FDA Changes Coming This Fall on Sunscreen Labels

The FDA is coming out with clearer, more concise labeling for sunscreen this fall.  Labels now show an SPF which tells you how long the sunscreen will protect you from UVB rays.  UVA rays, which usually affect the skin on a deeper level and are a cause of skin cancer, have no existing test that can measure the level of protection as of yet. 

In order not to mislead the consumer, the new labeling will show a four star rating that reflects the level of UVA protection (low, medium, high and highest).  This system would work together with the current SPF rating. 

Remember, The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a sunscreen of 15 SPF or more with a combination of the following ingredients: stabilized avobenzone, ecamsule, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide.
 Source: The Miami Herald/Tropical Life 7/20/2010

How To Be a Cougar or Just Look Like One

The more you read my posts, the more you’ll start to realize that I truly believe that how good we look depends a great deal on how well we take care of ourselves.  Look around and you’ll notice that most women over 35 no longer look matronly or old like women did many years ago.  Great examples of this are women like Demi Moore, Jennifer Aniston, Susan Sarandon to name a few.  Of course, it’s easier for these women who are financially well off, but that doesn’t mean there is no hope for the rest of us.

Certain basics have to be followed daily.  You would never leave the house without brushing your teeth (I certainly hope not).  Why do some women think it’s ok to walk out of your home without any  protection?  By protection I am referring to a good sunblock, a moisturizer for your skin type and some light make up.  Protection and hydration should be our mantra as we get older.

Clients are always asking me what brand of skincare they should buy.  Buy what you can afford to purchase regularly.  Of course, the pricier items usually have great research and ingredients behind them, but nowadays there are great affordable items that the average woman can buy without mortgaging their home.

Do your research, ask friends who have healthy complexions, talk to your skin care specialist, contact companies for samples and keep trying different brands until you find what works for you.  Keep things simple if you find yourself short on time.  A basic cream cleanser, 30+ sunblock and daytime moisturizer are a great way to start.  As you become accustomed to this routine, add an eye cream (lines) or eye gel (puffiness).  For nighttime, skip the the sunblock and regular daytime moisturizer and find a moisturizer with retinols or AHA’s.  Ingredients that will lightly exfoliate your skin are optimum.

Speaking of exfoliation, too much of  a good thing is never beneficial.  Exfoliation is necessary in order to help ingredients penetrate and too bring out the glow, but overdoing it will dull the skin and make it sensitive to other environmental factors.

Remember, hydration, hydration, hydration.  This includes increasing water intake if yours is negligible.  Today's woman has a great deal more of resources and information for looking and feeling fabulous.  Let’s use them to look better and feel better.  Stay well and  be good to yourself.

A Little Honey Goes a Long Way

Friends are always asking me what's a good facial mask to buy for acne or redness. Mother Nature is a great source for so many skin issues. I'm a firm believer that honey is so versatile it could probably bring world peace. Honey is anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory. Since acne is caused by bacteria (unless your going through hormonal imbalances) it seems a logical choice. You can put it on your face alone for about 15 to 20 minutes or you can mix it with oatmeal, cinnamon, eggs, olive oil etc. Depending on what you're targeting; acne, redness, dehydration, etc., is what helps you determine what you can mix it with.

Always remember, eat well, stay hydrated and moisturize. It takes time and effort to look and feel good but it's well worth the investment. Stay well and be happy.

Skin Cancer Awareness

Skin cancer or any cancer is definitely not a topic most people like to discuss. The reality is that skin cancer has seen approximately a 350% increase in the last 15 years. Considering the wealth of information available to everyone, this seems totally unacceptable. For your sake and the sake of those you love, I am providing you with the The Skin Cancer Foundation's prevention guidelines:

~Always use SPF 15 or greater daily.
~Look for shade, especially during the hours of 10AM and 4PM.
~Don't allow yourself to burn.
~Avoid using tanning booths.
~Apply 1 ounce of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
~Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
~Use sunscreen on babies over 6 months old and keep newborns out of the sun.
~Exam your skin monthly
~See your physician annually for a professional skin exam

The "healthy" glow we all seem to search for is really damaging to our skin and health. Bronzers, self-tanners, spray tans are all ways of achieving that look if you really desire it. A healthy lifestyle that includes an appropriate amount of sun exposure, exercise and proper nutrition will give you a healthier glow that no tan can duplicate.

Remember to always be good to yourself and never ignore any changes to your skin.

For further information on Skin Cancer Awareness www.skincancer.org/

The Perfect Everything

This perpetual search for beauty seems to be front and center to everything else.  We seem to have lost our perspective when it comes to how we should look.  Girls are growing up thinking they should look like the airbrushed models on the cover of their favorite magazines or that they should dress and behave like their favorite “reality” star.  There is definitely no reality in what they see.  Everyone wants a quick fix and we’ve forgotten that beauty begins within.  Corny as it may sound, we can’t lose sight of the fact that we must lead healthy lives in order to truly be beautiful.

Nips, tucks and injectables are not wrong, but they should not be the final  answer to looking  attractive.  If we’re going to be in this for the long term (we are living longer), it’s important that we go back to basics.  Eating well, exercise, learning to handle stress, companionship and love are all examples of things that must be incorporated into our lives.  When we feel well mentally and physically, we will definitely be more confident.  Confidence will always bring out the best in you.   Eliminate the ball and chain that society has placed on us.  Let’s get rid of the cookie cutter image of beauty. Remember, take care of yourself, stay well and  be happy.  The rest will always follow.