Tag Archives | sunscreen

Berry Good Skin

By Skinmedix on January 25, 2013 in beauty, skin science

Strawberries and green tea may one day be key ingredients to help treat or prevent skin cancer.

Green tea is especially known for its high levels of antioxidants including vitamins such as vitamin C and polyphenols such as epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) that scientists at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow have used to create an injectable therapy. When administered into the cells of mice that had skin cancer, 40% of tumors vanished and another 30% shrank.

In another study, a group of Spanish and Italian researchers have discovered that strawberry extract added to skin cell cultures acts as a protector against ultraviolet radiation as well reducing damage to DNA. Then, the researchers exposed those skin cell cultures to ultraviolet light that is equivalent to 90 minutes of mid-day sun in the summertime. The study found that adding the strawberry extract, especially at the highest dose, to the skin cell cultures seemed to help decrease DNA damage and help to preserve the cells’ survival, compared to cells treated with a placebo.

It’s important to note that the findings in these studies are only in skin cell cultures and mice, and not in actual humans. More research is needed to tell if strawberries and green tea will actually be viable as a skin protectant (and in what form).

But in the meantime, here’s a full list of sun protection products available on SkinMedix.com!

9 Brilliant Beauty Resolutions

By Skinmedix on December 27, 2012 in beauty, cosmetics

9 Brilliant Beauty Resolutions The New Year is almost here and it’s time to reflect on the changes we want to make in 2013. Just like you, the SkinMedix team has a slew of bad beauty habits we want to break starting January 1. With 2013 finally here, it’s prime time for some beauty resolutions!

1. Quit hoarding old make-up.
As cosmetics age, they become less effective, can harbor germs and bacteria, and, of course, go out of style. Commit to purging your bag every few months and cleaning your brushes and other applicators regularly.

2. Repeat your greatest hits.
You’ve got 608 pictures of yourself tagged on Facebook. It’s time to do some serious clicking and hunt for the photos in which you look the best. If you love the pics where your hair is tousled, make an effort to rock that look more often.

3. Clean your cell phone.
Ever notice that the right side of your jaw has a few more bumps than you’d expect? That could be from all the bacteria on your cell phone. If you have an iPhone or a touch screen, it’s best to pick up a cleaning kit from a store like Best Buy. For other phones, you can get away with using a tiny bit of rubbing alcohol on a tissue and gently wiping down your phone.

4. Don’t skip the SPF.
Even in the winter. And while we’re on this topic: if you skip the protection because you want to look like you hail from Brazil, you’ll look like you’re 15 years older later. P.S. – Schedule that skin cancer screening, too.

5. Try a “beauty dare” once a month.
It’s liberating and can help you revive your look, surprise your man, and unleash your inner beauty diva. Once every few weeks, be bold with some red lips or an elaborate hair piece or nail decals or…you get the point.

6. Upgrade your regimen.
Maybe you’ve been using the same moisturizer since you were 17. That’s cute and all, but now that you’re 27, you probably need a new formula. Not to mention some eye cream. Set aside some time to figure out what you should be doing at your age, and then put your plan into motion.

7. Put a cap on your bad habits.
We all have our vices. But that doesn’t make them okay, especially if you want to look your best. Smoking leads to wrinkles, heavy drinking can dehydrate your skin…don’t make us lecture you.

8. Stop picking.
Your cuticles. The mascara off your eyelashes. Your zits. Whatever it is you feel the itch to pick, keep your hands off it!

9. Get your beauty sleep.
Like you need to hear this? But still, it’s worth repeating since restless nights can wreak havoc on your health and appearance. Try an eye mask if you have trouble shutting the world out.

Spill the beans! Do you fall asleep with makeup on? Have you been biting your nails since sixth grade? Straighten your hair like you’re ironing a shirt? There are tons more great beauty resolutions you can make, from washing your face every night to laying off the thick eyeliner. Tell us your beauty must-do’s for 2013!

Self-Tanners

By Skinmedix on December 21, 2012 in beauty, fall/winter

Have a Tan Christmas

It gets dark at 4pm and even those days where the sun does come out, it’s not as though the rays are letting off much heat. It’s official – Winter is here.

