So, last night I blogged about the incredible importance of sun protection.

Image: PCA Beauty

Roughly 12 hours later, here I am, blogging from the beach.

Clearly, one would think I would follow my own advice. Especially since the OCD in me led me to take my computer TO the beach, where said advice is readily available.

That said, I am wearing sunblock, at least.

I’m scared to death of skin cancer. I am super pale, and have at least one questionable mole I’ve been living in blissful ignorance about; but let’s be honest here–melanoma, sun spots, wrinkles, burns are no joking matter.

That said, they are no reason to render ourselves indoors on an absolutely gorgeous day.

Today, I was at least smart enough to apply PCA Skin Perfecting Face & Body Hydrator SPF 30, a new sunscreen I’ve received with pigment control and is effective for both daily facial and body use.

This is not just a sunscreen, but a UVA/UVB moisturizer developed to hydrate the body and offer broad-spectrum UV protection and minimize skin discolorations. But the truth is in the pudding - I have been using it for the last few hours, and while my skin is a bit on the pink side, no burning is happening. This is a huge deal - normally I’d be a tomato by now!

So, I am a fan. And would probably be even more of one if I applied it as often as I’m supposed to. (About hourly.)

As you may have read, I’m currently in Montauk on a girlfriends’ getaway (cleverly masked as a “press familiarization excursion”) at the absolutely fabulous Montauk Yacht Club.

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.

Cleansing is - beyond a doubt - the most important part of your beauty routine.

Shiseido ‘Pureness’ Oil Control Cleansing Massage Set is a great one-two punch.

There’s a cleansing massage brush included in this set and it works positively fabulously to boost the benefits of the cleansers. It also gives you a little face massage - which is never a bad thing!

The face massage isn’t only a way of getting a better cleansing - it just makes you feel good, and can increase circulation.

The brush is designed with super soft silk-like bristles that have silicone cushions - this makes the face massage gentle but thorough. I also love the oil-control benefits of the deep cleansing foam - a value in itself!

Image: Nordstrom

For the last few weeks, I’ve been noticing my skin look a lot healthier…and I have a pretty good idea of who to thank for it.

Image: April Rain

Nightly drinking (and not of the water kind) got my skin super dehydrated, and I had to find a way of quenching that thirst.

April Rain’s Night Rainew is an ultra-hydrating night repair crème that promises to provide long-lasting moisture.

I’ve been using it every night after cleansing, and as I feel my face right now, it feels supple and smooth - exactly how I want it to feel - and it feels that way until I wake up in the morning.

Skin that is dried out looks aged - and as I am just hitting 30, I don’t want to look any older than I already am! As it’s become healthier, I am looking younger (if not young, sigh. Night Rainew has HydroPeptides in it, which are 100% organic and said to help get rid of fine lines and wrinkles. It also includes antioxidants Buddleja and Echinacea, also age-defying.

Let’s face it, I can use all the help I can get.

Talk about a dual purpose cosmetic!

Ontonio’s EON magazine reports today that Flouroracil (sold under the brand name Efudex), a popular drug used in chemotherapy, has been showed to have super-potent results in reducing wrinkles!

A study published by the Archives of Dermatology, revealed that this product was basically well-tolerated by most participants, all of whom had a condition known as actinic keratoses (precancerous lesions due to sun damage). After two months, there were reported differences in facial wrinkle reduction, ranging from “mild” to “much” improvement. 75% of the subjects expressed significant satisfaction with the product which contained 5% flouroracil as a skin cream.

These are crazy awesome results, even for a product that was meant to be a skin cream! The  product is right now only available by prescription, and is still considered medicine, so it may be a little hard to come by - but how cool is that???

Image: Sxc.hu

I have fab this evening, and it involves wearing a new dress - obv. I had to shave my legs.

Of course, I am the biggest klutz on record, and I nick more than a razor!

I have tried a ton of gels - both shaving and after-shave treatments - to varying success, but my heart currently belongs to a single blue gel.

Shaveworks’ The Cool Fix works great on ingrown hairs too, but also razor bumps, razor burn, and redness.

It uses exfoliating agents to help release trapped hairs from underneath the skin, and also soothes - so it’s also great for those irritated, dry patches.

Granted, I could just be more careful. But since I won’t be - and stuff happens anyway - this is the way I’m going to go.

Image: Sephora

If you have problem skin, it’s probably the main thing on your mind every single time you look in the vanity mirror.

Acne can be a personal horror story, and can be aggravated by anything from stress to hormones to genetics (yes, you can blame your parents!!!).

Plenty of my readers swear by Proactiv, and their 3-step system is undeniably awesome.

Step 1: Renewing Cleanser

This cleanses but  also exfoliates dead skin cells, and contains benzoyl peroxide, which helps to attack bacteria.

Step 2: Revitalizing Toner

You know how I’m always saying how important toner is? This one contains glycolic acid, which helps balance skin tone and the skin’s natural acids. The witch hazel in it also refines and purifies pores; aloe and chamomile to soothes, plus removes excess surface oil without drying.

Step 3: Repairing Lotion

Finishing touches are super important, as is a smooth, soft surface. This is a light, oil-free lotion with milled 2.5% benzoyl peroxide to help heal blemishes.

Five winners will receive this three-step system, chosen at random from the entries below. To have your chance, please share your biggest skincare concern! Deadline is June 20.

Image: Proactiv

Avon really knows how to build customer momentum.

Now through June 18 at avon.com, you can get an exclusive limited-edition Gold Apple iPod Shuffle for only $29 with two ANEW skin care purchases.

Something you may want to try while you are there: ANEW Clinical Crow’s Feet Corrector is a really cool 2-in-1 treatment to resurface and visibly fill in crow’s feet. It’s sort of like professional laser treatments without the pain and at a fraction of the cost. (Who ever said no pain, no gain???)

Just to add to the excitement, one reader will win their very own gold iPod shuffle AND a Clinical Crow’s Feet Corrector.

To have your chance to win, enter below and tell me the first five tunes you would put on your iPod! Deadline to enter June 15.

Image: Avon.com

A few nights ago, Tone held a launch party for their brand-new blueberry flavored body wash, and I am instantly hooked.

Aside from getting to hang out with Amber, Felicia, Dina, Sarah, Carolyn, and all the rest of my beauty blogger best buds, we got to enjoy a menu - and an evening - based all around the concept of the blueberry. (You haven’t lived till you’ve enjoyed a cocktail based on a mixture of blueberries and Prosecco.)

But back to the body wash - I must confess I have been SNIFFING it in the shower just about as much as I use it. It just smells that good.

It’s going to launch into stores in June, and is full of Vitamin E, A, and (obvs), blueberry extract! It’s totally delicious - though I swear I haven’t actually eaten it. My skin, however, has absorbed it, and is in full antioxidant glory.

Image: Tone

Life stress has robbed me of sleep the last three nights, and I look something like a walking blonde zombie.

I have found hope though (and from the same people who gave me Hope in a Jar!). Philosphy’s Eye Hope is meant to provide - well - hope for skin tissue around the eye area.

This product is great for sensitive skin and also has anti-inflammatory benefits that calm and soothe skin, and even brighten skin tone. It’s really awesome - you must try it!

Image: Nordstrom