Tag: sunscreen

The Importance of SPF

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

We all know the importance of wearing sunscreen, but which SPF is best? A walk through the sunscreen aisle reveals dozens of options, with varying SPFs. The highest SPF protect is 100, but does that make it the best? It’s just one of the many questions consumers have when it comes to the dizzying array of sunscreens. Check out these frequently asked questions to learn more.

What does SPF measure?
SPF, or sun protection factor, measures the product’s ability to block the sun’s UVB rays. Those rays can turn your skin into a fiery-red hide. It does not take into account UVA rays, which can damage skin and lead to certain kinds of cancer.

Does SPF 100 offer the best protection?
People assume the higher the SPF, the better the protection. Sunscreen with SPF 50 offers twice the protection of SPF 25, right? Wrong. Sunscreen with SPF 15 blocks 94 percent of the sun’s UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent, SPF 50 blocks 98 percent and SPF 100 blocks 99 percent. Yes, SPF 100 offers the highest protection, but it’s not significantly more than its double-digit competitors. Anything higher than 15 or 30 SPF needs chemicals to make it work which can cause allergic reactions and is often what most people hate about the “gross feel” of sunscreen. Plus, doctors fear consumers who buy products with SPF 100 apply it less, making it less effective than other options. No matter what the SPF, you should apply sunscreen every two hours and as soon as you get out of the water.

When do I need SPF?
Whether it is a day at the pool, walking from your car to the mall, or an afternoon walk in the park, make sure that you are arming yourself with sun protection so that you can enjoy many sunny days ahead. It’s also good to remember that you can burn in the shade. UVA rays penetrate in the shade, through windows, and even through many fabrics. If you’re going to be outside a lot look into SPF clothing and be sure you wear your SPF every day!

What to look for?
Rather than focusing on the SPF number, look for a broad spectrum sunscreen with as little chemical as possible. You want the first ingredients to be Zinc or Titanium Dioxide. These will protect against both UVA and UVB rays, offering full protection without chemical. Sometimes a chemical SPF is needed for extra sticking power during sweating or water activities. In these cases aim for something that still uses Zinc and Titanium Dioxide but also with a little chemical. The jury is still out of most of these, but the least disturbing to me is Octinoxate. It doesn’t clog and has a very low allergy report.

Beating the Summer Pigmentation Blues

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

As summer winds down you may notice that your skin is looking dull, tired, and dry. I know I see it in clients all the time as August rolls around. Sun, wind, salt, chlorine, and too much fun can be hard on the skin.

Signs of sun damage like wrinkles, brown spots, freckles, and blotchy skin are also more prevalent in the summer. Sun damage that you see today, like light from the stars, was created in the past. What we see today was done years ago in our fun loving and too often SPF free youth.

The best protection you can give the skin from future sun damage is to stay out of it and use proper SPF, but for the damage that was already done, well it’s time to start repairing it with the right facials and daily skin care routine.

Pigmentation needs a four pronged approach.

1) Protect from future damage with SPF EVERY DAY.

2) Topical brightener to reduce superficial topical discoloration.

3) A topical melanin inhibitor that will reduce more pigmentation from forming.

4) Dedication and time. Pigmentation needs time to repair.
To speed up the process a series of pigment busting facials will always help. The Hydrafacial, Epicuren Four Layer Enzyme, or Switch Treatment are all excellent options to get you on the road to clearer and brighter skin. Come in and see which series would be right for you. Either way, your summer skin will thank you.

It’s Going to Be a Cruel Cruel Summer

Posted on Cybil SolynLeave a commentPosted in Skincare

We’re in the midst of summer and everyone knows what that means – high heat and sweaty skin. And since it feels like August instead of July out there our summer is going to be hotter than ever!

During the summer, many of us enjoy pool, hiking, or walking on the beach. This is why a GOOD SPF is needed. I always recommend the Epicuren SPF’s since there’s one for whatever your lifestyle needs. Chemical free, ultra light weight Zinc SPF 20, Water resistant but not goopy Active Sport SPF 30, and Xtreme Cream 45 with propolis for those extreme days in the sun. I also love the Jane Iredale Dream Tint SPF 15 for a coverage that protects and conceals but won’t sweat off, or my all time favorite car SPF PowderMe SPF 30 which is powdered titanium and zinc that won’t go bad in high heats – like your glove box!

Ocean water is full of salt and even just being by it can leave your skin dry to the touch due to the sticky salty air. On days like these, there’s nothing better than taking a good shower to wash everything from your skin with a gentle exfoliation. One of the best ways to do this is by gently exfoliating your body with a Cactus Cloth and a gentle body wash. Of course there’s I shouldn’t need to say this, but lets just in case -avoid exfoliating sunburned skin since this will only further irritate it and cause pain and flare up. However, if you’re in the “peeling” stage of a sunburn,(which won’t happen if you wear and reapply a good quality SPF!) go ahead and gently exfoliate the area; it will help speed up the process.

After you’re left feeling clean and refreshed, make sure to nourish your skin.I personally love mixing in a small squeeze of Injablu with Restore Hydrating Lotion for added skin benefits. Not only will it soften your skin but it will help keep it hydrated in the summer heat.