sunscreen

8 Ways to Stay Sun Safe This Summer

Mikey Rox — Fri, 15 Jun 2018 09:00:24 +0000

Sunscreen is the first line of defense against sun exposure — we all know that — but how else can we protect ourselves from an increased risk of skin cancer during the summer months, and beyond? Consider these helpful tips for protecting yourself against damaging UV rays.

1. Wear a wide-brimmed hat

Ball caps are the headwear of choice for most people, especially men, and while these hats provide some protection against the sun (and critical coverage for bald heads), the bills don't allow for total coverage for the face, including the tip of the nose and chin. For more comprehensive protection, opt for a wide-brimmed hat, like bucket or safari hats. Buffs — just like the ones worn by contestants on Survivor — are also an option, as the tube shape and soft material allow for maximum coverage and options as to how it can be worn. I can personally recommend the Buff USA UV Collection for its ability to block up to 95 percent of harmful UV rays. (See also: 10 Ways to Age Well for $0)

2. Apply protective film to windows

If you spend a lot of time in your car, or by any window where the sun shines in, look into protective window film to block those strong rays from affecting your skin. This happens frequently to people who drive with the windows down, as your left arm is typically exposed to the sun while it's resting on the door frame.

Solar Gard developed a revolutionary sun protection technology for its automotive and residential window films, which provides protection equivalent to SPF 285. Its films come recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation and provides 99 percent protection against UVA and UVB rays.

3. Start your day with a broad-spectrum sunscreen

Sunscreen is an absolute must in the summer, but it's not just for when you go to the beach. René Serbon, Founder of Dermal Systems, suggests applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen in the morning during the summer, even when the sun isn't beaming. "Even on cloudy days, the UV rays can still be damaging to the skin," she says.

Don't just think about sunscreen during the summer, though. If you spend more than 20 minutes a day outdoors as part of your job or daily routine, you ought to apply sunscreen habitually to ensure your safety.

4. Touch up with a dry sunscreen as needed

A problem that many makeup wearers face is how to maintain a sunscreen routine with putting on a full face of makeup. Serbon has the answer for that.

"I highly encourage all my clients, especially those who wear makeup, to invest in a dry sunscreen," she says. "To be a sun-smart superstar, you must reapply sun protection every two hours; a dry sunscreen makes that very easy. It can be applied over makeup, and is a physical block, so effective immediately."

Dry sunscreen (or brush-on sunscreen) can be applied just like foundation, and most of it comes in a brush-tipped tube.

5. Avoid direct sunlight during peak damage times

Strongest sun hours are from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and most sun-protection advocates will recommend that you stay out of it altogether. That's not always possible, of course — that's prime beach time — so try to lessen your exposure with apparel; accessories, like an umbrella; and a SPF of 30 or higher.

6. Seek the shade whenever possible

Remember the '70s and '80s when everyone was dousing themselves in tanning oil and crisping up their skin like a rotisserie chicken? Those folks are probably regretting that now, because we know exactly what can happen. If you don't get diagnosed with skin cancer, you're gonna look like a shriveled up prune by age 50.

"When you feel like baking in the sun, remember that the sun stimulates an enzyme called collagenase, which breaks down collagen fibrils," Serbon explains. "This equals premature aging and while [there are procedures for that], prevention is the best approach to a youthful glow."

Sit under the umbrella or a tree or the awning of an outdoor bar. You are not a chicken, so protect that delicate skin.

7. Make sure your glasses are up to snuff

Skin protection is important, but what about your eyes? According to the Vision Council's 2015 UV Protection Report, seven in 10 American adults are unaware of the link between sun exposure and serious vision problems. But just like exposure to UV rays can damage our skin, it can also harm the eyes or affect vision.

Optometrist Dr. Jennifer Lyerly offers these sun-safe tips:

"Darker lenses don't mean greater protection. Don't be fooled by this misconception."
"Ask your doctor about how protective your glasses are against UVA and UVB rays. They should provide at least 98 percent protection."
"Consider Transitions lenses, which block 100 percent of UV rays and adapt to changing light."
"Wraparound sunglasses will protect your eyes from sun glare."

8. Wear long sleeves

If it's not a show-some-skin beach day, opt for long sleeves if you'll be outside for an extended period of time, like working in the yard or out on a hike. Any long-sleeve tee will do, but I like to wear the sweat-wicking shirts or SPF-protection shirts since they're light enough to keep me cool, but also protected from harsh rays.

