‘Melanoma Awareness’
Skincare in the winter for me used to mean buying a tanning package at my local tanning salon; I would go once or twice a week for two months to keep up my summer glow. My mother’s Greek genes have blessed me with an olive complexion that under the bulbs of a tanning booth turned the perfect brown color as opposed to the tanorexic orange glow. Looking back, I don’t know why I didn’t equate the process with cooking a turkey dinner; I basted myself with bronzing lotion, baked at 10-12 minutes in the oven, and came out looking and smelling roasted.
Thankfully, as I’ve gotten older, I’ve recognized the damage that can come from baking away in a booth. Wrinkles, sun spots and the slightly-burnt-skin smell aside, there is the much bigger risk of the UV-radiation leading to melanoma and skin cancer. NCI reports that women who use tanning beds more than once a month are 55 percent more likely to develop melanoma. With states like California banning tanning for anyone under the age of 18, and many other states requiring a parental signature, it’s clear to see that this is not something that should be considered safe.
With these dangers—both life-threatening and superficial—looming over my head, I opted to stop fake-baking and changed up my winter skincare routine to focus on moisturizing and wearing SPF all year long (something I always should have been doing), and to start repairing the tanning booth damage I’ve been self-inflicting.
Cleansing & Repairing
One of my favorite product lines in my winter routine is DNA EGF Renewal, formulated by Dr. Ronald L. Moy, president of the American Academy of Dermatology. Conceived from Dr. Moy’s passion to create a regimen that would effectively repair photo damaged skin, these products use DNA repair enzymes to support young skin cells and eliminate DNA damage (which can be caused by tanning) and barley epidermal growth factor (EGF), the first plant-based EGF. Each morning and night I have been religiously using the DNA Renewal Foaming Cleanser –a light foam that manages to clear even the heaviest makeup from my pores, leaving my skin feeling soft and very clean.
A Moisturizing Mask
In addition to the DNA EGF Renewal line, I love indulging in masks to hydrate my skin in preparation for the cold weather ahead. Wei Purify-Chi’s Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask was a sincere treat the first time I used it and now it is part of my weekly routine. The product comes with eight individual pods and a luxuriously soft applicator brush that allows you to paint the product onto your skin. Just 10 minutes to allow the mask to harden and then a quick wash-away leaves me with skin so smooth I couldn’t stop touching my face after the first use. The mask uses Golden Root (Rhodiola rosea), which has been touted to improve mood, alleviate depression and reduce fatigue (perfect for winter months as the weather gets dreary and the days get shorter), white tea and pure China clay. Great for normal, normal-to-dry, and normal-to-oily skin types, this mask is now a must-have in my winter skincare arsenal.
With my new regime in full swing as the temps dip, I’m happy to say that I have turned a new leaf and broken up with tanning for good.
DNA Renewal Foaming Cleanser, $28
WEI Beauty Golden Root Purifying Mud Mask, $42
While the sun has been a little sporadic in gracing us with its presence this summer, that doesn’t mean those rays aren’t powerful enough to give you a little color, and for some, a little burn. As strong advocates of melanoma awareness, we hope you’re remembering to protect your skin with sunscreen on a daily basis, no matter what the season or how sunny it is, but we also know that sometimes an uncomfortable sunburn can unexpectedly creep up on you. For those days, here are some DIY recipes to soothe your skin from David Parker, co-founder and “cosmetic chef” of The Body Deli, a fresh, raw and organic skincare store based in Palm Desert, California.
Sun Worshiper Bath
Try this soothing, homemade bath solution to remove the burn from your sunburn:
2 cups colloidal oatmeal (or regular old instant oats, ground up in a blender)
1 cup baking soda
3 cups buttermilk (you can make this at home by adding 2 tbsp of vinegar to every 1 cup of milk)
Draw a warm/room-temperature bath and mix in the above concoction. Place a towel behind your neck (and even some cucumbers on your eyes) and rehab your body from your day at the beach.
Cider Rescue Remedy
This simple remedy will help take away some of that sunburn sting: Just apply undiluted apple cider vinegar to the burned area with a cotton ball, or use a compress to soothe larger areas.
Soothing Sun Tonic
¼ cup dried milk
1 tbsp sea salt
2 cups water
Combine the above ingredients and apply with a cotton ball every hour. This will help to draw out heat and reduce the chance of skin peeling.
Do you have any at-home remedies to soothe sunburns? Share them with us!
After 33 years of consideration – yes, you heard right — the Food and Drug Administration earlier this week announced significant new sunscreen guidelines.
