Suncreen Options

As I discussed in the previous post, it's important to select the right sunscreen for your skin. It is certainly overwhelming to be in a drugstore and having to choose the right sunscreen. Again, like I mentioned previously, selecting the right for sunscreen is on your own terms but also which is the amount of activity you are doing. If you are a sun worshipper with limited activity maybe a waterproof sunscreen is not what you need. If you're someone who will be surfing, snorkeling, in a tropical country, then your options will be different.

The array of selection is vast and to narrow it down; I hope this post will make it easier for all to select the best sunscreen out there as the summer is fast approaching. My main basin of selections comes from Dermstore. DermStore.com is a health & beauty ecommerce site that was created by a board certified dermatologist who saw the need to provide accurate skin care information and qualified, healthy skin care product solutions on the web. Since its launch in 1999, DermStore has grown to offer a range of more than 300 skin care and cosmetic brands along with expert advice and esthetician recommended regimens. Because they are online only, it makes it easier to select the right sunscreen for you and actually any skin care products. Their product offering consists of brands with physician-strength formulas otherwise only available through a doctor’s or surgeon’s office, widely available quality drugstore brands, exclusive spa care lines, salon -grade brands, and difficult to find niche and specialty brands from around the world.

When looking at the various sunscreen Dermstore offers, they have a large selection of products ranging in prices and quality. With nearly 500,000 new cases of skin cancer yearly, growing awareness of sun exposure has led to advances in sun protection. The sun produces two types of ultraviolet radiation that affect the skin. UVB, also know as the burning ray, is the shorter wavelength and is more damaging. UVA, the aging ray, is longer and is damaging to the skin as well. There are two main types of sunscreen: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreens, which are less irritating, work by reflecting or blocking the sun's rays. Chemical sunscreens absorb the ultraviolet rays. Most sunscreens today contain both, known as broad spectrum sunscreen. A sunscreen’s SPF (Sun Protection Factor) indicates how long someone can stay out in the sun without burning. A sunscreen with an SPF of 15 lets you stay out in the sun 15 times longer than without sunscreen.

Some of the products they have at an affordable price while still have an excellent quality is: One Extraordinary Sunscreen SPF 20 (2 oz.) .This non-chemical sunscreen uses natural zinc oxide to provide physical protection against UVA and UVB sun rays. Its gentle formulation is ideal for all skin types, including sensitive, making it perfect for the entire family. With regular use, this elegant formulation can help prevent premature skin aging, hyperpigmentation, collagen damage and even skin cancer.

One other product for the beach volleyball enthusiast is: Play-Day Sunscreen SPF 30 (4 oz.) This sunscreen is made for a day of play in the sunshine completes your day with the proper protection. This lightweight sunscreen from Noodle and Boo offers non-irritating UV protection that’s non-oily and water resistant. Aloe and vitamin E nourish and protect while SPF 30 prevents skin damage and painful burns. This quick-drying formula is hypoallergenic and tested by dermatologists and pediatricians.

And if you bring the children to the beach, their skin being very sensitive to sun exposure will appreciate the excellent sun protection from:  SPF 18 Moisturizing Sunscreen (4.5 fl oz.) This California Baby Sunscreen Lotion is a non-chemical broad-spectrum sun block that is ideal for babies, children and adults with sensitive skin. This sunscreen is ideal for those with sensitive skin, as it is free of common allergens. Its light lemongrass fragrance refreshes the senses This light, elegant lotion glides on easily and lasts for hours. Even after 40 minutes in the water, this sunscreen still protects your skin and your baby's skin from the sun's harmful rays. Ideal for use every day of the year to protect against UVA and UVB sun rays.

I have many more sunscreen products of high quality at a very decent price through Dermstore. DermStore is your one stop shop for all your skin care and cosmetic needs. But their vast array of sunscreen is next to none recommended by certified dermatologists.  Protect Your Skin with Sunscreen from Dermstore! and let me know how it works for you. In my next post, we will further explore other sunscreen which have a lasting effect on your skin.