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This article is from Mikey Rox of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

How These 10 Winter Health Myths May Be Harming You

Paul Michael — Fri, 26 Jan 2018 09:00:06 +0000

Winter is here. Accompanying the cold, the rain, and the snow are a whole bunch of old wives tales that range from slightly inaccurate to downright dangerous. We generally believe these pieces of advice because they were passed down to us by parents, grandparents, and friends. But the truth is, most of these myths come from a misunderstanding of science, or a time when people just didn't know any better. Here are 10 of the biggest winter health myths — debunked.

1. You don't need to apply sunscreen

Wrong. Oh, so very wrong. When people feel the drop in temperature (which can be dramatic in some states), they think that the cold weather eliminates the need for UV protection. This is just untrue. "The sun's harmful rays are just as strong and damaging despite what your thermometer says — particularly the UVA rays which are responsible for aging skin," said Bruce E. Katz, the director of JUVA Skin and Laser Center in New York.

Now, with the winter months, you may be actively covering up a lot of your skin anyway with thick clothing, gloves, and scarves, but your face will still be exposed to harmful UV rays, and all it takes is one bad sunburn to increase your risk of getting skin cancer. And if you plan on going skiing, remember that the snow reflects up to 80 percent of the sun's rays right back at you, so use a good sunscreen and sunglasses.

2. Flu shots actually give you the flu

No, they don't. That's like saying a tetanus shot will give you tetanus, or a polio vaccine will give you polio. When you are injected with the flu vaccine, your body is introduced to an inactivated form of the flu virus. For all intents and purposes, it's dead (or at least in a deep coma). But your immune system learns to recognize the enemy virus, and produces antibodies to break it down and destroy it. When an active version of the flu virus enters your system, it recognizes it immediately and gets to work fighting it, destroying the antigens before they can do any harm. (See also: The High Cost of Catching a Cold or the Flu)

3. Cold weather makes you sick

For hundreds of years, parents and grandparents have told their little ones to bundle up and avoid going outside because it'll increase the chances of catching a cold, or becoming ill. This is pure fiction. The cold weather cannot make you sick in that way, unless you are trapped outside and develop hypothermia. In fact, when you venture out into the cold, the cells that fight infection in your body actually increase. And what's more, according to the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, cold viruses thrive at a temperature of 91 degrees.

So, why do people think the cold weather brings colds and sickness? Well, there could be several reasons. One theory is that during the winter months, you spend way more time indoors, and heating systems make it easier for viruses to enter your dry nasal passages. What's more, you're spending way more time locked up inside with other people. If one of them gets sick, the chance of that disease spreading is greater than during the summer months. But the cold weather itself is not going to give you a cold or the flu.

4. You lose most of your body heat through your head

Military researchers in 1950s conducted studies that exposed subjects to frigid temperatures. Their heads were uncovered, and their bodies were bundled up nice and warm in cold-resistant clothing. These studies probably led to the U.S. Army Field Guide stating that 40-45 percent of heat being lost was through the head. Well yeah, because it's the only part of the body that was exposed during these experiments.

A 2006 study repeated the test, but did it with test subjects in wet suits in cold water. Sometimes they would fully submerge their heads, other times the head was left out of the water. The result was that heat loss through the head is proportionate to the rest of the body. So, yes, you should cover your head to keep warm. But you are not going to lose half your body heat if you don't wear a hat.

5. Huge amounts of vitamin C will prevent or cure a cold

During the winter months, the aisles in the supermarket are stocked with vitamin C boosters and supplements; some offering over 1,600 percent of the daily amount you are supposed to take. Can this massive intake of vitamin C really prevent a cold from forming? Or, can it kill a cold in its tracks? The answer from researchers and scientists is … probably not.

Vitamin C has been touted for decades as an essential supplement for health and vitality, and there is no doubt that vitamin C does the body good. It can have a kind of antihistamine effect, and a 2005 study from the European Journal of Clinical Nutrition suggests that it can reduce the frequency of catching a cold, but realistically, bingeing on vitamin C is not going to do much for you, other than having a placebo effect.

6. Winter weather makes you store fat and gain weight

Our bodies do not go into some kind of winter hibernation mode, stockpiling every ounce of fat to use for the lean times. It seems logical, like a throwback to our days living in caves foraging for food, but in reality, any weight gain comes from our winter habits. We tend to exercise less in winter. We eat more hearty meals and comfort foods, including more sugary snacks and desserts (especially around the holidays). We drink more coffee, hot chocolate, and tea, and some of those $6 beverages from Starbucks are loaded with high-calorie sweet syrups. Your body doesn't turn into some kind of fat-storing machine, though. We're not bears. (See also: 36 Workouts You Can Do in Your Living Room While It's Cold Out)

7. Alcohol will warm you up

My parents were guilty of believing this little myth. They would put a capful of whiskey in their tea or coffee, saying it would help them stay warm before going out in the cold. The effects of the alcohol may be tricking your body into feeling warmer, but it's not really happening. As the MythBusters proved, alcohol actually lowers your body's core temperature. The heat you think you're feeling comes from the alcohol causing your blood vessels to dilate, moving warm blood closer to the skin, and creating that flushed feeling.