Ever since a bronzed Coco Chanel came back from a Mediterranean vacation in the 1920s and made the tan the hottest fashion accessory, women have been going ga-ga over golden skin. So, what can a girl do to get some color in the midst of all of this grey?

Well, a vacation to a tropical destination is the best remedy. Combining R&R with sun, swim, and sand will infuse that golden hue back into your skin in no time. But remember to use your SPF – although the sun feels and looks great, skin cancer is not so cute. You can find list of sun protection products available on SkinMedix.com here.

There’s always tanning beds, but those have been raised to carcinogen status so I’d recommend that you stay far, far away from burning your body to a crisp in a human oven.

Spray tans can be amazing, if you have the time, money, and a machine that doesn’t malfunction. I’ve heard more than a few spray-tan horror stories – like when my friend came out looking like the old lady from There’s Something About Mary. You’re going for gold, not orange, so be cautious.

In my opinion, the best way to fake a tan is with at-home self-tanners. Self-tanning is a huge business and many major brands are jumping on the bandwagon. They’ve come a long way since the days of streaks, orange palms, and smelly formulas. Here are 3 of my favorite self-tanners that will give you that coveted healthy glow even during these bleak winter months:

Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pads – Exfoliating self-tanning pads that also halt the aging process while giving skin a boost of Vitamin D. Free of all toxic chemicals including parabens, sulfates and petrochemicals.
Jane Iredale Tantasia Self Tanner and Bronzer – This hydrating, streak-resistant formula gives you complete control and customization over your tan, so you can achieve your best shade of bronze. Tested for sensitivity, it is gentle enough to use on your face and the fresh citrus fragrance leaves an energizing scent behind.
DermaQuest DermaGlow Self Tanner – Body – Provide your skin with a temporary and healthy tan that compliments your own natural skin tone. Due to this formula’s gradual and even tanning process, it reduces undesired streaks.

Do you have a favorite self-tanner?

Talk soon! XO

2012 Holiday Domestic Shipping Deadlines

By Skinmedix on December 6, 2012 in holidays, Uncategorized

2012 Holiday Domestic Shipping Cutoff Dates:

To receive your order before Christmas on December 25th, please follow these suggested (not guaranteed) cutoff shipping days to allow enough time for processing and delivery; however, please note that the United States Postal Service cannot and will not guarantee delivery before Christmas even if you follow these suggested cutoff dates.

Standard (Free Shipping) orders must be placed by December 14, 2012

All Priority Shipping orders must be placed by December 17, 2012

Express Overnight orders must be placed by December 20, 2012

Last-Minute Gift E-Cards by December 25, 2012. E-mail gift E-cards can be sent immediately, at any time

Orders placed after the above cutoff dates will be delivered after Christmas.

Alaska and Hawaii deliveries: Please add 3 additional days for standard shipping. For Express Shipping to Hawaii, add 1 additional day.

DISCLAIMER: The above cutoff days are not a guarantee that your package will be delivered by those dates. This is merely a guideline. Please plan ahead.

→ CLICK HERE TO START SHOPPING SKINMEDIX NOW! ←

Skin Care for Every Ethnicity

By Skinmedix on November 14, 2012 in beauty

All Skin Types - SkinMedix.com Each skin tone has its own Achilles’ heel. Skin care is not ‘one size fits all’. Below, one of Allure magazine’s beauty experts explains the complexion issues unique to your color, and how best to treat them.

BLACK The problem: “Skin cells become sticky and don’t shed properly,” explains Susan C. Taylor, founding director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals in New York City. “You get uneven skin tone, such as dark patches on the cheeks and forehead.”

Top treatment: AHAs like glycolic, malic, or lactic acids. “They break the bonds between dead cells so they shed more easily, and they’re less irritating to dark skin than rough, granular scrubs,” says Taylor. She recommends DDF Glycolic 10% Exfoliating Moisturizer.

WHITE The problem: “Skin pigment provides some natural sun protection, but since fair skin has little, it’s more prone to free-radical damage from ultraviolet rays,” says Mary P. Lupo, a professor of dermatology at Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans.

