I conducted an interview with this innovative thinker and founder of Solavie Eco-Global Skin/Hair System to find our more about these challenges to the skin care community.  I am still on the fence about how I feel about her ideas versus those that I have been following from other professionals, but I am excited to present her side so that it can be heard and you can have all of the facts to decide for yourself.  I will be posting excerpts from her interview over the next few days and I would love to hear reactions.

Q:  Tell me more about why SPF, foundation, and moisturizer don’t mix.

A:  It is not that they don’t protect at all, it is that they are toxic under the skin and compromised in their blocking factors.  Think of it as two steps forward, three steps back as free radicals form in ridding our skin of toxins…the same ones that activate skin cancers.  The best way to use SPF is not in a daily moisturizer that is designed to penetrate the skin with its other nutritive factors.

Q:  What alternative method do you suggest?

A:  I recommend zinc oxide as the best practice.  It sits on the surface of the skin where it does its best job of blocking rays as its molecule is designed to do.  With zinc oxide there is less chance of toxic reactions when isolated to the surface of the skin.  I also suggest using SPF in makeup like powder that is designed to remain on the surface of the skin.

Q:  What do you think about spa treatments like facials?

A:  Facials are primarily beneficial due to the relaxation and massage aspects.  There is a high value for circulation, metabolic positive functioning, and stimulating collagen.  Creams with nutritious factors are most beneficial and with no SPF contained in them to contaminate the process.  Facials are for detoxification, nutrition, and circulatory function.

You can read more about Pamela Rae and her revolutionary ideas on HealthIsBeautyNow.com.

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Why You Shouldn’t Use Moisturizer With SPF

(Images: Nordstrom)

The MAC Studio Moisture Tint SPF 15 ($29.50) is a light-weight, tinted moisturizer. It’s formulated with SPF 15 and is perfect for those days when you want just a little bit of coverage. It comes in a few different shades – dark, light, medium dark, deep dark and medium – so you won’t have any trouble trying to match on with your skin tone. If you do have trouble, try getting two shades and combine them to get your perfect shade.

The MAC Suntints Liquid Lip Balm SPF 20 ($14.50) a are vanilla scented lip balms formulated with SPF 20. It’ll keep your lips hydrated and protected while you’re out and about. This is great to toss in your bag for quick on the go touch ups during the day.  They’re available in a pretty shades of pinks, a plum and a clear version with greenish-gold shimmer.

This collection is perfect for those of you who want to skip putting sunscreen on your face and for those who neglect to use a lip balm with SPF. It’s always nice when products can do double duty. Less time preening in front of the mirror means more time to spend out and about with your friends!

You can purchase this collection at any MAC counter or free-standing store. Online these are available through the MAC website and at Nordstrom.

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M.A.C. Baby Bloom Collection

Image: Dr. Denese

Recently, I had an opportunity to try out a few of the Dr. Denese products and I found a new favorite — Dr. Denese HydroShield Tinted Moisturizer.

If you have always thought liquid foundation was too heavy, this tinted moisturizer is perfect for you. You get radiant, dewy coverage, a fabulous moisturizer and all the sunscreen protection that you need all in one product.

The oil-free formula offers self-adjusting sheer color that gives you a flawless, poreless-looking finish. It contains UVA/UVB SPF 15 to protect you from the sun’s harmful rays and leaves your skin super soft.

You can get Dr. Denese tinted moisturizer in light, medium or tan. It’s priced at $27.50 for a 1.5 oz tube. Though it might be a little more pricey than your traditional tinted moisturizer, I have found it to be worth every penny!

Learn more about the Dr. Denese HydroShield Tinted Moisturizer and other products from the line at drdenese.com.

