Skin Care 101 – Healthy Skin is Protected Skin. Know the Facts.

Spring has sprung and with it comes the emergence of golden rays, blue skies and budding flowers. We know that a beautiful garden is one that is well protected and adequately cared for–our skin is no different.

In the fabulous book Can You Get Hooked On Lip Balm by TheBeautyBrains.com, top cosmetic scientists answer questions about beauty products and lotions. What caught my eye was the Skin Care chapter, specifically the facts on sunscreens.  Here are a few sun-safe facts from the book:

1. Sunscreen can go bad. If you notice that your lotion seems to be separating or has developed some kind of icky consistency do yourself a favor: throw it out, it’s worthless.
2. Sunscreen is an absolute must when outdoors. Put on plenty of sunscreen (an ounce or so) and let it absorb into your skin (15-30 minutes) before going outside.
3. Sunscreen should be reapplied after 2 hours. According to the book, studies suggest individuals who waited 2 1/2 hours instead of 2 hours before reapplication, were 5 times more likely to burn. Since UV molecules wear out over time your sun protection dimishes.

The answers in Can You Get Hooked On Lip Balm prove that sunscreen protection isn’t a luxury, it’s a must!  Did you know that Women ages 20-29 are the fastest growing segment of the population being diagnosed with Skin Cancer, especially Melanoma? Ladies, we have to do a better job of taking care of our skin. Not sure what to look for in sunscreen protection?  Here are a few suggestions to get you started.

• Heavier isn’t always better. I never liked to wear sunscreen because it was thick, sticky and left a gray tint on my skin. Eww. But splendid innovations in sunscreen like MD Solar Sciences Mineral Screen Tinted Gel allow for  you to have the best of both worlds.  The formula is entirely mineral-based but won’t leave behind a chalky or unsightly film. Your skin gets the protection it needs without the icky factor of conventional sunscreens.
• Lotion and Sunscreen in one.  I’ve been using Eucerin for years to treat my children’s eczema and my own dry skin. The lotions are SPF 15 with UVA-UVB protection and are anti-oxidant enriched to moisturize and safeguard skin from everyday sun exposure. To help increase skin care awareness, Eucerin is launching the Skin First Network to help create a Skin Savvy Nation–bonus!
• UVA-UVB protection is best. According to SkinCancer.org, you should use sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher and with a combination of UVA and UVB proctection. StriVectin’s New SH Age Protect SPF 30 has both UVA/UVB shields along with its patented NIA-114 for sun protection and age protection.

Beautiful skin is protected skin. Do your part to keep your skin safe.