Top treatment: “In the morning, use antioxidants like vitamin C, green tea, and CoffeeBerry, then repair skin at night with retinol to smooth its surface,” says Lupo. She likes SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic and SkinMedica Tri Retinol ComplexEAST ASIAN AND SOUTHEAST ASIAN The problem: Seborrheic keratosis. “Studies have shown that Chinese and Koreans have large numbers of these growths, which look like raised brown spots on the face,” Taylor explains. The only way to get rid of them is to have a doctor remove them. “It’s as simple as removing a mole.”

Top treatment: “One study showed that women who protected their skin from the sun had fewer growths,” says Taylor, who prefers sheer sunscreens like Topix Replenix Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF 55.

SOUTH ASIAN AND DARK MIDDLE EASTERN The problem: “Deep olive skin is especially prone to dark patches by the upper lip, on the cheeks, and on the forehead, which can be exacerbated by sun exposure, irritating skin treatments, or picking at skin,” says Taylor.

Top treatment: Apply a hydroquinone cream or gel both morning and night, says Taylor. (We love NeoStrata HQ Skin Lightening Gel.) Because it will lighten normal skin, precise spot application is crucial, she adds; try using a lip brush, like Jane Iredale Retractable Lip Brush.

LATINA The problem: Sagging and melasma. “Many Latinas end up with photodamage, like Caucasians, and pigmentation problems, like those with darker skin,” says Taylor.

Top treatment: Retinol. “It stimulates collagen to firm skin, and it’s been demonstrated to help reduce excess pigmentation,” she says. To minimize the irritation that’s common with retinol—and can trigger even more pigmentation—use it every third night to start, and add one night a week until you build up to five nights a week, advises Taylor, who recommends PCA Skin Retinol Renewal pHaze 26.

When to Replace Your Beauty Products

By Skinmedix on November 9, 2012 in beauty

When to Replace Your Beauty Products We all have those rarely used beauty products we aren’t quite ready to throw out. What we may not take into consideration is that beauty products do go bad. At best, they stop performing as well as they used to and at worst, they can cause irritation or even infection.

The expiration clock starts as soon as you open each product – allowing for air and bacteria to come in contact with the formula, causing certain ingredients to oxidize and degrade. There are usually signs of when a beauty product has taken a turn for the worst— an unpleasant odor, change in color, texture or consistency, or a separation of components within a product.

You know your beauty products won’t last forever, so be sure to reference this guide when deciding whether a certain product is still safe to use:

Body lotions, shower gel, and shampoo: These products generally last about two years, unless they contain specialized ingredients to fight dandruff, acne or other conditions.
Sunscreens: The active ingredients in sunscreen lose their potency after two to three years. Check the package for an expiration date as some brands print it directly on the package.
Clarisonic replacement brush heads: For best results, replace your brush head every 3 to 4 months to prevent bacteria buildup. Buy more and save with our brush head twin packs offer.
Micro Needle Rollers & Dermal Stamps: It’s sometimes difficult to notice that your roller’s needles have gone dull, because they are so slowly getting less and less sharp that you tend to forget how they used to feel on your skin. These products should be replaced every four to six months for infrequent use (three times per week) and every three to four months for more frequent use.
Face creams and acne treatments: These products last up to a year as they contain antioxidants that are easily oxidized, so keep an eye out for any changes in color. Be sure to follow the expiration date if available.
Perfumes: Fragrances usually last about 2 years – they can be adversely affected by light and heat, so if you’re looking to get more mileage out of your perfume, resist the temptation to display a pretty bottle on your vanity and instead keep it in a cool, dark place.
Nail polish: Polish tends to only last about a year as it is particularly sensitive to heat and humidity. If you notice your nail polish turning clumpy or stringy, it’s time to toss it out.
Deodorant: For deodorants, a general rule of thumb is that it expires about 1 to 2 years after opening, while antiperspirants will typically have an expiry date printed on the package.
Foundation: Check the ingredients on your foundation: A water-based foundation will last up to 12 months, oil-based will last up to 18 months. Be sure to wash your make-up brushes at least once every three months to reduce a buildup of bacteria.
Mascara and liquid eyeliner: These products last three to four months. Make sure you’re diligent about replacing these items to prevent contamination and infections.
Eye and lip pencils: These can usually last 3 to 5 years. Sharpen them before each use in order to preserve them and keep them clean.
Lipstick: Lipstick is good for 1 to 2 years. When expires it tends to gather bacteria in the form of beads of oil on the surface of the lipstick itself as well as have unpleasant taste and odor.