The new guidelines in place are meant to help people decide how to buy and use sunscreen, and allow them to more effectively protect themselves and their families from sun-induced damage. A few of the new rules to go in effect in a year include:
- Look for “Broad Spectrum” protection. Sunscreens must protect equally against two kinds of the sun’s radiation, UVB and UVA, to earn the coveted designation of offering “broad spectrum” protection.
- Waterproof and sweatproof don’t mean anything. Sunscreen manufacturers cannot claim their products are waterproof or sweatproof because these claims are false.
- Use sunscreens with SPF 15 or higher. Only sunscreens that have a sun protection factor, or SPF, of 15 or higher, will be allowed to say that they help prevent sunburn and reduce the risks of skin cancer and early skin aging.
The FDA said it has yet to decide whether sunscreens with SPF of higher than 50 should be taken off the market since currently, there is not enough data to show that they actually provide more protection than SPF 50. The issue is currently open for public comment.
What do you think? Will these changes help you make better decisions about your sunscreen purchases?
Related Posts:
Melanoma Awareness 101
SpaFinder’s Travel-Sized Sunscreen Picks
SpaFinder Product of the Week: Kate Sommerville 360° Tanning Towelettes
As you gear up for sunny vacations, don’t forget to pack your sunscreen! Finding good sunscreen in travel-friendly sizes always proves challenging, but we’ve made it a little easier for you with a few great options that will slide right into that TSA-friendly ziplock bag.
Rodan + Fields Reverse Environmental Shield SPF 55
This new product just released last month is a part of the Rodan + Fields Reverse Regimen for treating brown spots, dullness and sun damage. This sunscreen is the brand’s highest SPF formula ever and has a light creamy feel. Developed by Stanford-trained dermatologists Dr. Katie Rodan and Dr. Kathy Fields, SHIELD sunscreen technology offers a combination of ingredients that maximizes UVA protection while going on smoothly and pleasantly – no sticky or greasy mess. ($41 for 50 mL/1.7 fluid oz., www.rodanandfields.com)
Decléor ‘Aroma White C+’ Protective Brightening Day Emulsion SPF 15
Designed for dull, pigmented skin, this silky smooth face and neck emulsion works to bring more radiance to skin, while correcting pigmentation irregularities and blemishes at the same time. With an SPF of 15, Decléor’s luxurious day emulsion doesn’t get too oily – in fact, it goes on lightly, making it perfect to protect your skin against sun damage on an everyday basis. We love the light scent and the fact that it’s travel-friendly! Apply to cleansed face, neck and décolleté area in the morning. ($60-$62 for 1.69 fluid oz., various websites and stores)
Ole Henriksen Protect the Truth SPF 50+ Sunscreen
For those seeking more protection from the sun, Ole Henriksen’s SPF 50+ is also a lightweight, oil-free sunscreen. With its new Solar Active complex, which has heat and light-activated enzymes, fruit cell extract and antioxidants, this product is designed to protect skin from harmful UVA/B rays and other harmful environmental factors. It’s also designed to boost skin’s natural repair function to heal pre-existing damage and prevent pre-mature aging caused by UV exposure. Apply as a first step after cleansing and toning to face and neck. Follow with a moisturizer of your choice. ($35 for 1.7 fluid oz., www.sephora.com)
June Jacobs Skin Amour Day Shield SPF 15
Infused with cranberry extract, this paraben- and preservative-free sunscreen goes on easy with a light, fruity scent. Full of antioxidant-rich ingredients like white, red and green tea extracts combined with goji berry, pomegranate and grape-seed extracts, this day shield does more than just protect your skin from the sun. We love that there’s also Shea butter and milk protein in this cream to moisturize skin. ($63 for 1.7 fluid oz., www.junejacobs.com)
Yon-Ka SPF 40 – Sun Cream with Tea Polyphenols
Containing antioxidant-rich tea polyphenols from green, white and red teas, the brand’s new fragrance-free and water-resistant sun cream is a must for those with fair skin or complexions sensitive to the sun (though it caters to all skin types during intense sun exposure as well). The tea polyphenols help combat environment stress and photo-aging, and the cream’s quick absorption leaves your skin feeling extra hydrated. ($59 for 1.7 fluid oz., www.yonka.com)
When was the last time you had your skin checked? May is Melanoma Awareness Month, which we here at SpaFinder are big advocates of, and it’s a great time to examine your skin for any signs of the most serious type of skin cancer.
Characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells, melanoma can be fatal if not detected early. Too much sun exposure can cause normal skin cells to become abnormal, and these abnormal cells can quickly grow out of control and attack the healthy tissue around them. Join SpaFinder in our fight against this deadly but highly preventable disease and educate yourself.
