by Debi | Aug 5, 2011
Want to Go Topless?
There are ways to save your face…
There’s no time like the summertime to get outdoors and enjoy the sun. No matter how hard you try, increased sun exposure June through August is nearly inevitable. Going for a ride in that convertible on that beautiful warm summer day?
What to know? A convertible is just a mobile lounge chair and requires exactly the same amount of sun protection as you would apply before heading out to a pool party. Unlike other recreational sun exposure, it can even be worse because not only do most of us fail to think about applying sunscreen before driving, but the refreshing breeze and roar of the engine can dull your sun alarm so you stay exposed longer than you might normally.
What to do? Go ahead and take it off…go topless! …a ride or two in a convertible this summer won’t leather your skin as long as you apply sunscreen before jumping in. And work the “convertible look” made famous by Audrey Hepburn, complete with a headscarf and sunglasses. Not only will channeling this style icon bring some added fun to your drive, but it will also protect your skin from the sun.
CLICK here for the Rodan+Fields Broad Spectrum Sunscreen
by Debi | Jul 30, 2011
Excessive amounts of melanin (pigment) production result from exposure to UV radiation, heat and other sources of injury to the skin, such as healing from acne. Excessive melanin production may appear as freckles, age spots, post-acne dark marks or general dull appearance.
Hydroquinone works by inhibiting tyrosinase, a key enzyme in the physiological pathway that produces excessive pigmentation and is the only ingredient recognized for skin lightening by the FDA.
Currently, the FDA limits over-the-counter concentrations to 2% and prescription concentrations to 5%. In Europe and Asia, all levels of hydroquinone require a prescription, but it is not banned, as some misinformation purports.
Due to the controversy over the safety of hydroquinone, a lot of buzz about naturally-derived alternatives has surfaced. However, while many women see results from “natural” other ingredients, it’s important to note that they have not been proven to work, nor are they FDA-approved for skin-lightening.
Additionally, most dermatologists feel that hydroquinone side effects are very rare and that consumers can use it to treat freckles, sun spots, liver spots, melasma and post-acne spots without fear.
What has your hydroquinone experience been? Tell us your story by leaving a comment below.
Read more here.
by Debi | Jul 22, 2011
Yes! Some people actually have a real addiction to the pleasure of tanning. Studies show that the UV rays trigger the release of endorphins – morphine-like substances in the brain that block pain and heighten pleasure – resulting in a natural “high.” Just like smoking, this is a habit you will have to break if you want your skin to stand the test of aging and time.
by Debi | Jun 20, 2011
When lips are dry and chapped, it is human nature to lick the lips for relief. In fact, a recent study found that the average woman will consume 8 pounds of lipstick in her lifetime from licking her lips. The problem is, while licking lips offers momentary moisturization, the act creates a wet/dry cycle that exacerbates chapping. Next time your lips feel dry, reach in your purse or pocket for a lip balm. For best results, look for a lip balm with UVA/UVB sun protection and proven antioxidants and skin conditioners.
Hydrate, softens and protect your lips with ESSENTIALS Lip Shield SPF 25