Let’s face it, we all have some beauty products that have been sitting around for a while. Whatever the reason may be, if you’re not sure if it’s good any longer just throw out the old and bring in the new!

The New SPF FDA Regulations

By Skinmedix on August 16, 2012 in Beauty News, Did you know?, SPF

Unless you’ve been under a rock (hopefully in an effort to avoid the sun), you’ve likely heard the ruckus over the new sunscreen FDA regulations, that were suppose to take effect this summer. The idea was to make it easier for consumers to pick the best product to protect themselves from skin cancer and skin damage. But just as the summer was about to start, the FDA announced it was delaying the new requirements until December.

“After we published all these requirements, we received data showing that manufacturers wouldn’t be able to fully implement all the requirements until December of this year for most products,” says the FDA’s Reynold Tan.

The new requirements include:

Only sunscreens that protect against both ultraviolet B (UVB) and ultraviolet A (UVA) light could be labeled “broad spectrum,” which means they provide the best protection against skin cancer.
Sunscreens that don’t have SPF of at least 15 would have to have big warning labels that say they don’t protect against skin cancer or “premature skin aging.”
Terms like “sunblock,” “waterproof” and “sweat-proof” would be banned. Sunscreens would be permitted to claim that they are “water-resistant” but would have to specify how long they work — either 40 or 80 minutes.

For now, consumers will just have to try to do their best. Some sunscreens that meet the new guidelines, are starting to show up on store shelves. But consumers have to look very carefully to figure that out.

“Make sure that the broad spectrum term appears right next to the SPF number, either directly to the left of it, or right on top of it. And it has to be in the same font, meaning it has to be in the same type size, same color, generally the same appearance as the SPF number,” Tan says.

Below is a list of SPF products tested under the new FDA regulations that are now available at SkinMedix!

SkinCeuticals Physical Fusion UV Defense SPF 50
SkinCeuticals Sheer Physical UV Defense SPF 50
Dermalogica Solar Defense Booster SPF 50
Dr. Dennis Gross Powerful Sun Protection SPF 45 Cream
SkinMedica Environmental Defense Sunscreen SPF 30
Neocutis Journee Bio Restorative Day Cream with PSP SPF 30+
Pro+Therapy MD Advanced Ultra Light Day Repair SPF 30
iS Clinical Extreme Protect SPF 30
PCA Skin Perfecting Protection SPF 30
Dermalogica Oil Free Matte SPF 30
PRIORI CoffeeBerry Natural Daily Protection SPF 25
NeoStrata Bionic Skin Lightening Cream SPF 15

For a more in-depth look at the new sunscreen regulations, visit www.fda.gov/sunscreen. In the mean time, check out this video below as New York dermatologist and editor of Clinics in Dermatology, Dr. Gervaise Gerstner, explains the new SPF FDA Regulations.

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wfkPgeHuP-Y]

How to Age like a Supermodel

By Skinmedix on August 14, 2012 in beauty, Celebrities, Uncategorized

Some of our favorite supermodels are still looking great long after their days on the covers of magazines have passed. It is hard to beat Cindy Crawford, Heidi Klum, and Christie Brinkley when it comes to aging gracefully. These women look stunning! Luckily for us, these three gorgeous ladies have shared some of their tips on aging and still looking beautiful!

Cindy Crawford, Age 46

photo credit: Allure Magazine

Workouts matter – Crawford does resistance workouts at least three times a week.
She is vigilant about skin care – she applies vitamin-c serum, like SkinMedica Vitamin C + E Complex, in the morning, and uses a moisturizer with sunscreen, like Murad Anti-Aging Moisturizer SPF 20 PA ++, after work outs. She also uses an AHA pad, like Dr. Dennis Gross Alpha Beta Glow Pad, before bed a couple of times a week.
Crawford keeps her weight constant so she doesn’t stretch her skin with fluctuating weigh.

