Showing posts with label Sunscreen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Sunscreen. Show all posts

Must Know Sunscreen Tips

Sponsored Post
Must Know Sunscreen Tips

Did you know that every time your skin is exposed to the sun, you are damaging it? Yes, it is true! I have a post up over on eBay with some great must know sunscreen tips.

Also new this weekend over on eBay:


Sponsored Post
0

Skin Cancer Awareness and Looking for Sunscreen

Sponsored Post

Skin Cancer Awareness

May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and it's the perfect time to go over what everyone should know about skin cancer, and what you should do to prevent it in yourself and your loved ones!

Skin cancer is very, very common. Each year there are more new cases of skin cancer than cancers of the breast, prostate, lung and colon combined. Yes. And they aren't all the deadly melanoma we hear about the most often, treatment of non-melanoma skin cancers increased by nearly 77 percent between 1992 and 2006. A whopping one in five Americans will develop skin cancer in the course of their lifetime!

Think you can't get skin cancer? Think again! Each year, a diagnosis of melanoma is made in 1 per 100,000 people in African Americans, 4 per 100,000 in Hispanics, and 25 per 100,000 in non-Hispanic whites. Which means you can be any ethnicity and still be diagnosed. Melanomas in African Americans, Asians, Filipinos, Indonesians, and native Hawaiians most often occur on non-exposed skin with less pigment, with up to 60-75 percent of tumors arising on the palms, soles, mucous membranes and nail regions. The overall average 5-year melanoma survival rate for African Americans is only 75 percent, versus 93 percent for whites.


How to pick the best sunscreen

Yes, skin cancer can be scary, and roughly 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to the sun! That means that there is something very easy you can do to prevent skin cancer. Yes, wear your sunscreen. Wear it every day.

1. Daily Sunscreen
Whether you're spending a sunny day at the beach or just heading to work, you'll be exposed to UV radiation from the sun and should be protecting yourself from the sun. While it's been proven that daily sunscreen is best to help prevent aging, the same is likely true for skin cancer risk. You should be wearing sunscreen every day, and it should be in either your daily lotion or as a separate sunscreen. The amount in your makeup doesn't count, you aren't applying enough of it to reach the SPF value on the bottle. Make a habit of applying sun protection every morning!


2. SPF 30 or Higher
I'm sure you've heard that over a certain SPF value, it doesn't matter right? Well, actually... it does matter. Because most of us don't apply enough sunscreen, studies have found that we actually are getting about 20-50% of the stated SPF value simply because of incorrect application. So, it is better to start off with a higher SPF product to start with.

But what do the higher numbers really mean?
SPF 8 blocks 87% of UVB rays
SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB rays
SPF 30 blocks 97% of UVB rays
SPF 50 blocks 98% of UVB rays
SPF 100 blocks 99% of UVB rays

That difference in 93% vs 98% of UVB rays may not sound like much, but it can be very important when you take into account incorrect sunscreen usage, especially if you have a personal or family history of skin cancer! Use the highest SPF you can use in order to be sure that you're getting great UV protection.


3. Look for Full Spectrum Coverage
It isn't enough to just look for the words "Broad Spectrum" on your sunscreen. Unfortunately, the way that the sunscreen label rules were written by the FDA, it is possible to have a broad spectrum sunscreen that doesn't cover UVA II rays! The SPF is determined by the UVB coverage. If there's enough UVA I coverage (at a certain wavelength) then it can be labelled as broad spectrum. Unfortunately, that means it is possible to have a good SPF and broad spectrum sunscreen that doesn't cover the full spectrum. Check your sunscreen's active ingredients to be sure you have a full spectrum product!

Full spectrum uv coverage from sunscreen


4. Apply at the Right Time
Your sunscreen needs to be applied to your skin before your makeup, and you should be applying it about 20-30 minutes before sun exposure to give it time to be absorbed and ready to protect your skin.


5. Apply the Right Amount
You'll need to apply 1 ounce, roughly the amount of a shot glass, to your entire body to reach the correct coverage. You need about a teaspoon to cover the average adult face as well.


6. Reapply Often
To keep your SPF working, you'll need to reapply pretty often. At least every 2 hours, and really more like every 90 minutes or so when you're being exposed to a lot of sun, such as at the beach. You also need to reapply after water exposure, even if your sunscreen is water resistant.


PCA SKIN Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45

Ideal Sunscreen Use Example
I thought it would be great to go through a "typical" sunscreen use example so you can see really how I use sunscreen!