8. Feed a cold, starve a fever

This is another myth that comes from a time when people didn't understand the science of body chemistry. The thought was that if you had a cold, food would warm you up. Conversely, if you had a high fever, not eating would cool you down. This is just patently bad medical advice. In both cases, good nutrition gives your body the fuel it needs to fight infections and recover from an illness. When you have a fever, your body is burning energy at a rapid rate, and that needs to be replenished. So, by all means feed your cold; but also feed your fever, or any other illness. Even if you have stomach issues, find a way to take in lost fluids and electrolytes.

9. Allergies disappear in winter

Tell that to all the people sneezing and itching at home right now. While summer allergies like hay fever may be gone, you are still going to suffer from allergies that thrive indoors. That includes mold and dust, fabric fibers, animal dander, mites, and even dead insect particles. And as you're spending more time indoors during the cold months, your body is bombarded with these allergens. One of the best ways to combat indoor allergies is by installing a furnace filter that traps them so they are not recirculated through your home. You may also want to invest in a UV light air purifier, and of course, stock up on antihistamines. (See also: 10 Cheap Ways to Improve the Air Quality in Your Home)

10. Going outside with wet hair makes you sick

This is just another myth that stems from cold weather increasing the chance of illness. Your head will certainly feel colder if you go out into the frigid air when it's wet, but you're not going to catch a cold, or the flu, by stepping outside after you just got out of the shower. Of course, you should probably dry it first because you are not going to feel comfortable with a head full of cold, wet hair. And if it's really cold, a hat is a good idea to stop any body heat from escaping. You will only catch a cold if there is a virus going around.

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This article is from Paul Michael of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 6 Best Natural Sunscreens

Ashley Marcin — Wed, 22 Jul 2015 17:00:12 +0000

We're in the thick of summer now — have you found a good sunscreen yet? Of course, wearing sun protection is important all year round. And since we rub it directly into our skin, we want to make sure it's the safest, most effective cream it can be. Here are a few of the top skin-friendly sunscreens on the market, their reviews, and some pros and cons for each.

To see your favorite formula's rating, check out the Environmental Working Group (EGW)'s 2015 Guide to Sunscreens.

1. Del Mar Shade (SPF 32)

4.4 stars with 83 reviews

Price: $19.97 for 4 oz.

USA-made Del Mar Shade sunscreen is organic, fragrance-free, biodegradable, and safe for wearers of all ages — even babies under six months old. The non-nano, not-micronized zinc oxide helps absorb up to 97% of UV rays across the UVA and UVB spectrums. Many reviewers, even those who rave about this product, complain that it's hard to rub in fully and leaves white, chalky residue. But if you're unhappy with this sunscreen, the company offers a 100% money back guarantee. Certainly worth a try!

2. Babyganics Sunscreen (SPF 50)

4.3 stars with 180 reviews

Price: $15.98 for 12 oz.

Babyganics offers water-resistant sun protection for 80 minutes. This mix is tear-free and hypoallergenic, so it won't irritate sensitive skin. It's also reasonably priced. A reviewer noted that this popular mineral-based sunscreen does actually contain chemicals. The company replied that the ingredient — octisalate — has been rated safe by the EWG and doesn't pose cancer concerns. For a truly chemical-free sun lotion from this brand, try the Pure Mineral Sunscreen in SPF 30.

3. Badger Sport (SPF 35)

3.6 stars with 196 reviews

Price: $13.59 for 3 oz.

Talk about simple! There are only six ingredients in this Badger Sport sunscreen. It's also 100% certified natural and 94% certified organic. All Badger sunscreens rate highly, including formulas for babies and kids, but this particular mix is unscented and made for sports with 80-minute water resistance. I have personal experience with this product, and though it works well at helping me avoid burns, it can feel greasy.

4. BurnOut Eco (SPF 35)

4 stars with 184 reviews

Price: $15.50 for 3 oz.

If you have sensitive skin, BurnOut Eco promises to be a great sunscreen for everyday wear. The lotion goes on clear and matte with UVA/UVB broad spectrum protection. Its formula is also free of chemicals, parabens, petroleum, and fragrances, all while being eco-sensitive, ocean safe, and biodegradable. Some reviewers complain that BurnOut is only water resistant for 40 minutes and stings their eyes. Also: It can leave skin feeling somewhat dry.

