy to use that I'll forgive it.
Best for: A day at the beach! I used this on my recent vacation and maintained my ultra-white complexion.
No matter what you use, be sure to use an SPF product daily. The sun does all sorts of wonderful things, but I, for one, am paranoid about a potential burn.
Beauty-Full Beach Basics
I am heading off for a week at the beach for some much needed down time. While the beach I'm going to (in the Pacific Northwest) is going to be rather chilly compared to the beaches back east, I'll still be lathering on the sunblock.
If you're hitting the beaches this summer, you'll want to enjoy it without the burn! Avoid looking like a red lobster and protect your skin with Sephora’s latest hydrating sunscreens, face lotions and after-sun moisturizers. Embrace the surf and turf with these SPF saviors:
- Sephora Body Intense Moisturizing Bronzing Lotion ($18) – Get bronzing and glowing the safe way with this nourishing hydrator!
- Cosmedicine Global Health Face UVA/UVB SPF 30 Sunscreen ($40) – This waterless, antioxidant rich sunscreen delivers broad spectrum protection that won’t run in extreme heat or irritate skin.
- Shiseido Sun Protection Lip Treatment SPF 30 ($19) – Don’t pout! Protect your luscious lips as you lounge with this ultra-moisturizing balm.
- Oscar Blandi Capri Sun-Shield Spray ($20) – This spray uses UV inhibitors to protect your hair color from fading, while adding moisture, shine, and suppleness to counteract the drying effects of the sun and chlorine.
- Clinque After-Sun Rescue Balm ($18.50) – Too much fun in the sun? Repair and restore overexposed skin with this cool and refreshing treatment.