One of my current favorites is PCA SKIN's Weightless Protection Broad Spectrum SPF 45. I love that this sunscreen is lightweight, sinks in to your skin very easily and doesn't feel heavy or sticky. You can use it on your face under makeup or all over your body. The formulation also contains anti-oxidants (Caffeine and Silybin from Milk Thistle plants) to help protect your skin from further sun damage. The UV protection is full spectrum, and with SPF 45 I'm protecting my pale, freckle-prone skin from a lot of UV damage. The higher SPF also means that even if I don't apply quite enough I'm still likely to have a pretty high SPF value of protection.

I would apply this at home before getting dressed. Especially if I was heading to the beach or pool where I need to have sunscreen applied to areas like my back and upper legs. It is much easier to contort myself and reach every little spot on my body in the privacy of my own home! Applying before putting on my suit means I'll have an even application all over, rather than missed spots right next to my suit. As well, this means that I'll have 20-30 minutes before sun exposure so the product can fully absorb into my skin.

Once I leave, I'll bring a bottle with me for reapplications. I'll reapply every 2 hours and after swimming. Because this bottle is only 2.2 ounces, that means it is 2 full applications, plus a little extra, maybe an extra application to your face or shoulders? One bottle of sunscreen really is roughly 1 day out in the sun, not a full summer of protection!

Note that this is actually a face sunscreen! The teaspoon of recommended sunscreen for your face is really to reach about 0.8 g of product. Since this tube is 62.4 g, you'll get months of use if you use it on your face. But, it's about one day of high sun exposure activity to me, and I love how lightweight it is. I'll be stocking up to use it at the zoo and other intensive sun locations this summer! It's much nicer to wear than other, much heavier sunscreens.



Contest!
In honor of Skin Cancer Awareness Month, PCA SKIN is holding a photo contest to see your PCA SKIN sunscreen in action! For every photo submitted and every vote cast, PCA SKIN will donate $1 to The Skin Cancer Foundation.*

How to Enter:
Post a pic of your PCA SKIN sunscreen on Instagram with #imcovered and #pcaskincontest, or upload directly to PCA SKIN, you have until May 25! Voting is May 26-31, and each vote will also result in a donation. The grand prize winners (one from votes and one picked by PCA SKIN) will win a year’s supply of PCA SKIN broad spectrum sunscreen and an outdoor swag package worth over $800. It includes the sunscreen, a beach cruiser, a designer tote, aviator sunglasses and a summer fedora!


Image- iStockPhoto
Skin Cancer facts from SkinCancer.org
Sponsored Post
This post is sponsored by PCA SKIN, but all opinions are mine!
*Up to $5,000
5

Desert Beauty Must Haves from Raging Rouge

Affiliate Links

Desert Beauty Must Haves from Raging Rouge


Today I have a great post from my friend Jen, she writes one of my favorite beauty blogs, Raging Rouge! Jen and I spend a lot of time talking about our mutual beauty obsessions, but we also share a love of shopping (especially all things Tory. She has helped me spend way too much money!) Today she's sharing a few of her favorite products to cope with living in the desert. Recently she moved to the southwest and it has taken her much trial and error to readjust her routine! I hope some of her info can help you deal with the intense heat and sun of the desert.


Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion ($39): I’ve been buying and rebuying this product since it was first released. It has been my go-to sunblock for vacations in the desert, and now that I’m a desert dweller I still use it regularly. It’s pricy, but this SPF50+ also wears beautifully under makeup and protects the skin from sun exposure for a long time.

Active Ingredients: Octinoxate 7.4%; Octocrylene 3.0%; Titanium Dioxide 1.4%; Zinc Oxide 16.4%;




 class=


Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Spray SPF 50+ ($36): Since I’ve moved to the desert, I’ve added this spray sunscreen to my routine. It’s not an obnoxious mist that leaves everyone in the vicinity coughing when you use it. Shiseido uses a true pump spray that delivers broad spectrum UV protection that can reach tricky spots like the back.

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3.0%, Homosalate 15.0%, Octisalate 5.0%, Octocrylene 2.5%, Oxybenzone 5.0%








Neutrogena UltraSheer Face & Body Stick Sunscreen SPF 70 ($8.79): My sons hate wearing sun block, so I was happy to discover this 70+ sunblock stick. I apply it to my boys every morning before school, and they get through a recess-filled school day (and extracurriculars) with no burns!

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 3%, Homosalate 15%, Octisalate 5%, Octocrylene 10%, Oxybenzone 3%








Peter Thomas Roth Instant Mineral SPF 30 ($30): You never know when an afternoon in the sun might present itself. This product makes sunblock application OVER makeup a breeze, without compromising your look. It’s available in many formulas, including one with a bronze tint.

Active Ingredients: Titanium Dioxide 13%, Zinc Oxide 14%


 class=


Sun Bum Sunscreen Lip Balm ($4): The delicious tropical flavors offered by Sun Bum help remind you to re-apply a lip balm with SPF throughout the day! The latest flavor I’ve tried is banana, which smells just like a smoothie to me and soothes dry lips in the hot summer sun.

