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: Nordstrom

All Skins Mineral Makeup 16-Hour Wear SPF 10 is an all-day liquid mineral foundation that promises to stay fresh and at the same time help protect your skin from the evil the sun has to offer: i.e. those UVA/UVB rays.

This is great, if you are like me, and despite being in the Hamptons on a sunny weekend, half the time forget to sun-protect.

It is made with an exclusive R.E.C. complex (Radiance Emitting Crystals—a unique combination of amethyst, rose quartz and calcite) that also gives skin a bit of glow. Pretty hot…especially out here!

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.

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Korres Watermelon Sunscreen Stick SPF 30 has been a fabulous find for my sensitive face – it’s super easy to apply, easily fits in my cutest of purses, and – most importantly – works!

As in works, I mean, I don’t end up with an ugly blotchy sunburn by the end of the day. It also has a cool but natural-looking iridescent touch, and is sweat-proof! You probably want to consider it, too, if you hate checking luggage – it’s NOT a gel or a liquid, and thus carry-on bag friendly!

I heart it, like, to the point we’re going together to Montauk next week.

Image: Sephora

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Protect your Face – While arms and legs are generally covered during cool seasons, your face is one part of the body that can receive year-round sun exposure. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen and apply it to the face, neck and chest before leaving the house.

Don’t Forget the Hands – If you aren’t wearing gloves, the skin on your hands is just as susceptible to sun damage as the skin on your face. Smoothing on a sunscreen lotion daily may help moisturize dry skin and can help protect the skin from unintentional damage, helping to prevent premature skin aging.

You’re Never “Above” Damaging Sun Rays – Whether you are hiking up mountainous terrain or speeding down the slopes, the sun’s rays become stronger as altitude increases. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV exposure increases 8-10% for every 1,000 feet of elevation; therefore, choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Skiers are especially susceptible to “goggle burn” as the snow reflects 80% of UV rays.

Be Sun Smart – UV rays are present year-round, reflecting off water, concrete and sand. The sun is the strongest between the hours 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Some after-school sports take place when UV rays are strongest, so whether you are playing on the field or watching from the bleachers, it’s important to protect yourself from potential sun damage.

Make Sunscreen a “Family Affair” – Most parents understand the need to protect their children from the sun. According to the 2008 Coppertone “Sun IQ” survey, 82% of parent respondents agreed it is important that their children use sunscreen with an SPF above 30. Unfortunately, these parents are not practicing what they preach as 45% were not using sunscreen themselves. To encourage healthy sun habits for the whole family, keep a bottle in the bathroom and next to the door for easy, on-the-go application.

One of my favorite Coppertone products is their Oil-Free QuickCover Lotion Spray. It’s waterproof, won’t clog pores and it’s easy to use. Plus it has SPF 30.

Photo credit: Coppertone

Post from: eBeautyDaily

I have found the niftiest thing that I can’t wait to try – soap with a sunscreen.  Bethesda Skincare has come up with Sunscreen Soap – a soap that is chock full of good-for-you stuff, plus leaves behind a thin layer of at least SPF 10 sunscreen.  This is a brilliant idea.  Especially brilliant for the men in my life who would never consider rubbing a lotion on their skin to protect it.  What is it with men and lotion anyway?  Wait – don’t answer that.

ANYWAY, the company story is very interesting – Bethesda Skincare came about from a desire to create healing products, and started as an in home operation 20 years ago.  There are quite a few products they offer, and more to come.  The site design is lovely (no flash-  hooray!), and easy to navigate, and the products are really nice looking and innovative.  I hope you will spend a little time there and see what it’s all about.  There is more to love there than Sunscreen Soap, although, that’s absolutely enough to bring me in!  Be sure and check out the Melanie policy as well – they will send a free bar of Sunscreen Soap to anyone suffering with cancer.  Good stuff.   

The soap sells for a reasonable $8, and here is the ingredient list:

Active Ingredients: Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide. Other Ingredients: Sodium Palmate, Sodium Cocoate, Water, Glycerin, Citrus Medica Limonum (Lemon) Juice, Chlorophyllin, Multi Vitamin, Olea Europaea (Olive) Fruit Oil, Commiphora Gileadensis (Balm of Gilead), Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Sodium Chloride, Lavandula Angustifolia (Lavender) Oil, Rosmarinus Officinalis (Rosemary) Leaf Oil, Rosa Damascena Extract, Pentasodium Pentetate.