Heidi Klum, Age 37

photo credit: Project Runway

Heidi thinks about her whole body when she thinks about aging – starting with nutrition. She drinks a glass of milk every night with dinner.
She keeps her energy level up by starting her days with early morning workouts.
Heidi never leaves the house without applying a moisturizing SPF, like Murad Clean Scene Down for Defense SPF 15 Moisturizer, to her face. “I learned not to go in the sun early on in my career. A tan lasts for a week or two before it fades, and the sun is so damaging—it’s not worth it.”

Christie Brinkley, Age 58

photo credit: Allure Magazine

Brinkley eats a healthy diet because it helps her to feel her best. It’s not about the weight it’s about feeling good.
Christie is in perpetual motion. She incorporates simple exercises like squats and leg lifts into everyday activities. Why not do leg lifts when you’re drying your hair?

From the look of these photos, these women know what they are talking about! What do you do to age gracefully?

Talk soon! XO

Jennifer GLOpez

By Skinmedix on July 30, 2012 in beauty, Beauty News, SPF

Jennifer Lopez - Skinceuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 availble at SkinMedix.com Just check out Jennifer Lopez’s skin! Seriously, right now, take a minute to really examine how glowy and radiant her face is. With skin this beautiful, fresh, and flawless, anything she’s using, I want it…NOW! Thanks to E!News, we learn one beauty secret this gorgeous 32 42! yr old starlet “swears by”.

Before applying any makeup, Jennifer uses Skinceuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 everyday to protect her skin from premature aging. Skinceuticals Ultimate UV Defense SPF 30 is a broad-spectrum, moisturizing sunscreen that boasts 7% transparent since oxide – which helps block damage from UVA and UVB rays. It’s gentle enough for daily use and it won’t clog pores. E!News calls it “the best SPF money can buy” — one look at JLo and we can see why!

Check out the clip below from E!News talking about Jennifer’s favorite SPF!

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ElIY44DEY0Y&feature=player_embedded]

Talk Soon! XO

5 Summer Time Tips for Looking Great

By Skinmedix on July 20, 2012 in beauty, top 5

5 Summer Time Tips for Looking Great

For most people, summer is the best part of the year! The sun is chirping, the birds are shining, the water’s wet – people just seem happier! 🙂 Here are a few tips to get through a hot, summery day while feeling your most beautiful…

1. Drink Water. The summer—in particular, the sun and the heat—bring some hidden dangers. For your skin and body, it is important you drink enough water. You usually notice dehydration when it’s too late – a throbbing headache, a sore or dry throat, or chapped lips. To avoid this, always bring a bottle of water on hot days. Staying hydrated is important. Your body consists of over 70 percent water, and you will sweat through all your pores when it’s warm. It’s important to refill your H2O levels. I also like coconut water because it has the same pH level as your blood, and is considered one of the best hydrating drinks.

2. Avoid Sunburn/Use a Good Sunscreen. And what about the sun? Well, most people like to sunbathe and get a healthy glow, if not a tan. Unfortunately, some people overdo it and get sunburned. When you do burn, your skin is damaged forever. You might think a new layer of skin will appear after a few days of losing the dead skin, but the damage is more than skin deep—each sunburn increases your risk of getting a form of skin cancer. The best thing for your skin is to really avoid to get burned all together.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using a broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. Before I hit the beach, I use iS Clinical Translucent Powder Sunscreen SPF 20 on my face instead of my usual makeup for a quick and easy flawless look. It’s also works great as a setting powder over foundation while giving added protection. It comes in a self-dispersing brush applicator, which makes it perfect for touchups along the way. This powder sunscreen combines micronized zinc oxide and transparent titanium oxide to provide the finest and safest broad spectrum protection. In the summer, I never leave the house without it.

4. Eat enough. You need the energy to get through a hot day— it takes a lot from your body. I prefer light foods such as vegetable & fruit juices, salads and sushi. Eat serveral small servings throughout the day (that makes your stomach look flatter, too, as it is not filled up so much at once!).

5. Work out in the AM. It’s likely that you’re too tired after a day of work, but having a light workout in the morning hours when the sun is not so high up—the weather is not so hot yet, and you are energized after a good night sleep—is probably the best. This also makes for better circulation of your blood, and your body is perfectly ready to face a tough & warm day. You will sweat out all the bad toxins, and a nice shower afterwards makes you nicely refreshed!

What do you do to keep looking great in the hot summer sun?

Talk soon! XO