Active Ingredients: Avobenzone 2.00%, Homosalate 15.00%, Octisalate 5.00%, Octinoxate 7.50%







Klorane Mango Butter Intense Nutrition Repair Masque ($23): When I first moved to Scottsdale, it didn’t take long for my hair to turn to a horrible straw-like texture. Truthfully, it looked more like a stack of yellow hay than hair. I’ve been using Klorane Mango Shampoo and Conditioner for years, so for extra moisture I added on the Repair Masque. It was just what my dry tresses needed to get back to a normal state.


Bumble and Bumble Mending Complex ($35): After washing and drying my sun-damaged hair, I applied this leave in conditioner daily. I also passed on heat styling as often as possible (trust me when I say this step is easy to skip when it’s 110 degrees or higher). Bumble and Bumble Mending Complex made my hair feel softer the very first time I used it, and improved the health of my hair more and more with each use. I was heartbroken when I ran out, but a bottle will last for a long time!


Clinique Sun Face Cream ($21.50): In my quest to find superior Broad Spectrum sun protection, I found Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 50 Sunscreen Face Cream. This formula doubles as a luxurious anti-aging face cream, while also providing an SPF 50. It’s been a great choice for my sensitive skin, and is actually a reasonable price!

Active Ingredients: Oxybenzone 5.00%, Octisalate 5.00%, Homosalate 5.00%, Avobenzone 3.00%, Octocrylene 2.70%








True Blue Spa Paraffin Super Softening Hand Lotion ($12): I first discovered this product when I forgot to pack moisturizing gloves on a vacation. My winter-ravaged hands needed attention and a Bath & Body Works employee treated me to a short hand massage with this rich hand cream. It is, hands down (pardon the pun), the best I’ve ever used! Now they are scattered throughout my house, in my car, and in my bag at all times.


True Blue Spa Glycolic Acid Cracked Heel Treatment ($15): It’s flip-flop season for about 10 months of the year here in the desert, so heels need extra TLC or they will crack and bleed. Prep for a scorching summer with this glycolic moisturizer that removes the dry, damaged top layer of the heel while it delivers a deep moisturizer.


Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes Pencil ($19): You really never know when a chance for a swim might pop up when you live in a warmer climate, so wearing waterproof makeup everyday is generally a good idea. Make Up For Ever Aqua Eyes is my favorite eye pencil in general, and luckily handles the water like a champ!


NARS Pure Sheer Lip Treatment ($25): Sunblock, color, and an emollient feel make this lip treatment a permanent fixture in my bag during the summer months!


Sephora Collection Waterproof Eye Makeup Remover ($10.50): If you’re wearing waterproof eye makeup daily, a top notch waterproof eye makeup remover is a must. Luckily this Sephora brand remover is a reasonable price, and cuts through even the best waterproof formulas without irritating the delicate eye area.


Jen blogs at Raging Rouge, go check out her blog!
Affiliate Links
0

Top 10 Tuesday: The Best Sunscreens for Sunny Summer Days

Product Sent for Review Affiliate Links

Top 10 Tuesday: The Best Sunscreens

I'm a bit sunscreen obsessed, so I had to participate in this week's Top 10 Tuesday! I've previously shared 9 Full Spectrum Sunscreens and 7 Lippies That Offer Full UV Spectrum Coverage!, though you can find a lot more sunscreen tips and some of my favorite over on my sunscreen Pinterest board, Sun Savvy. I'm of the opinion that we should all be wearing sunscreen every day, and when you're out in the sun you should reapply every 2 hours (here's How to Reapply Sunscreen (While Wearing Makeup)).

Today I thought I'd share the sunscreens that are around my house and that we really use in my family. They're all at least SPF 30 and off Full UV Spectrum coverage. Note that there are other full spectrum sunscreens out there, but these ones seem to feel lighter weight and aren't greasy feeling, so we opt for these ones. And my list is only 7 long, because that's what is here in my house.

The Best Sunscreens for Sunny Summer Days

1. Aveeno Active Naturals Baby Natural Protection SPF 50+ Lotion
Titanium Dioxide, Zinc Oxide



 class=


2. Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock Lotion SPF 110
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone









3. La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone









4. Aveeno Protect + Hydrate Lotion Sunscreen
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone









5. Coppertone Kids Sunscreen Lotion
Octinoxate, Octisalate, Zinc Oxide




 class=


6. Kiehl's Activated Sun Protector Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 50 for Face
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone








7. Coppertone Sport High Performance Sunscreen Lotion
Avobenzone, Homosalate, Octisalate, Octocrylene, Oxybenzone













Product Sent for Review Affiliate Links

6
Never miss a post
Name: 
Your email address:*
Please enter all required fields
Correct invalid entries