by Debi G | Apr 30, 2011
Did you know that SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays; SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays; and SPF 50 blocks 99% of UVB rays? They all can be effective. However, your answer lies in how much you apply and how often. The reality is that an SPF 
15 isn’t really a 15 if you only apply a thin layer. Therefore, we urge you to layer your sunscreen. Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun. Let it dry down for at least 15 minutes and then reapply another coat just before your tennis match, mountain hike or other outdoor activity. Reapply every two hours to give adequate coverage and every hour if swimming or sweating. That way, you’ll have a fighting chance of achieving the full SPF rating and maximizing the potential UVA protection of your product.
As an FYI, a product’s SPF is measured in a laboratory setting. Subjects put on a certain amount of sunscreen per centimeter of skin and are then exposed to a solar simulator (a lamp that creates UV radiation similar to sunlight). It is important to note that the amount of sunscreen applied for this test is quite heavy, far more than most people ever use at the beach.
Contact me to learn more about our award winning products debi@skincarepartners.com
by Debi G | Apr 26, 2011
In the U.S., the labeling of sunscreens, regulated by the FDA, is measured according to the SPF (sun protection factor) grading system. The SPF number refers to the product’s ability to block out UVB (burning) radiation but does not pertain to the product’s ability to block dangerous UVA (aging) light. UVA rays destroy our collagen and elastin, causing wrinkles and sagging, stimulate pigment-producing melanocytes to release brown melanin, resulting in “liver spots” on the face, hands and chest, and can mutate your DNA, eventually leading to skin cancer. So, it is important that when you are looking for a sunscreen you look for one with broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection. We encourage you to check the active ingredients label on the back of the box or tube to be certain you are getting adequate protection. Look for these active ingredients in your broad spectrum sunscreen:
To protect against UVA rays:
Avobenzone (aka Parsol® 1789): chemical block
Mexoryl®: chemical block
Zinc Oxide: physical block
To protect against UVB rays:
Cinnamate: chemical block
Ensulizole: chemical block
Octinoxate: chemical block
Padimate A: chemical block
Padimate O: chemical block
Try our new REVERSE Environmental Shield SPF 55 it features SHIELD rf, a unique complex of
stabilized avobenzone and anti-oxidant/anti-inflammatory colorless carotenoids,
to provide prolonged broad spectrum protection and ensure that…read more here.
by Debi G | Apr 16, 2011
A peptide is a peptide, right? Not so. All peptides are small chains of amino acids that signal natural processes in the skin, but different types of peptides influence different types of processes. For example, some peptides increase collagen production and others decrease inflammation.
Hexapeptide-21 is a corrective peptide and one of our favorites. It stimulates collagen production and helps strengthen skin’s structure to minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles and firm skin. In clinical studies hexapeptide-21 has been shown to perform as well as the leading prescription wrinkle reducer in improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, but without the associated irritation.
Find hexapeptide-21, at the same concentration as tested in the above referenced clinical study, in Rodan + Fields® ANTI-AGE Triple Defense Treatment SPF 30.
Learn More Here
by Debi G | Apr 11, 2011
By Dr. Kathy Fields
I saw Hannah, a teenage patient, last week because she wanted to check in with me before flying to Hawaii next week for spring break. I’d seen Hannah frequently over the last six months while treating her severe acne and we had gotten to know each other quite well. So I immediately noticed a difference in her skin tone when she stepped into my office … her skin was much darker than it was the last time I saw her in January. Before leaving, I talked to her about sun protection for her trip; I wanted to make sure she knew how to protect her skin.
And I’m so glad I brought it up, because Hannah had been visiting the tanning salon and believed that the “base tan” she was building up would protect her from the sun. Although it’s not the first time I’ve heard this myth, it couldn’t be further from the truth. Because while a tan may look much better than a red, peeling burn, both are signs of sun damage and contribute equally to aging your skin.
What’s more, while tanning salons filter out most of the UVB (burning rays), their sun lamps emit significantly greater quantities of UVA (aging rays), which contributes to premature skin aging and increases the incidence of both melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancers. And if you thought that was bad … a recent study of the top 10 tanning salons in New York City conducted by the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found staff bacteria and fecal matter in every tanning bed tested. 
Hannah was shocked after hearing this but I’m glad I got my message across. If you just can’t say no to that sun-kissed glow, fake it with self-tanner. Trust me, you won’t regret it!
Skin is a beautiful thing … wear it well!
Debuting May 1st… the long awaited…R+F Sunless Tanner!
To find out how you can get your best sunscreen and a safe tan, contact me at 615-332-9995 or email me at debi@skincarepartners.com
15 isn’t really a 15 if you only apply a thin layer. Therefore, we urge you to layer your sunscreen. Apply your sunscreen 30 minutes before exposing yourself to the sun. Let it dry down for at least 15 minutes and then reapply another coat just before your tennis match, mountain hike or other outdoor activity. Reapply every two hours to give adequate coverage and every hour if swimming or sweating. That way, you’ll have a fighting chance of achieving the full SPF rating and maximizing the potential UVA protection of your product.
