Sunburns & How To Prevent Them

Sunburns are burns on your skin caused from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. Not very much time in the sun will cause your skin to burn -- you can develop a sunburn after only 30 minutes out in the sun.


The Cause of Sunburns
There are three types of ultraviolet rays. They are classified according to wavelength. Ultraviolet A (UVA) and ultraviolet B (UVB) rays are the only ones that affect you, while ultraviolet C (UVC) rays never reach the earth. Both UVA and UVB rays are responsible for damaging your skin, causing sunburn and premature aging of the skin, but UVB is more dangerous and can lead to skin cancer.

When the skin is exposed to ultraviolet light, the production of melanin is sped up. Melanin gives your skin its normal color is and is designed to protect your skin. Extra melanin creates the darker color of a tan. A tan is the body's first line of protection against sunburn and skin damage. The amount of melanin in one's skin is determined by your genes, but most people can't produce enough to protect themselves, and because the skin can't protect itself well enough, a sunburn is the result.

Unfortunately, certain people and regions are at more risk than others. The southern United States, regions around the Equator, and places with high altitudes generally offer a higher risk of being sunburned. In addition, light-skinned and fair-haired people can also have a higher chance of sunburn and skin damage. Certain drugs like antibiotics and birth control pills can also make the skin more sensitive to the sun.


How to Avoid Sunburns

SUNSCREEN! SPF 30 is best. Make sure to reapply every hour, and after activities that involve sweating or swimming where sunscreen can be diminished. Note: to get the SPF advertised on the bottle, you must use an ounce (about as much as a shot glass) or you aren't receiving the full benefits.

Avoid the Sun between 10 and 4, which is when the sun is at its strongest. Look for shade when you can.

Wear protective clothing, if it's possible (and not too hot outside) like long-sleeved shirts, hats, and sunglasses. That can be difficult when it's really hot, so applying the right sunscreen is important. If you're not sure which sunscreen is the best, Consumer Reports has a report on the four best sunscreens currently available on the market.

Product of the Week!

Dermalogica Daily Microfoliant

This product has absolutely changed my skin! Most exfoliating products can't be used daily, as they tend to be harsh, but this one can definitely be used every day, even for dry, sensitive skin.

Daily Micro is a unique rice-based enzyme powder that you mix with water and gently massage into the skin. The powder dissolves and micro-foliates dead skin and debris, and accelerates cell renewal leaving skin smooth and soft.

Daily Microfoliant is formulated with a unique skin-brightening complex of bearberry, grapefruit and licorice extracts to help balance uneven skin pigmentation. It also contains a soothing blend of green tea, ginkgo and colloidal oatmeal to calm inflammation, leaving the skin extraordinarily clear and refreshed.

The Link Between Stress and Skin

While many factors can play a role in your skin's appearance and your complexion, one of the biggest concerns for your skin's health is STRESS. Your skin is one of the largest, most complex, hard-working and finely tuned parts of your body. So it's hardly surprising that the effects of stress may become vividly and often distressingly imprinted on its surface. Internal struggles and emotions will manifest themselves physically, usually on the face. More than a third of all patients who consult a dermatologist have emotional problems that turn out to be the main cause of disorders such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, and hives.


Stress causes hormones in your body to change – and these hormonal changes can lead to an outbreak of rashes, blemishes, and inflammation in the skin. Everyone, even kids, deals with stress to some extent. Identifying the source(s) of stress in your life, then looking at how you deal with stress are important factors to consider when coping with stress and anxiety. Although stress cannot be eliminated entirely, there are things you can do to reduce it.

HEALTHY WAYS TO RELAX AND RECHARGE
> regular workouts
> breathing exercises
> avoid people who stress you out
> learn how to say "no"
> take control of your environment
> spend some time in nature
> get a massage
> take a bath
> play with a pet
> LAUGH!

The Importance of Exfoliation

Exfoliation is important because your skin is generating new cells all the time. However, these cells become old and die and need to be replaced with new healthy cells. The older we get, the slower this process becomes. When this process is slowed, it causes the old dead cells to build up on our skin. This is what gives our skin a dull, dry and rough appearance. Exfoliating removes the oldest built up cells and allows the new healthy cells to emerge, giving your skin a healthy, youthful, fresh look.

Exfoliation can be accomplished through chemical, physical, or mechanical means. Physical exfoliation can be achieved through physically sloughing off the dead skin cells with a scrub, such as a grainy substance that works on the surface of the skin. Mechanical exfoliation is usually done by means of a facial brush, or other device that removes the old skin cells. Chemical exfoliation, which is deepest form of exfoliation, works by penetrating deeper into the skin and gently dissolving the protein bond that binds skin cells together. The dead skin is then shed easily.

You can exfoliate daily, depending on your skin type, and what products you are using, but keep in mind that while exfolation is important in your skin care routine, it can also be detrimental to the skin as well. Over-exfoliation can strip your skin of the essential oils and moisture that it needs to stay healthy, jeopardizing the healthy, natural pH of the skin, which is what your skin needs in order to keep that fresh, vibrant look.

In the winter, especially, when our skin is drier due to lack of humidity in the air, exfoliation is important on our body as well. Using a body scrub or scrub brush in the shower can be helpful. Ask me about body treatments!






Product Recommendations

Normal Skin
PCA pHaze 4 Gentle Exfoliant


Sensitive Skin
BeneFit Pineapple Face Polish


Oily Skin
Kiehls Pineapple and Papaya Facial Scrub

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! To kick-start the new year, I will be having monthly specials, mobile spa services, discounted facials & waxing services. I will also be doing product giveaways, so make sure you follow my blog and leave a comment!

Wishing you all great health and GREAT SKIN in 2011!

Winter Skin & Makeup Tips

Are you wearing the proper shade of foundation? During the warm summer months, skin is typically darker. However, as we move towards cooler temperatures, most complexions tend to get a little lighter. This means a slightly lighter shade of foundation is needed. But this doesn't mean you have to look pale and pasty! Simply use bronzer and contour certain shapes of the area of the face for a natural glow. Apply bronzer in the shape of a capital cursive letter "E" to each side of the face. These are the areas where sun naturally hits the face, so by applying a little bit of bronzer to these areas, it will look natural and complement a lighter complexion. Use a highlighter to contour the brow bone and cheek bones.










Skin can also become dehydrated and dull-looking when the weather is cold and there is less humidity in the air. Combat lack-luster skin by keeping it properly moisturized and selecting makeup that will make skin look more vibrant. Consider transitioning from a matte foundation to something with a little more of a satin or dewy finish. Cream blushes are also a great alternative to pressed powder blushes.

If you need to address any post-summer skin care issues such as hyperpigmenation, now is the time. Brightening facials and peels are in demand this season! Call me for a complimentary skin care and makeover consultation!

Product of the Week!

Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream



The under-eye area is one of the most delicate areas of skin on the body, so it is important to strengthen and nourish it with a heavier cream than you would use for the rest of the face. Aveda Green Science Firming Eye Cream is a unique formula that combines all natural ingredients and peptides to minimize the appearance of fine lines, dark circles and puffiness. I personally like this one because it’s moisturizing enough without being too rich or heavy, which could cause milia. Also, with a lot of eye creams, they usually contain caffeine which has a stimulating effect that can cause stinging in the eyes. This one did not, which I particularly liked. Lightly tap it on with your ring finger on freshly cleansed skin after you have removed your makeup. A little goes a long way.