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Dr. Denese HydroShield Tinted Moisturizer

(Image: Coppertone)

Coppertone Kids Continuous Spray SPF 70
Coppertone UltraGuard Continuous Spray SPF 30
Coppertone Sport Continuous Spray SPF 50

Continuous sunscreen sprays are wonderful for those hard to reach areas, like your back.  These spray on clear and you don’t even have to rub it into your skin. They are also super convenient when you’re out and out, hiking or at the beach. What you can also do is apply a lotion sunscreen before you go out and use these sprays when you need to re-apply. Do be careful though, some sunscreens stain clothing so do a test run first! And while you can use these on your face, I wouldn’t suggest that as the skin on your face can me more sensitive than your body.

You can purchase Coopertone products at your local drugstore or markets.

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Coppertone Continuous Spray Sunscreen

(Image: Newscom)

1. If you think you’re about to get a sunburn or your skin is as that really red/pink stage, get out of the sun. Prolonging your exposure will only make things worse.

2. Inspect your skin for blistering. If you develop blisters on your skin that means that area of your skin has been completely damaged. Small blisters are usually fine to treat at home; just leave them alone and do not rupture them.  However, if the area where the blister has formed is the size of your back or arms, it’s time to seek medical attention.

3. Apply a after-sun lotions containing cooling agents like aloe vera and hydrocortisone cream. Doing so will keep the skin moist, cool and help with peeling. Do not apply oil based products or regular lotions that can trap the heat and clog the area.

4. Take some OTC meds like acetaminophen or ibuprofen to ease the sting.

5. Wear loose clothing. Wearing skin tight clothing will only irritate your skin and cause additional pain.

6. If you notice any excessive swelling on your hands, feet or face, seek medical attention.

7. Keep the area of the burn cool. Use cool compresses such as a washcloth or towel damped with cold water. You can also take a cool shower to soothe your skin.

8. Drink water! When people get a sunburn they are usually also dehydrated.

9. Avoid soap or harsh soaps when you have a sunburn as they may irritate your skin.

10. If you develop a fever, seek medical attention right away. You might be suffering from heat stroke as well!

Getting a sunburn is not attractive. You’re usually in a lot of pain and not feeling your best. Who wants to deal with that when everyone else is having fun? So, before you go out ask yourself these questions.

Did you apply enough sunscreen prior to going out?
Did you re-apply your sunscreen after a couple hours or after you toweled off and/or were sweating?

If the answer to those questions is no, then you didn’t adequately protect your skin. Apply more sunscreen and keep the bottle or tube in your bag for touch ups!

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How To Treat A Sunburn

(Image: Newscom)

Skin Myth #1 – Tanning beds are OK
False.  Tanning beds, even the ones without UVB, are not safe for your skin. Any use of tanning beds is harmful to your skin. Tanning booths that use UVA rays are not good for your skin at all, UVA rays penetrate deeper into your skin and causes damage. Essentially you are frying your skin when you use a tanning booth and the chances of you developing skin cancer and other skin irregularities are much higher.  Just minutes on a tanning bed can equal to hours of being in the sun without protection. That’s not good!

Skin Myth #2 – Getting a ‘base tan’ is healthy.
False.  Your body’s melanin helps prevent sun damage but it’s not the same as having a lot of natural melanin in the skin. Getting a base tan is the same as getting a regular tan and exposing your skin to harmful UVA and UVB rays.

Skin Myth #2 – Having darker skin protects you from the sun.
False. Generally, if you have naturally olive or dark skin you have more melanin, if your skin is fair you have less melanin. Tanning to increase melanin, or to get darker, is not the same. You are still exposing yourself to UVA and UVB rays.  People with more melanin have the same risks as getting wrinkles, getting burnt and can develop skin cancer.

Skin Myth #3 – Using a sunscreen with higher SPF number equals to better protection.
False. In order to truly protect your skin, you will need to find a sunscreen that has “broad spectrum” protection. Look at the ingredient labels and check to see if your sunscreen has zinc oxide or Parsol 1789 (avobenzone), these help to truly protect your skin better. Also, apply sunscreen 15-30 minutes prior to going outside and re-apply after 2 hours. Doing so will help it to penetrate your skin and work better.