How to Spot It
Follow this A-B-C-D-E guideline developed by the American Academy of Dermatology for identifying melanoma or other skin cancers:
Asymmetry: If the mole were folded in half, the sides wouldn’t match.
Border Irregularity: The mole’s edges are ragged, notched, or blurred.
Color: The mole is a non-uniform mixture of brown, black, red, white or blue.
Diameter: The mole is wider than six millimeters (the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, color or symmetry.
And, if you answer yes to any of these questions, you may be at a higher risk for melanoma than others:
- Is there a history of melanoma in your family?
- Do you have light eyes and skin?
- Have you had one or more severe sunburns?
- Do you frequently spend time in the sun between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.?
- Do you live in the southwestern U.S.?
- Do you have many freckles?
- Have you been exposed to UV radiation from tanning beds?
How to Prevent It
- Wear cover-ups, wide-brimmed hats and tightly woven, dark fabrics in the sun
- Apply a sunscreen with at least an SPF 15 and reapply every few hours
- Perform routine self-examinations and get an annual head-to-toe skin check from your dermatologist
- Choose a moisturizer or mineral makeup with an SPF of 15+
- Avoid tanning salons and tanning beds
- Keep children six months and younger out of the sun when possible
- Limit your sun exposure between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen even when it’s not sunny out
Learn more about melanoma prevention and SpaFinder’s melanoma initiative. Purchase “I will reflect” melanoma awareness bracelets for friends and family to bring attention to the disease and to wear as a reminder to protect their skin!
Today, Beach Bum Tanning Salon will be hosting a “Free Lindsay!” rally in support of jailed starlet Lindsay Lohan, who is serving a 90-day sentence in Los Angeles for drunk driving. The Lohan family are loyal Beach Bum Tanning Salon customers and avid bronzers (Lindsay even released her own self-tanning product-Sevin Nyne, which like most of her endeavors, was plagued with controversy).
To bring awareness to what Beach Bum’s James Oliver feels is the “harsh punishment inflicted on Lohan due to her celebrity,” the tanning salon is hosting a ribbon tying ceremony, during which they will wrap their 7th Avenue location with signage saying, “We love you Lindsay! Come home soon!” Oliver, who organized the event, hopes that this will help to reduce Lindsay’s 90-day sentence.
Beach Bum hosted a similar rally in 2007 when Paris Hilton was sentenced to jail time for her drunk driving arrest. Paris served 23 of the 45 days in jail that she was sentenced to.
The rally and ribbon tying ceremony are set to begin at 12pm today and the salon is hoping to bring out Lindsay’s supporters and draw attention to the “injustice” they feel Lindsay has been served.
We at SpaFinder hope that she is sticking to spray tans and her Sevin Nyne self-tanner, because with all of the issues she is dealing with now, we wouldn’t want her to add melanoma or other skin diseases associated with excessive tanning and sun damage.
To support Lindsay Lohan and her favorite tanning salon visit: Beach Bum Tanning Salon- 239 7th Avenue, New York, NY 10011
To learn about the dangers of tanning and prolonged exposure to UV rays from tanning beds or the sun, read Tanorexia: Indoor Tanning Beds Increase Risk for Melanoma and Addiction.
When it comes to covering imperfections while protecting skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays, Eau Thermale Avene’s new “High-Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50” goes above and beyond most tinted sunscreens or SPF enhanced make-ups.
The compact makes application ultra convenient, as it fits easily into a purse or pocket and has a silky texture that is somehow lighter than both most cream cover-ups and most sunscreens. But Eau Thermale Avene’s new sun-combating-compact’s most impressive features lay in its effectiveness and its other key benefits.
The cover-up is 100% mineral based, containing Titanium dioxide and Zinc oxide, which protect against a wide spectrum of UVA and UVB rays and Pre-tocopheryl or Vitamin E, an anti-oxidant that provides protection in a photostable form. The ingredients’ photostability is an important feature, as we learned from The Environmental Working Groups study that some sunscreens contain Vitamin A and oxybenzone, both which become photocarcinogens when exposed to sunlight.
Unlike much makeup containing SPF, Eau Thermale Avene’s tinted compact received the EWG’s blessing, scoring a 2, and putting it in the group of products that are recommended. The compact is hypoallergenic and leaves a beautiful finish, all while protecting skin from the harshest elements!
Learn more about Eau Thermale Avene and their “New High-Protection Tinted Compact SPF 50” ($29).
Did you know that some sunscreens can be more hazardous to your health than beneficial to your skin? The Environmental Working Group (EWG) released a huge study detailing findings that many sunscreens that we trust to protect our skin could contain elements that are permeating our skin and could cause damage to our bodies and increase the risk of cancers.