Choosing the Right Sunscreen

In my previous post, I talked on how the sun can seriously damage your skin and what is the best protection against sun exposure. Although clothing, sun-hats are important to sun protection, an efficient sunscreen is important is essential to protect the bare part of your body fully exposed to the UV rays.

Heading to the local drugstore and choosing a sunscreen which will work for you can be quite a task. Which one to choose? Do I go for a water resistant sunscreen? Which SPF do I need? How much do I want to pay for it. And yes, we also ensure what they smell like...

Let's look at what kind of SPF you need. First SPF stands for Sun Protection Factor and we all know the higher the SPF number, the longer you can stay out of the sun without burning. How it is graded is as follow: take the common SPF 15, if you are using an SPF 15, for a person that it generally take 15 minutes to burn with an SPF 15 will allow the same person to stay in the sun 15 times longer without burning. That is the principle of the number with the acronym SPF. Of course factors such as a proper application like a certain amount prior to head out in the sun are important. Most dermatologist and health care specialist will recommend using a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 and higher. Myself, depending on the UV index of the day, I will often use a 30 or even higher. Also factors such as where you are located geographically and how you are planning to be outin the sun are also issues to consider. Most of the sunscreen found out there in drugstore or from dermatologist range from 2 to 60. It's important you choose what is best for your skin. Some people have a darker complexion and pigmentation which is also a factor. If you burn easily, you will want to go higher than an SPF 15 and consider an SPF 30 or even SPF 45. keep in mind that an SPF 50 will only provide 2% more protection than an SPF 30.

Next you want to consider what kind of sunscreen will best fit your activities for the day. Do you want a water resistant sunscreen or a waterproof one. If you are planning to be in the water such as swiiming, surfing, you will want to select a waterproof sunscreen. The difference resides in the amount of time you will be protected from the sun exposure while in the water. A waterproof sunscreen will be more effective and should normally last 60 to 90 min while a water resistant should last half that time.

Next thing you want to understand are the types of UV rays. There are two types: the UVA and UVB. Try to find a sunscreen that will cover both types of rays. It will be indicated on the tube or bottle and should be verified prior to purchasing a sunscreen. The difference in the types of rays that UVA are mostly responsible for the aging effect of the sun while the UVB are the one causing sunburns. Both can cause skin cancer and shouldn't be overlooked.

Like I said above, people will even buy sunscreen because they smell nice but that shouldn't be the dominating factor in purchasing a good sunscreen. be careful on possible allergies some may cause you. depending on the ingredients used in them, some suncreen may be allergenic to some people's skin and create rashes and itchy skin. One other part not to forget to protect is your lips. There are good sunscreen lip balm that will keep you lips moist while protecting them from the sun.

Bottom line of all this is to get a sunscreen which will protect your skin based on your activities for the day. i recommend buying two different SPF level and at least a SPF 15 as your lowest SPF level of sunscreen. I strongly disagree in buying  the oil one with an SPF 4 that makes your skin smell like a coconut tree. What you need is sun protection. Your skin will thank you when get back from the beach... In my next post, i will look at some of the efficient sunscreen out there which will make your skin soft, not oily and water resistant / water proof.  

Sun Protection and Sunscreen

As Spring is intensifying and the world seems to come back to life we are of course driven to head outside and take advantage of the nice weather and to have the sun hit our cheeks. I am totally for it as long as it is taken in moderation. You see a small dose of sun is good for your skin. But too much could be the precursor for first a bad sunburn but also skin problems  such as skin cancer if you abuse it too much. That's why a good sun protection routine is to your advantage.

What is sun protection? Sun protection is simply guarding a body from the adverse effects of sunlight. Aside from the hazards of heat, the sun poses the danger of sunburn, which can permanently damage the skin and cause skin cancer, precancerous changes in the skin, as well as premature wrinkling and signs of aging. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun is a known risk factor for the development of both melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers.

Sunburns can be prevented in many ways. The best ways to avoid sunburn are to limit time in the sun, especially between peak sunlight hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m, wear protective clothing, including a broad-brimmed sun hat, a shirt with sleeves that cover the arms and a long skirt or pants with long legs, use a protective sunscreen to minimize the penetration of the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. If you are to wear shorts stay in the shade.

