Spa Tips From Spa Chic #2 You'll Be Sorry
Friday, May 30, 2008
With a sunny weekend in the cards for many of us, I thought it was time for Spa Tip #2.
I know it's naggy and anyone who has access to the computer is already aware that you should wear sunscreen but I am confronted with a steady stream of clients who STILL aren't doing it, so I know some of you aren't either.
Let me say this, one time, very clearly: If you don't wear sunscreen consistently(that means every day), YOU'LL BE SORRY.
Now you can call me a sunscreen nazi, pout and say wearing sunscreen in the sun is no fun which is akin to men saying they can't feel anything with a condom or motorcyclists refusing to wear helmets. Nevermind the worst case scenario, skin cancer, unprotected sun exposure is the #1 factor in premature skin aging. The sun adversely affects collagen production in the skin, and without collagen, your skin gets all loosy and saggy. It also causes uneven pigment, liver spots, wrinkles, and rebound acne(this is basically when dead, dry skin from sun exposure clogs your pores causing a breakout). There is also the risk of melasma(uneven pigment caused by hormonal changes due to pregnancy, the Pill and things like that), not to mention permanent stretching of small blood vessels, giving your skin a mottled, reddish appearance.
Now I don't want to get all down with the sun because it does some great things, like warmth, food, and Vitamin D production. Go out, have fun just protect yourself. A sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher is required for your face, and you need to reapply the cream every 2-3 hours. I know the idea of getting in a swim suit all pasty, spongy ultra-Casper white is unthinkable for most of us. A little color hides cellulite, veins and a myriad of other percieved defects. So here are my suggestions:
1. Go get a spray tan, they are reasonably priced and most look very natural and last about a week.
2. Invest in a good bronzer to add some subtle glow to your face(apply it to forehead, cheeks, nose and even a little on your decollette--same places sun gets).
3.Try one of the newer tan-in-a-can home spray tans, I've used the Neutrogena one with good results.
And for those of you wondering about tanning beds? Ick, so 1993. Tanning beds are great if you want to look like an old-timey leather suitcase from the movie Out of Africa and I can't wait to sit next to YOU at the 30 year class reunion.
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How weird that I found your blog today and this is the first post I read! i just had a quarter of my ear removed because I was addicted to baby oil tanning in the late 70s. I know you are WAY TOO YOUNG to know this, but there was a time when you would cover a double item with tin foil and squeeze lemon juice from one of those fake plastic lemons onto your head for hours.
So, yeah, I agree.
Lorrie
www.ournameisblog.blogspot.com
Thanks for sharing Lorrie. I myself had a pre-Melanoma(shifty looking cells that are more than likely on their way to a melanoma), removed a few years back. I did my share of damage in my teens and I am very fair so more susceptible to skin cancers. Wanting to look sun-drenched and golden hasn't changed much, but at least there are non-deadly ways to get there now.
The thing I hate about sunscreen is that mixed with sweat, it forms this awful paste on my face and then I get pimples and generally feel like some greasy monster.
Which I know is still better than cancer, but, uh, any recommendations for sunscreen product that doesn't do this?
Anna/Spatula,
Sunscreens are inherently a bit thick and greasy but the formulations keep getting better and better. My favorite is La Roche-Posay Anthelios Daily Moisturizing cream with sunscreen and their stand alone waterproof sunscreen(see link below). The moisterizer is good for daily use, the sunscreen for water and sweaty activities. They run about $30 but the formulas are some of the best I've used. They also have combined the latest sunscreen technologies to create greater UVA and UVB protection that protects longer than most others.
If you are more budget conscious, then I would recommend Olay Complete Defense daily UV Moisterizer Sensitive 30spf for a daily moisterizer with protection and the Neutogena UltraSheer Dry-touch 55 for water/sweaty activites.
Additionally, because sunscreen is designed with protection in mind and not pimples, even good ones can clog. Always wash you face well after a day out, especially with the water-proof formulas. I cleanse my face twice at night, once to remove makeup, sunscreen, city grime, etc, and once more to remove any leftovers leaving my face very clean. In the am, I just rinse it in the shower, no soap. Good Luck!
http://www.anthelios.com/
Amen sister! I put 60-70 on my face and chest everyday and hands! Can't forget the hands!
Thanks, Chris! This is very timely - I'm going hiking tomorrow and the weather is supposed to be "Downtown Delhi".