by Debi G | 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 G | 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 G | 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 G | 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
by Debi G | Jun 6, 2011
Let’s talk about your skin. Medically known as melanocytic nevi, moles are small dark spots on your skin that appear predominately during the first 20 years of life. Hormones, sun exposure and genetics are all factors in the number, location and type of moles we each get.
Moles on their own aren’t necessarily dangerous; however, UV exposure can trigger malignant transformations, causing moles to become cancerous. The good news is that if caught early, melanoma is nearly 100% treatable. The best way to catch your moles before it’s too late is to map them.
Every year on your birthday, I recommend getting in your birthday suit and taking full body pictures. Compare them year after year, carefully checking for the ABCDE’s of melanoma.
A—Asymmetry: the spot isn’t symmetrical and may have an odd shape
B—Border: look for a border that isn’t sharp or defined
C—Color: the color is not uniform and may have different shades of red, brown or black
D—Diameter: the spot is the size of a pencil eraser or larger
E—Evolution: the spot is changing in size and/or shape
This may seem like a lot of work, but at the end of the day you are responsible for your health and well-being. Just like with breast cancer, most melanoma cases are self-diagnosed and not found in your annual exam. If you want a derm’s attention on your moles, make an appointment specifically for a mole evaluation. There’s not much money in mole checks … so while a great derm will make time for it, others will opt for more lucrative procedures like botox. And if you don’t feel your derm is taking your moles seriously, find a new one. There are countless great dermatologists out there who care about the health of their patients. ~Dr. Kathy Fields