5. Blue Lizard Sensitive (SPF 30+)

4.6 stars with 273 reviews

Price: $24.50 for 8.75 oz.

Dermatologist-recommended and Amazon number one bestseller Blue Lizard sunscreen gets high marks for its clever packaging. Whenever harmful rays are present, its label turns blue to let you know. This gentle formula contains 10% zinc oxide and 5% titanium dioxide to shield even the most sensitive skin. Several reviewers mention that this sunscreen is not waterproof or even water resistant, so it will need to be reapplied often for optimal protection.

6. Thinkbaby Safe (SPF 50+)

4.3 stars with 625 reviews

Price: $10.99 for 3 oz.

Another Amazon bestseller, Thinkbaby Safe is a highly rated sunscreen for your little ones. The brand, like others on this list, also boasts the highest 80 minute water resistance rating. And just because it's marketed for babies doesn't mean adults can't (and don't) wear it, too. A few reviewers report that their sunscreen separated into solid chunks and thin liquid.

What's your favorite sunscreen?

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This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

The 5 Best Sunscreens

Andrea Cannon — Thu, 02 Jul 2015 09:00:12 +0000

Spending some time in the sun is a great way to improve your mood, improve your health, get some much-needed vitamin D, and give you a better outlook on life. However, being in the sun can also expose your delicate skin to damaging UVA and UVB rays. This can cause skin damage, can increase your risk of skin cancer, and can cause your face and skin to age prematurely. To prevent this type of damage, it is important to find a quality sunblock that you enjoy wearing and feel confident can protect your skin.

Sunscreen should be applied liberally whenever you’re in the sun: all day, everyday, at any age. Nobody is safe from the sun, so it’s important to protect your skin every day of your life. Along with wearing sunscreen on your face and body, you should also seek shade when the sun is out, cover up with protective clothing, wear a hat, and wear sunglasses with UV absorption to better protect yourself from the sun.

What Is Sunscreen?

Sunscreen is a topical cream, lotion, gel, or spray that can be applied to the face and body to protect your skin from the damaging effects of the sun. It is always a good idea to combine products that contain SPF with sunscreen for optimal sun protection. Sunscreen works by absorbing or reflecting the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation so that it cannot reach the deeper layers of the skin.

To get the most from your sun protection, it is important to find sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. We have covered some of the best sunscreens, so that you can protect yourself from UVA and UVB rays, prevent sun damage, and hydrate your skin all at once.

Top 5 Sunscreens

Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30+

As Amazon’s #1 best seller in sports sunscreen and one of TotalBeauty.com’s top sunscreen choices, Blue Lizard Sensitive Sunscreen SPF 30+ is gentle enough even for sensitive skin and can be used everyday on both the face and body. This classic dermatologist-recommended sunblock uses only high quality natural minerals for broad spectrum UVA and UVB skin protection.

It is also paraben-free, fragrance-free, and chemical-free. Both the sunscreen and the bottle itself can help protect you from the sun. That’s because the patented BPA-free Smart Bottle turns blue in the presence of harmful UV rays and becomes a deeper blue color with the presence of more UV rays, so you’ll know when you’re in danger and have an automatic reminder to apply your sunscreen.

Currently $24.45 on Amazon

La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for Face

The award-winning La Roche-Posay Anthelios 60 Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid for Face is Consumer Reports’ top sunscreen pick with a 100% rating and was also chosen as a top pick by TotalBeauty.com and ConsumerSearch. This dermatologist-recommended sunscreen is ideal for normal, oily, combination and sensitive skin, and offers a powdery matte finish.

This fast absorbing, water-resistant sunscreen is fragrance-free, PABA-free, non-comedogenic, and comfortable to wear. It offers broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and SPF 60 to protect the skin from UV-induced skin damage. It features Cell-Ox Shield, which can protect your skin at the cellular level, as well as an advanced UV filtering system, and a powerful antioxidant complex called Senna Alata, which is a tropical leaf extract known to defend skin cells. It is also photostable for longer-lasting protection and water-resistant for up to 80 minutes.

Currently $22.29 on Amazon

Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion Ultra Guard Broad Spectrum SPF 50

Coppertone makes a number of award-winning sunscreens for babies, kids, and adults, so you almost can’t go wrong with Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion. They are also the #1 pediatrician recommended brand and make kid-friendly options like “Wacky Foam” that kids actually like using. InStyle, TotalBeauty.com and Consumer Reports also stand behind Coppertone sunscreens and their heavy-duty protection. The Coppertone Sunscreen Lotion Ultra Guard Broad Spectrum SPF 50 can prevent sunburn and provide extra UVA and UVB protection. The water-resistant, non-greasy, non-comedogenic sunscreen provides broad-spectrum protection from the sun's damaging rays using Avobenzone.