Skin Myth #4 – You don’t need sunscreen when it’s raining or cloudy outside.
False. You always need sunscreen. 85% of the sun’s rays penetrate through the clouds and can still cause damage.

Skin Myth #5 – Eating chocolate and oily foods causes acne.
False. Eating certain foods or avoiding eating certain foods do not prevent acne. The oily sebum, found and created in your skin, causes acne.

Healthy skin is always fashionable, take care of yours!

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5 Skin Care Myths Revealed!

Some dietitians, doctors and other experts recommend intakes of up to 1,000 IU per day (that’s more than twice the previous recommendations.) Though I’m not saying you should skip the sunscreen and go bask in the glory of the summer sun. However, you should do what you can to increase your intake.

We all know about vitamin D enriched milk and cereals. And here are a few other foods that provide a good amount of vitamin D.

• Cod liver oil
• Herring
• Catfish
• Mollusks
• Salmon
• Trout
• Halibut
• Sardines
• Mackerel

Sounds like a lot of fish, right?

Image: Viactiv

So, you might need a little help from a vitamin supplement. If so, check out VIACTIV Calcium Soft Chews. They provide 125% of the Daily Value of Vitamin D in each chew.

I actually started these about a year ago. They come in four yummy flavors (chocolate, milk chocolate, caramel and raspberry). You can find them in most drugstores for about $7-8 for a 60-count canister.

Do you take calcium and vitamin D supplements? Leave your comments here and let us know.

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Are You Concerned About Lack of Vitamin D?

(Images: Burt's Bees)

Sun Protecting Lip Balm SPF 8 ($4)
Finally an all-natural lip balm that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection!  Use this first before applying your lipstick or lipgloss to keep your lips hydrated.  It uses titanium dioxide which is a naturally-occurring mineral that forms a barrier deflect the sun’s harmful rays.  Your lips will look great and feel great with the added help of the  passion fruit extract.

Chemical-Free Sunscreen SPF 30 ($15)
Sunscreen can’t get any better than this!  This is a 100% natural, non-whitening formula that provides broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection.  Not many sunscreens on the market can claim that! It also helps keep your skin hydrated without all the chemical found in other sunscreens.  No need to apply 30 minutes prior to sun exposure either, this works immediately upon application! Love that, especially when you’re in a hurry!

Aloe & Linden Flower After Sun Soother ($10-$13)
After a long day of fun in the sun, your skin will need some TLC. This after sun soother works to hydrate the skin on your face and body. It’s loaded with natural aloe vera, soothing linden extract, coconut oil, bee pollen and glycerin. They all work together to nourish your skin and replenish natural moisture.

Next time I’m at the drugstore, I’m picking up this set for myself. You can purchase these through the Burt’s Bees official site as well.

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Sun Safe with Burt’s Bees

(Images: Ulta)

Ulta Sun Oil-Free Sunscreen Continuous Spray SPF 70 ($9.99)
Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock ($9.19)
Coppertone Ultra Sweatproof UVA/UVB Sunblock ($9.49)
Bain de Soleil Orange Gelee Sunscreen SPF 4 ($8.99)
Coppertone Sport Sunblock SPF 30 ($9.49)
Hawaiian Tropic Oil Free Faces Sunblock ($7.39)

All of these sunscreens can be purchased at Ulta stores and drugstores near you. Make sure to apply it at least 30 minutes prior to going outside and re-apply if you’ve been sweating or are very active. It doesn’t hurt to apply a lot of it and often!  The more you shield yourself from the sun’s UVA and UVB rays, the younger, fresher and better your skin will look!

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Sunscreen Under $10!

(Image: Target)

Bullfrog Mosquito Coast SPF 30 Sunblock with Insect Repellent ($8) will prevent insects from biting you and protect you from the harmful rays of the sun with one application! It’s deet free, lasts up to 8 hours and has a pleasant grapefruit scent.   This is great for all ages too so the whole family can use it. It’s available at Target stores or drugstores near you.

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Stop Those Biting Buggers with Bullfrog