With all the discussions about how the ozone layer depleting and the sun increasing its rays on us; the sunscreen market has expanded and created a vast array of selection of sunscreen products out there. Heading to the local drug store you will see many brands and strength of protection offered. At times this can be quite confusing. Which one to use? But first know what a sunscreen is. A sunscreen is any substance or material that protects the skin from UV radiation. Sunscreens are available in the forms of topical lotion, cream, ointment, gel, or spray that can be applied to the skin; a salve or stick that can be applied to the lips, nose, and eyelids; a moistener in towelettes that can be rubbed against the skin; sunglasses that protect the eyes; certain types of sun-protection clothing; and film screen that can be affixed to the windows of a car, room, or office.

Many cream and lotion are graded by SPF. SPF is an abbreviation for sun-protection factor associated with a number such as 15, 30, or 50 that indicates the degree of sunburn protection provided by sunscreens. SPF is related to the total amount of sun exposure rather than simply the length of sun exposure. It is a common mistake to assume that the duration of effectiveness of a sunscreen can be calculated simply by multiplying the SPF by the length of time it takes for him or her to suffer a burn without sunscreen, because the amount of sun exposure a person receives is dependent upon more than just the length of time spent in the sun. The amount of sun exposure depends upon a number of factors including the length of exposure, time of day, geographic location, and weather conditions.

A common mistake by many is applying too little sunscreen, which can drastically reduce the effective SPF of the product. About 1 ounce (5-6 teaspoons) of sunscreen is recommended to cover the entire body. Further, sunscreen must be reapplied every two hours when staying outdoors for a prolonged period of time. Sunscreen should also be applied at least 30 minutes before going outdoors. People with sensitive skin who burn quickly and must spend a lot of time outdoors should always apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more. In a future post we will look at the good sunscreen out there in preparation for the sunny seasons. Have fun in the sun....

Revitol - An Affordable Anti-Aging Solution

Finding an anti wrinkle solution that works for you is a long and tiring process. You're faced with offerings from hundreds of companies using a variety of unproven components that promise to leave your face as smooth as it was in your youth. Most men and women want to look younger and reduce the appearance of facial wrinkles, and restore their skin to its younger days. As a result a great deal of these anti wrinkle creams and various other skin treatments have been created to solve this ever-present problem but few of these treatments are effective and safe.

As I was talking to my pharmacist and feeling his pulse on the latest and raging products on anti-aging skin care solution; he mentioned to me today a product you may want to give a try and is taking the aging population by storm. He mention to me Revitol was making some huge gains amongst the aging population because of its quality skin care product but also it was very affordable. I did read before on Revitol but was not sold on it. Again, like this blog says it is on your terms. After all it is your skin. After a lenghty discussion, what he revealed to me sure impressed me. He was saying  this revolutionary anti aging cream utilizes the most advanced ingredients available today. The active ingredients not only help to firm, hydrate, and tighten facial skin but also help to reduce the appearance of fines lines. He had me by the hook already... But what mostly amazed me is Revitol offers fast results targeting wrinkles, crows feet around the eyes, and other signs of aging. Revitol can help you appear younger with a radiant complexion.

The isolates in Revitol Complete can dramatically decrease the appearance of wrinkles and revitalize your skin in addition to increasing collagen and elastin for men and women. Many customers report that it is more effective than Retinol and Vitamin C creams in reducing the appearance of aging and the appearance of wrinkles. And Revitol is effective for men and women. More importantly the continual use of Revitol Complete can gradually rejuvenate the tone and texture of your skin to leave you long lasting effects. I said thanks to my pharmacist and gave it a try. Looking at the package they offer on the internet, I was surprised to see they had a 90 days risk free. What do I have to lose. Check it out... and let me know.

Some facts on anti aging

As the population is aging and growing in numbers annually; anti aging is becoming more and more a concern for the population at large. The process of anti aging in the 21st century is surely governed by a better education amongst the population. We are are aware of what is good for us, what is helping us in maintaining a better and youthful skin.