It can also moisturize your skin in the process with Aloe, Vitamin E, and specially blended moisturizers. It is also PABA-free, dermatologist-tested, and water-resistant for 80 minutes. This sunscreen is perfect even for the hottest climates and Coppertone offers other options of SPF 100+.

Currently $6.99 on Amazon

Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 110

If you want to protect, preserve, and care for your skin, then Neutrogena Age Shield Face Lotion Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 110 is the right lightweight sunscreen for you. The water-resistant face lotion comes from a #1 dermatologist recommended brand of suncare and is oil-free, PABA-free, non-greasy, and non-comedogenic. It offers broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection and can protect skin six layers deep from the sun’s damaging rays.

It also combats free radical damage and has anti-aging properties to help better care for your skin. It also features Helioplex, which helps screen out UVB burning rays and prevent UVA aging rays from penetrating the surface layers. This lotion is also packed with skin conditioners, which will hydrate and replenish the skin.

Currently $9.35 on Amazon

Eltamd UV Clear SPF 46

As Amazon’s #1 best seller in skin sun protection, Elta MD UV Clear SPF 46 is intended for skin types prone to acne, rosacea, and hyperpigmentation, but is great for all skin types. Backed by great reviews, even users with sensitive and acne-prone complexions love wearing this alone or under makeup. The lightweight, oil-free facial sunscreen calms and protects acne-prone skin, while offering broad-spectrum UVA and UVB protection.

It also helps reduce the appearance of blemishes, discoloration, and photo-damaged skin, while protecting it from sun damage. It is also oil-free, paraben-free, non-comedogenic, fragrance-free, and is specially formulated with 5% pure form Niacinamide, which is like Vitamin B3 or niacine without the same toxic effects.

Currently $29.99 on Amazon

And those are our recommendations for the best sunscreens. As always, be sure to check Wise Bread's Buying Calendar to learn when and how to buy just about anything!

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This article is from Andrea Cannon of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

7 Beauty Mistakes That May Be Ruining Your Skin

Camilla Cheung — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 13:00:13 +0000

It's happened to the best of us. You hear a rumor about an awesome "home" beauty treatment and next thing you know, you're putting toothpaste on your face. What harm could it do? Actually, putting random things on your skin can damage it unintentionally. And there are all sorts of skin mistakes most of us make on a regular basis that can be easily avoided. Check out some of the top beauty mistakes that may be preventing your skin from reaching its full potential.

1. Not Wearing Sunscreen

The sun is the number one cause of skin wrinkles and aging, as well as a primary cause of most skin cancers, including deadly melanoma. A lot of the sun damage sustained by your skin won't show up until later in life, when it is much harder to prevent and reverse the damage. So if you're interested in flawless, ageless, and healthy skin when you're older, it's best to make a habit of using sunscreen now. Look for at least an SPF30 broad-spectrum sunscreen, and apply it liberally.

Remember, sunscreen ingredients become less effective over time — chemical sunscreens degrade in the sun, and physical sunscreens can get rubbed off — so reapply every couple of hours if you're outside. And no, the SPF in your foundation or BB cream isn't enough. You aren't likely to apply enough makeup to get the advertised SPF rating.

2. Not Removing Your Makeup

I'm not just talking about falling asleep with a face full of makeup. You actually need to use a makeup removing product before you even cleanse your face. Most cleansers are not formulated to remove makeup (and if they are, they are too harsh for your skin — see the next point below). Once I started removing my makeup before cleansing (or "double-cleansing"), I saw an immediate and drastic improvement in my skin texture. Having makeup residue clogging your pores can prompt breakouts even long past your hormonal teen years.

I now enjoy using a gentle cleansing oil (DHC Cleansing Oil is my favorite) that emulsifies and rinses off cleanly. Balms (such as Clinique's Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm), two-phase makeup removers, and micellar water (like Bioderma) are also popular. The important thing is that the remover takes your makeup off effectively and doesn't irritate your skin.

Once your makeup is gone, all you need is a super gentle cleanser to remove any leftover traces. Which leads me to my next point…

3. Using a Too-Harsh or High-pH Cleanser

Remember learning about pH way back in high school? The higher the number, the more alkaline (or basic) the solution, and the lower the number, the more acidic the solution. Your skin's pH is ideally at an average of 5.5, which is slightly acidic. The natural oils and acids of your skin create a fragile but oh-so-important barrier called the acid mantle. This thin barrier keeps bacteria and other contaminants out of your skin, keeps your skin soft and supple, and protects the moisture barrier function of your skin, keeping water in.

