Sxc.hu

I’ve been here for 3 hours, and I’m already sunburnt!

It’s no laughing matter, and I need to learn from my mistakes so that I’d never do it again (as in two weeks from now in Mexico).

I called in the big guns.

Here’s some tips from Dr. Anthony Griffin, celebrity plastic surgeon and red carpet commentator.

Keep your skin hydrated naturally

Your skin is best hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Also, when washing, use a gentle cleanser and warm water to maintain hydration. Extremely hot or cold water will actually dehydrate your skin by extracting water out of your skin cells. Washing with warm water will also reduce your need to use moisturizer, which I feel inhibits your skin’s natural exfoliation. The doctor recommends a moisturizer with sunscreen only when needed for temporary dryness, or when spending time outdoors.

Sun damage isn’t just a summer thing

Most people think they only need to be concerned about skin protection in the summer. Sun protection is essential all year long, no matter where you live. Snow and ice are very efficient reflectors of ultraviolet rays and, compared to normal conditions, generate almost twice the risk of UV damage. Being inside doesn’t eliminate risk either; windows in your car or house do not provide protection UV rays easily penetrate them. Use SPF daily before leaving the house. Even walking around on a cloudy day you will still be exposed to 40% of UV rays of a bright sunny day. This can double with reflection off of buildings or sidewalks.

Fake it

Sunless tanners and bronzers are the best route to go when you are looking for a tan without the sun damage.

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Image: Sxc.hu

We have high hopes of hitting the beach – I have not one but TWO hot new swimsuits with me – but as of now, storm clouds are a-brewing.

If by some miracle, the sun comes out tomorrow, I shall still have ridiculously fair skin – and need to be well-prepared. I consulted with Dr. Ronald Moy, newly elected as president of the American Academy of Dermatology, and he gave me some awesome advice for surviving the sun – and maintaining my great skin while I’m at it!

Here’s some guidelines for your next sunny day – if you manage to find one!

1. Wear protective clothing and a broad-brimmed hat.
2. Avoid the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.
3. Apply sunscreen before getting into your car. Long-wavelength UVA rays from the sun can penetrate car windshields and damage the skin.
4. Use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15 when you spend any time in the sun. The sunscreen should block both UVA and UVB rays.

Dr. Moy recommends the following types of sunscreens (the first two being more effective):

Avobenzone (Parsol 1789)

Neutrogena Helioplex

One that contains Titanium Oxide or Zinc

5. An over-the-counter antioxidant pill with vitamins also works to protect skin from the sun.
6. Dr. Moy strongly recommends going to the dermatologist for annual exams to guard against skin cancer.
7. Even if you tan easily, the sun can contribute to skin cancer in two ways. First, the sunlight damages the genes that control cell growth, and second sunlight damages the body’s immune system so that early cancers grow unchecked by normal immune defense.
8. Do not stay outdoors unprotected on cloudy days since the ultraviolet light penetrates easily through the clouds.
9. Exfoliate regularly to remove damaged cells.
10. To lighten dark freckles, he uses an over-the-counter bleaching agent that contains 2% hydroquinone.

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We checked with one of our favorite beauty experts, Mally Roncal of Mally Beauty, who gave us some fabulous pointers on how to achieve that look before we even get to the beach.

You have to have that all-important bronzer!

The most natural looking way to apply is to actually begin on the jaw line, just behind your ear. Gently smooth and swirl the product all the way across your jaw line and all around the perimeter of the face. Don’t forget your hairline, your temples and even the hallow of your cheeks. Then you can do a light dusting across the forehead, nose, and chin. This will give you a natural glow.
To balance out the bronze, apply a pinky-peach blush to the apples of the cheeks.

• The rosiness gives it a more realistic finish.
• Add a little shimmer powder to the tops of cheekbones and inner corners of the eyes.

Don’t forget the lip!

To top it off, swipe a beautiful sheer pink lipgloss all over your pout. It will tie the whole look together.

Image: Sxc.hu

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Silhouette, known for their rimless styles, now lets you “try” glasses on before buying them – through the web! Their site has something they are calling a Virtual Mirror, a interactive tool allowing readers to upload images of their face and tailor the ideal pair of glasses. There’s over 400 options, including:
· Base model

· Accent colors

· Lens shape

Sunglasses are extra important this time of year as the sun is more and more in our eyes – but is actually important year round! Sunglasses with UV and blue light filters – such as those from Silhouette – protect the eyes from powerful sun rays. The effects from glare can be eliminated through polarized sun protection lenses such as those using IQ POL technology. Wrap-around sunwear gives protection against sun rays coming from the sides, too, which a lot of other glasses don’t do.

To that end, we are awarding one winner Silhouettes’ Harmonia Sun Shield Model 8100, shown at left. To have your chance to win, go to the site, play around, and tell me what you think is the coolest aspect of having a virtual mirror! Deadline is April 1!

Image: Silhouette

Post from: eBeautyDaily

However, my job (woe is me!) is taking me to both southern California and South Beach during the month of January – and despite my exclamations otherwise, pale is NOT the new tan. I must be prepared.

Or at least be able to fake it well.

Whether you are looking for a healthy “Hawaiian” glow all year long or just searching for an ideal solution for fast getaway, Booty Butter Tanning Lotion by Bikini Kitchen is an option you may want to consider.

Booty Butter Tanning Lotion is a browning lotion (no innovation there!), but it contains 100% all-natural ingredients from the islands of Hawaii which combine to accelerate the tanning process while keeping the skin moisturized. The lotion glides on golden brown and goes to work. It also works fast – use it right, and we’re talking a noticeable difference in your tan in about an hour.

Ingredients include:

· Kona coffee extract accelerates the tanning process and gives the butter its mocha fragrance. The extract comes from the Kona coffee plant which is renowned for its ability to mend broken skin, soothe irritation and revitalize cells.

· Kukui Nut Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil, and Aloe Vera moisturize the skin.

· Antioxidant Vitamins A, E & C. Vitamin A helps to form new blood vessels which give the skin an attractive rosy glow. Vitamin C fends against damage caused by the sun. Vitamin E protects the epidermis from early stages of ultraviolet light damage and reduces the severity of sunburn.

· Bug-repellent quality keeps insects away. (Bug-phobes like me relish this.)

Please not: This is for tanning purposes only, and does not include UVA or UVB protection. You should probably, if you do use this, use it in conjunction with an SPF. (Nothing sexy about a burn.)

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Nothing we can do about that now, but we can prevent further damage by using sunscreen every day and by applying nutrients.

The only problem for us is that after we shower and dry and preen, we really are in no state of mind to apply some industrial grade products.

This is why we love Bethesda Sunscreen Soap. You apply it when you wash in the shower…and  you have just fed your skin with nutrients and given it an SFP 10 shield.

Not bad for just a simple shower.

Also not bad: I have two bars of Bethesda to give away! To win, tell me about the worst sun damage you’ve ever received! Deadline is Jan 15.

Photo credit: Bethesda Skincare

Post from: eBeautyDaily