EWG’s sunscreen guide warns that sunscreens containing oxybenzone or vitamin A, or both, should be avoided. As it turns out, a huge percentage of sunscreens, especially American brands, contain high levels of these elements.
EWG’s Sunscreen Guide for 2010 allows visitors to search the database for the product score rating of the sunscreen that they use, and also to browse for the sunscreens with the best rating. EWG’s top rated sunscreens are all mineral based. Mineral based sunscreens contain zinc or titanium and contain no known hormone-disrupting chemicals. Find out how safe your sunscreen is, or what sunscreen you should be using with EWG’s 2010 Sunscreen Guide.
Stars in the Sun
What do John McCain, Ewan McGregor, Elizabeth Taylor and Melanie Griffith have in common? They have all had and beat skin cancer. Melanomas and other skin cancers know no bounds, and can affect people from all walks of life, including the rich and famous. However, when considering the dangerous effects of the sun, it is also important to remember that early detection can be the key to making sure that skin cancer does not progress and spread. These celebrity skin cancer cases remind us that with the correct amount of awareness, attention and care, skin cancers can be eliminated. The first step is prevention. The next step is detection. Learn more about celebrities who have battled skin cancer.
Back in 2006, Marc Jacobs, one of fashion’s heavy hitters, and his business partner/friend Robert Duffy first took it upon themselves to bring awareness to a cause that happens to be close to our hearts also: melanoma prevention.
And when it comes to raising awareness, Jacobs knows that nothing gets more attention than nudity! He enlisted the likes of celebs Heidi Klum, Julianne Moore, Victoria Beckham, Dita Von Teese, Naomi Campbell and Helena Christensen to strip down to their birthday suits and pose for images to be printed onto t-shirts featuring the slogan “Protect The Skin You’re In.” Jacobs himself posed nude for a tee with the phrase “Protect Your Largest Organ.”
Having been re-issued each year since their first run in 2006, the nudie tees have raised more than $1million (donated to NYU’s Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group), and brought awareness about the dangers of melanoma to fashionistas worldwide.
The campaign pays tribute to Duffy’s friend, the late dermatologist Dr. Jesse Rubin, who worked at NYU’s Langome Medical Center. Dr. Richard Shapiro, a surgeon at NYU’s Cancer Institute who treated Dr. Rubin, has said, “Marc and Robert have taken very personal experiences and used their creative energies to truly impact the direction of melanoma research and care here.”
We know that melanoma kills one person every hour, but we also know that the disease is often curable when detected early. Dr. Shapiro urges everyone to use the ABCDE method of detection, and not to be ashamed of stripping down in front of a doctor or loved one who may be able to help with spotting cancerous moles or spots.
Unfortunately, the t-shirt series will not be reissued again this year for melanoma awareness month, but to learn more about the efforts being made by the Interdisciplinary Melanoma Cooperative Group and NYU’s cancer research center visit their website.
Learn more about SpaFinder’s Melanoma Initiative 2010 .
Skincare in the winter for me used to mean buying a tanning package at my local tanning salon; I would go once or twice a week for two months to keep up my summer glow. My mother’s Greek genes have blessed me with an olive complexion that under the bulbs of a tanning booth turned the perfect brown color as opposed to the tanorexic orange glow. Looking back, I don’t know why I didn’t equate the process with cooking a turkey dinner; I basted myself with bronzing lotion, baked at 10-12 minutes in the oven, and came out looking and smelling roasted.
One of my favorite product lines in my winter routine is DNA EGF Renewal, formulated by Dr. Ronald L. Moy, president of the American Academy of Dermatology. Conceived from Dr. Moy’s passion to create a regimen that would effectively repair photo damaged skin, these products use DNA repair enzymes to support young skin cells and eliminate DNA damage (which can be caused by tanning) and barley epidermal growth factor (EGF), the first plant-based EGF. Each morning and night I have been religiously using the DNA Renewal Foaming Cleanser –a light foam that manages to clear even the heaviest makeup from my pores, leaving my skin feeling soft and very clean.
One Response to “Winterize Your Skincare Regimen”
October 27th, 2011 saat: 9:57 am
Beauty International
March 9 – 12, 2012
in Dusseldorf, Germany
The No. 1 trade fair for Cosmetics, Nail, Foot and Wellness.
Featuring 1,250 exhibitors and brands from 25 countries as well as workshops, shows, lectures and product presentations. Almost 50,000 trade visitors attended Beauty International in 2011!
Visit: http://bit.ly/nw0YLB for an impression of the last show.
For more information in the U.S. contact Messe Dusseldorf North America at
312-781-5880 or http://www.mdna.com or http://www.beauty-international.com
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