Unfortunately, many of us are destroying our skin's natural barrier every time we cleanse. Many harsh surfactants used in foaming cleansers, such as sodium laureth sulfate, have extremely high pH. They are super effective cleansers, but they also strip the natural oils from your skin, raise the pH of your skin, and damage the acid mantle. Acne, eczema, general irritation, and sensitivity may result.

Ever had that squeaky-clean feeling after you cleansed? That's a sure sign that you've stripped the important oils from your skin. Want to learn more? This post by Skin & Tonics goes in-depth about the importance of skin pH.

In practical terms, look for cleansers that don't deviate too far from a pH of 5.5. Cleansers from Sebamed and Paula's Choice, as well as Cerave Foaming Facial Cleanser and Hada Labo Tokyo Hydrating Cleanser, are supposed to be at or very close to pH 5.5. Non-foaming cleansers are less likely to strip your skin, but even lotion, cream, and gel cleansers can have too high of a pH. Listen to your skin. It should not feel tight, dry, or itchy after washing.

4. Using Harsh Scrubs

Speaking of disrupting your skin's moisture barrier — one of the worst things you can do to your skin is to scrub it with a harsh physical exfoliator. Please, please, please, for the love of Bob, put down that apricot scrub! If the exfoliating particles are jagged or uneven, they can cause micro-tears in your skin. Even smaller particles, like sugar or microbeads, can be problematic because most people don't use them gently enough (microbeads are also dangerous to wildlife, so I'd skip it). Over-exfoliating can further disrupt your moisture barrier, causing dry, flaking, peeling, reddened skin that is vulnerable to infection.

There are gentle ways to exfoliate out there. I personally love using a gentle enzyme powder exfoliator (the powders by Amore Pacific and Tatcha are readily available but they are pricey; try this Murad Transforming Powder Cleanser & Exfoliator instead). A peeling gel such as Cure Natural Aqua Gel or Peter Thomas Roth Firmx Gel is a very gentle exfoliating alternative. Chemical exfoliators, like AHA and BHA, are also good options, but you have to be careful not to overdo them, either.

The simplest and cheapest way to exfoliate might be to simply use water and a muslin cloth or baby washcloth.

5. Drying Your Skin

So you've got the occasional breakout. The culprit has to be oil, right? So you should remove all the oil, right? Wrong. Acne can have many causes, but drying out your skin or blasting it with harsh chemicals is not the answer. Dry skin can't heal as well, and a compromised moisture barrier leaves your skin vulnerable to bacterial infection, making your skin problems even worse.

If your skin feels dry and irritated, you may need to back off on the treatments and increase moisturizing. Products with hyaluronic acid will help put moisture back into your skin.

6. Trying Every Beauty DIY

I'm all for doing things yourself, but sometimes, putting the latest DIY concoction on the sensitive skin of your face might not be the best idea. A search on Pinterest turns up several DIY beauty ideas that could go terribly wrong. Using a baking soda mask (pH 9), for example, will strip your skin of its natural oils and disrupt the acid mantle. Just because baking soda is great for scrubbing your bathtub, and just because it is "natural," doesn't mean you should put it on your face.

Putting lemon juice on your face is another dangerous idea (acid burns, anyone?), and even great natural ingredients that are effective in properly formulated products, like tea tree oil and essential oils, can damage your skin. In addition, keeping a homemade concoction around for extended periods of time, without preservatives (yes, sometimes preservatives are a good thing), means that bacteria can grow in the product. Pretty gross, huh?

I'm not saying don't DIY anything, but be discerning of anything you put on the sensitive skin of your face, and be sure to research the DIY product before jumping all in.

7. Taking a One-Size-Fits-All Approach

Skincare is such a personalized thing, it's a mistake to think what works for someone else will always work for you. For example, other people can use AHAs, BHAs, and acidic forms of vitamin C every day, but my skin can only tolerate them every few days, otherwise it gets itchy and sensitive. Other people can get away with one rich moisturizer, but my dehydrated skin does much better with various hydrating toners, serums, and light moisturizers layered over each other. Everyone's skin is different and your beauty routine will require customized tweaking.

Listen to your skin. Treat it like a finicky lover who needs to be wooed in just the right way. Treated right, your skin will be healthy, beautiful, and loyally protective — love your skin, and it will love you back.

What do you do to take care of your skin?