We all know as we age our skin changes especially the skin at the back of our hands and also our face. Facial skin often develops a dry look as people age which is a normal process.  And by spending a lot of time in the sun, it can get a leathery look. Sometimes people develop brown spots, popularly called 'liver spots'. And wrinkles begin to appear! Care for your skin at an early age will undoubtedly protect your skin but will also develop a personal discipline for years down to come in caring for your skin.

You don't have to develop or attempt to have the skin of a movie star or model but if you care for your skin, it will look youthful for a long time. It is well known now that a healthy nutrition works hand in hand with a better skin and a youthful one as well. Neutralizing free radicals from your system on a daily basis will improve your skin. Most longevity experts say that free radicals are the main cause of aging. Free radicals are oxygen molecules that have an extra electron. It results in making the molecule unstable and will seek another molecule to stabilize. When the bonding of the stable molecule occurs, it produces a protein and other function with the same similarity who will not function well. This chain reaction is negative to the body cells. This is where the anti-oxydants will help you and your skin of course.

The anti-oxydants can be found in fruits, beans, cinamon and artichokes. it is understood that these fruits and vegetables are pesticide free and fresh. You want to look at purchasing organic fruits and vegetables. If you are interested in longevity and keeping early signs of aging at bay, you are willing to pay a bit more to ensure that the food you put in your body does not have toxic chemicals and they are not genetically engineered.

As we are aging, our skin divided in three layers go through changes. For example the epidermis the outer layer of our skin will have a faster rate of having cells sloughed off and a slower rate of being replace by newer cells. We begin to lose some skin tissue. And the new cells coming to the epidermis are a bit more irregular or uneven. Result? Our skin develops small creases and wrinkles!

Stay tuned for a future post where we will continue to look at our different layer of skin and what happens to our skin cells we are aging. Also feel free to post your feedback and comments or even experiences. Also if you have questions feel free to ask. I'll be glad to help.

Naturally Skinsational Ebook - A Natural Anti Aging Solution

As I was doing multiple research in the past few days and attempting to go the natural way and searching what's out there. I stumbled upon a great innovative but yet fun way to preserve your skin and combat the anti aging process. What makes it fun is that it is a receipe book. Yes - a receipe book. Fascinating and intriguing this ebook is a great solution in going the natural way in preserving your skin. The ebook called "Naturally Skinsational" provides a wonderful selection of homemade natural skin care recipes for facial treatments that have been formulated especially for the rejuvenating needs of aging skin with simple, common ingredients right from the kitchen.


Written by Sue Dolan, M.Ed., Sue is a researcher and instructor on anti-aging skin care and facial rejuvenation for the Skin Care Resource Center and an expert author on aging skin concerns. "Naturally Skinsational" revolutionizes facial rejuvenation representing the next generation of natural skin care treatments which are found right in any kitchen cupboard. This Recipe eBook is literally overflowing with quick and easy natural skin care recipes formulated specifically to address aging skin concerns.

Take a quick peek: Click

Naturally Skinsational provides consumers with a wonderful alternative to effectively treat the needs of their aging skin. Consumers now have a choice. They can either stand forlornly in front of expensive department store displays of anti-aging skin care products not knowing which one will actually have an impact in addressing their facial rejuvenation desires or they can march right into their own kitchen to whip together a wonderfully fresh anti-aging skin care treatment. Since natural skin care and techniques dates back to ancient times it is like going back to our roots.

The Skin Care e-Learning and Resource Center’s Natural Skin Care Recipes site first introduced homemade skin care recipes that focused on the rejuvenating properties of natural ingredients. By unlocking the mystery of herbal attributes, Naturally Skinsational combines the rejuvenating properties of natural ingredients together into recipes that effectively treat a range of aging skin care issues.

The e-book is also full of fascinating “Skinsational Tips” along with the expansive array of over 150 rejuvenating skin care recipes that include masks, peels, toners, moisturizers, spritzers, steams, under eye treatments and even special occasion facial treatments that feature enticing recipes such as “The Love Scrub” or “Boo Berry Peel”.