Get it here.

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Have fun in the sun this summer and still look good by following these simples summer beauty tips.

Lighten up on the makeup.
You don’t need to wear as much makeup in the summertime as you do in the cooler weather. Put aside your foundation and instead reach for a tinted moisturizer or bronzer instead. One of my favorite tinted moisturizers is from Laura Mercier. It’s lightweight and contains SPF 20 for sun and anti-aging protection.

Cool down your cosmetics.
Store your lipstick, eye pencils and even your body splash in the refrigerator in the summer. There’s nothing worse than trying to apply a melted lipstick. You can keep your lip color in tip-top shape by storing it in the refrigerator. Also, keep your eye pencils from smudging and help the color last longer by putting them in the fridge too.

Waterproof it!
Of course, everyone knows you should use waterproof mascara if you are heading to the beach or pool. But many other cosmetics come in waterproof or sweatproof formulas, including foundation, moisturizer, blush and more.

Prep your skin.
To help your makeup last longer in the summer heat and humidity, you need to prep your skin. Use a light, oil-free moisturize and allow it dry completely before adding any powder or foundation. Use an eye shadow primer, such as bareVitamins Prime Time Eyelid Primer from Bare Escentuals. It will extend the wear of your eyeshadow and help avoid creasing. Don’t use cream eye shadow or cheek color in the summer – creams fade much faster than powder formulas.

Look hot in metallics.
For a summer party, add a little glamour to your makeup by using pearlescent eye shadow in soft metallics. Don’t go for an overly glittery look, but do choose cosmetics with some extra shine to them. Gold and silver shadows look fantastic on glowing summer skin. Use gold shadow if you have a warm skintone with yellow undertones, or opt for silver if your skin has cool, pink based undertones.

Skin protection is essential.
I just want to stress the importance of wearing sunscreen in the summer. Skin cancer is a high price to pay just to look good. Don’t bake your body at the beach, pool or tanning salon. Always wear sunscreen and look for makeup products that contain SPF. If you want to get that summer glow without risking exposure to the sun’s harmful rays, apply a bronzing powder to the places the skin natural hits your face – forward, nose, cheeks and chin. Select a color that is just a shade or two darker than your skin for a more natural look.

Photo credit: istockphoto

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Sunscreen is the most important beauty item you can have in your beauty cabinet. There, I’ve said it – there’s no need for further debate. All of the Shu Uemura Basic Mascara and the divine Estee Lauder High Gloss Lip Gloss won’t hide the very un-beautiful things that the sun can do to your face in the long term. My favorite new sunscreen find this year is the Solar Protection Pads, by Stallex – they have an SPF of 30, are not greasy at all, and best of all they come with a little case that is sooooo easy to throw in your purse and apply in the event of a last minute outdoor lunch or invite to have a cocktail by the pool! This year, even if it may not help the years of past abuse I have given my skin, I am wearing sunscreen. Will you wear it too?

Post from: eBeautyDaily

I spent the prime sun hours this Saturday at the Jones’ family Easter celebration outdoors dressed up in my bareMinerals (along with some clothes…LOL), and although I cooked the rest of my body to a nice shade of rare, the bare Minerals protected my face perfectly!

I guess I should have covered my arms and chest in it too! I hope you all had a grand Easter, and filled up on antioxidant rich chocolate bunnies!

Post from: eBeautyDaily

Which means?  Self tanning season is ahead.  If you are a new winter reader of eBeautyDaily, you might not know that last year at this time I was doing battle with a skin cancer on my nose, and have come out of it as a huge proponent of sunscreen and self tanning.  A lot of good it will do me now as the doc says I have a huge likelyhood that it will recur, but maybe it will help someone else out.
So, for my birthday last year, my husband gave me an airbrush tanning machine from O2 Cosmetics, and I really do love it.  It is much easier to use than the self tanning lotions, and the color is beautiful.  After having let myself go pale for a few winter months, I drug it out a couple of days ago and tanned myself.  I feel SO much better about myself when I have a tan, and it makes watching myself Strippercise a whole lot better!  What is your favorite self tanner?

Post from: eBeautyDaily