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This article is from Camilla Cheung of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Homemade Sunblock and 6 Other Non-Toxic Recipes to Get Your Skin Sun-Ready

Ashley Marcin — Tue, 17 Jun 2014 13:00:03 +0000

As the days get brighter and the nights warm up, we're spending more and more time outdoors. Summer is the prime season for enjoyment and activity, but it's also the height of painful sunburns. I'm trying to become more conscious and careful about the lotions and salves I slather onto my body. Sometimes, even the most natural sunblocks contain more harmful ingredients than I'd like to see. (See also: Cheap and Simple Sunburn Remedies That Really Work)

The following "recipes" are all natural and non-toxic. After the initial investment in a few key ingredients, they are sure to give your store bought 'block a run for its money.

1. Sunblock With Zinc Oxide

This thick and creamy sunblock melts like butter onto your skin. The SPF rating is at least 20, if not higher. You may even have some of the required ingredients — coconut oil, almond oil, shea butter, etc. — already in your kitchen and bath cabinets. (Ingredients are measured in grams, so here's a converting calculator to switch to cups.)

2. Bronzing Bars

If you'd like a natural tan look with your protection, these DIY Bronzing Bars are for you! A reader suggested including coffee infused oil for that bronzing effect. Bonus? They double as bug repellent!

3. Soothing Sunblock

This next mix contains aloe, which soothes burns. It's rated around 30-40 SPF, so great for a day at the beach or out at a backyard barbecue. You can choose to use either carrot seed or raspberry seed oil, with raspberry having more SPF power.

4. Fragrance Block

This sweet smelling sunblock has a hefty dose of essential oils in it — 40-50 drops to be exact. For me, I'd take the opportunity to do a mix of lavender, peppermint, and eucalyptus to get some natural allergy relief from all that pollen flying through the air.

5. Foundation SPF

I'm super excited to try this homemade foundation and sunblock in one! The color comes from a custom mix of cinnamon and cocoa powder.

6. Tinted Mix

If you'd rather add a more subtle color to your sunblock, this tinted mix will do the trick. It uses iron oxide powder for those who have a darker natural completions. It blends better on skin with fewer noticeable streaks.

7. Cooling Burn Treatment

If you haven't had a chance to make any of these protective recipes, you might have a nasty burn to contend with. Try freezing aloe juice in ice cube trays. When you get a burn, pop a few cubes out of the freezer and enjoy the soothing sensation.

What's your favorite homemade sunblock recipe? Please share in comments!

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This article is from Ashley Marcin of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Sun Screens Can Really Cost You – By the Ounce or By the Tumor

Carrie Kirby — Mon, 31 May 2010 19:58:51 +0000

If you've been paying extra for sun products containing Vitamin A — often marketed as preventing your skin from aging — you might as well save your money. In fact, you may need it for future surgical bills. A new report from the Environmental Working Group cites “new government data linking a form of vitamin A used in sunscreens to accelerated growth of skin tumors and lesions.

Yikes. And that's not all. The report also warns that at least 26 "for babies" sunscreens contain a chemical that scientists specifically warned against using on children more than a decade ago.

Another yikes: What you're buying with sunscreens that list really high SPFs like 100 is a false sense of security, because they do not perform up to that level. The report also warns that even with lower SPFs, most people never get the amount of protection advertised on the bottle because in order to get that, we'd have to slather it on super thick.

(I know. We're frugal. We don't slather. But the experts say that an SPF 30 is not truly SPF 30 if it is spread thin.)

This is a good news, bad news report for cheapskates. The good news is, we don't have to feel guilty about not springing for SPF 100 for our kids or feel like we're missing out if we don't invest in the “age-defying” sunscreen for ourselves.

But here comes the bad news: The sunscreens that received the EWG's top safety rating all cost more than $4 an ounce.

I'm a cheap mom. As a rule, I will not shell out for high-end children's toiletries, foods, or gadgets unless someone proves to me that there's a compelling need for that upgrade. You're not going to find Mustela diaper cream in my bag, since CVS' facsimile of A&D does just fine at preventing diaper rash.

For sunscreen, I use the CVS brand — which I usually get for free. At the end of every season, they'll put this stuff on clearance, and combined with a coupon I can bring home multiple tubes for free. And, before you interrupt me, it's a myth that you have to buy sunscreen fresh each season. As long as it's not expired or more than three years old, it should be effective, according to MayoClinic.com.

The EWG report's site has a handy — but disheartening — feature that allows you to look up your sunscreen in a database of 1,381 products, and find out its rating. A score of 0-2 means the product is recommended, 3-6 means “caution,” and 7-10 means “avoid.”

Here's how mine rates:

CVS Fast Cover Continuous Lotion Spray Suncscreen, SPF 50

Score: 7 (Avoid) because it contains oxybenzone, “a potential hormone disrupter (that) penetrates the skin in relatively large amounts” — that's the chemical a scientist warned against putting on children's skin back in 1997. This product also lost points because it's a spray, which is more likely to be inhaled.