The e-book reaches it finale with a comprehensive glossary on the rejuvenating attributes of an extensive listing of natural ingredients. The "Naturally Skinsational" Recipe eBook is truly an exceptional and absolutely enjoyable, from beginning to end, natural skin care recipe ebook. Start whipping up your own rejuvenating recipes today. Feel free to send me your comments / feedback.

Basic Skin Care Treatment

Skin care products come in many shapes or forms and even colours and texture. But the question remain: what are the best skin care treatment out there?? What could we give our skin this younger, healthy look? Many consumers - us - will directly go to the pharmacy, health and beauty shop or the internet of course to find THE winning formula. Many cleansers, toners, moisturisers, anti-aging cream, vitamins, natural products are out there. Confusion sets in... Can't blame you, we've all been there and we are still searching. People will go as far as obtaining a chemical peel, micro dermabrasion or even something as drastic as cosmetic surgery. People think of skin care as something you do to the surface of your skin. In some fashion, yes it is; but it must start from the inside and use the natural element around you.

Thinking of the elements around you which will contribute to a beautiful skin is the key to a good start. You are giving yourself the optimum chance of having a complexion that is youthful, radiant and blemish free.

So how can we improve our chances on the inside in order to have a radiant healthy skin on the outside?

Let's start with antioxidants and vitamins from various fruits and vegetables. We all heard our parents say eat your vegetables. The truth is: they were right. Antioxidants located in blueberries, apples, plums, cherries, strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, plums, cranberries, potatoes, beans, nuts and pulses, pumpkins, tomatoes, artichokes and leafy green vegetables will enhance the production of antioxidants in your body. So as our parents said: "Eat your vegetables!!!" and ensure you include them in your daily diet.

How can antioxidants help your skin? The antioxidants will persevere in preventing damage to your skin as they will contribute in your body to rid itself of free radicals. The fact we are all exposed to those free radicals whether it is internal and external, it remains we are exposed to them and so is our skin, of course. The antioxydants will act as free radical scavengers and their role to will be to sweep these harmful chemicals and neutralizing them. Looking at vitamins, we all know certain vitamins are essential to our health and the functionning or our body. Skin care vitamins such as: vitamins A, C and E as well as being nutrients, act as

antioxidants and will contribute your skin to repair itself. This will help your skin keeping its younger look.

Bottom line is: not enough vitamins and antioxidants will affect your skin.

Next natural element to look at is water. Drinking water is essential to the body but water will act as a cleanser. We have heard in the past that drinking eight glass of water a day is the normal intake for our body. But drinking plenty of water will have its advantages in your skin care. Drinking plenty of water will flush out toxins and keep your skin hydrated. And if your skin is hydrated it will stay healthy and blemish free.


One other factor we can all do better at is to exercise. Exercising two to three times a week for a period of twenty to thirty minutes at our own pace of course without getting injured or exhausted will enable to get the blood pumping within your body which in turn will bring essential nutrient to your skin. In addition as mentionned earlier exercising will often make us sweat which again flush out those toxins stated above.

Proper rest and sleep is also a basic prevention measure to have a better skin. The well known say: "Getting Your Beauty Sleep" is true and relevant to having a proper skin. We have all looked at ourselves in the mirror when we get up after a short night of sleep due to work or too much partying. What we look like is revealing. Our eyes are all puffy, our skin is often pale, we have wrinkles we didn't know about the night before. Sleep helps in healing and repairing, different part of our body and skin is of course part of that. depending of your age, a normal sleeping night is usually eight hours.

Protection from the sun is always a good practice. We all want to look good and have the tan to go with it. In today's climate the sun as much as it provides vitamins to your skin can also be detrimental if too much is absorbed. Sun burns and excessive exposure is one of the most damaging tool to your skin especially if you are a beach worshipper or someone working outside. Sun exposure to your skin healthy but absorbed in small doses. Having the right protection whether through a proper SPF cream or proper clothing will preserve your skin for a long time. The fear of skin cancer through long solar exposure shall be taken also into account but will be discussed in a future post.

In the meantime, eat well, exercise regularly, sleep well and enjoy the sun as Spring is upon us.