CVS Sunscreen Lotion, SPF 30

Score: 7, because it contains oxybenzone and vitamin A.

(Note: I didn't buy any of the “baby” or “kid” sunscreens because I am generally skeptical of products so labeled, but those CVS products are also rated 7 for the same reasons.)

So what does the EWG recommend? Only mineral sunscreens like titanium dioxide, which are not only pretty expensive but generally thick and pasty. Instead of using chemical blockers, these products physically block the sunlight from hitting your skin.

Here are the Amazon.com prices on some of the sunscreens that got the green light:

Badger SPF 30 Unscented Sunscreen $16.99 for 3.5 oz. ($4.85/oz.)

California Baby SPF 30 + Sunscreen Lotion - Super Sensitive, 2.9 oz $21 for 3.2 oz. ($6.56/oz.)

Loving Naturals Organic SPF 30 Sunscreen Zinc Oxide 2 oz UVA/UVB $12.51 for 2 oz. (on sale!) ($6.25/oz.)

Sunscreen, SPF 30, 2.6 oz ( Multi-Pack) $35.78 for two 2.6 oz. tubes ($6.88/oz.)

Now, keep in mind that doctors recommend that an adult use one ounce of sunscreen for every few hours of sun exposure. Even assuming I use 1/3 ounce on each of my three kids twice a day, that means I could be spending more than $10 protecting them from the sun every single day.

This makes the EWG's recommendation that you just cover your skin with clothing sound a lot more attractive. But I just don't know. I saw two kids at the public pool today wearing “bathing suits” that went from their necks to their wrists and ankles, with matching floppy hats that they kept on while in the water. I have to say they looked bubble wrapped. Would you rather wear a bathing suit of Victorian proportions, and put your kids in them, than risk cancer with sunscreen you can afford?

I guess I will spring for the titanium dioxide stuff, and try to keep those sunhats on the kids this summer. But with three little wigglers to cover every time we go out, I am really going to miss the convenience of the spray-on stuff.

P.S. Trader Joe's sell sunscreen with zinc oxide that did not list oxybenzone or vitamin A. At only $5.99 for a hefty 6 oz tube ($1 per adult application if used as recommended), I thought it would be at worst a stopgap measure until I could find the best price on a fancy sunblock, and at best a bargain solution.

Well, more of a stopgap, it turns out. The EWG rates Trader Joe's Face & Body Sunscreen at 4, in the caution range. Apparently it does contain vitamin A, which goes by the chemical name retinyl palmitate and is listed under “inactive ingredients.” It also contains several other chemicals considered to pose “moderate” health risks.

Note: This post contains affiliate links to Amazon.com.

This article is from Carrie Kirby of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread:

Can Beauty Be THIS Basic?

Andrea Karim — Fri, 05 Jan 2007 22:20:30 +0000

The NY Times has an online article that will probably get the reporter, Natasha Singer, killed by a contract assassin employed by Lancôme or La Mer. Remember that scene at the beginning of Zoolander, where all the heads of major fashion houses are plotting to kill the prime minister of Malaysia? Kind of like that, but with one of the Lauders at the helm.

The basic message of the article is that you can pretty much care for your skin using soap, water, and sunscreen. If this turns out to be true, I imagine that the earth is about to careen into the sun any minute now.

Dermatologists are prescribing simplified skin-care routines requiring at most three steps: soap; sunscreen every day, no matter the weather or the season; and, if necessary, a product tailored to specific skin needs, whether a cream for pimples or pigmented spots, or a vitamin-enriched moisturizer for aging skin. Each product, they say, can be bought at drugstores for $30 or less.

Actually, this is the skincare regime that I employed when I was growing up, and I was blessed with clear skin until I was 25, when I suddenly started breaking out all over the place like Puberty Boy on The Simpsons. Since then, I've spent a fortune on washes, creams, potions, lotions, astringents, removers, exfoliators, and finally, ProActiv (I bought the starter pack, which got rid of my pimples, but also caused my face to be red and scaly for two weeks — I can now only use the treatment once a week or so).

Anyway, I've been thinking for a while about getting rid of the mess that is my skin care regimen and try the whole wash-n'-sunscreen method, but I was dreading the thought of not being able to smell the sweet, sweet scent of my Shiseido freckle-reducing cream. It's all a part of learning to fake luxury, I suppose.

This article is from Andrea Karim of Wise Bread, an award-winning personal finance and credit card comparison website. Read more great articles from Wise Bread: