summer beauty

Going to the dermatologist for regular mole screenings is one of those thing that we know we should do but sometimes let fall to the wayside. Regularly checking in on your moles, however, is not only easy, but also smart. New or changing moles can be a sign of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer. Luckily, you can give yourself an at-home checkup with ease. And because it's Don't Fry Day, a day created by the National Council on Skin Cancer Prevention to raise awareness and remind everyone to protect their skin outdoors, there's never been a better time than now to learn how to do it. You just have to remember your ABCs.

If your mole displays any of these warning signs, then it's a good idea to get it checked as soon as possible by a dermatologist to rule out melanoma:

• Asymmetry: If one half of the mole does not match the other half, then it's asymmetrical and should be checked.
• Border: Look at the border of your mole. Is it ragged, blurred, or irregular? If yes, then go in for a checkup.
• Color: Healthy moles are one consistent color. But moles that have different colors or varying shades of tan, brown, black, blue, white, or red can be dangerous.
• Diameter: Pull out your ruler. If your mole is larger than 6 mm, then make an appointment with your doctor.
• Elevation: Moles that are raised above the skin can be a sign of melanoma and should be checked.

Now, don't be nervous; not all moles that display these signs are linked to melanoma. But it's always a good idea to be safe rather than sorry, as skin cancer is usually fairly easy to treat and cure if it's caught early. Always keep an eye on irregular moles, and if you see a new mole appear, then go in for a check as soon as you can.

Not sure where to get screened? Visit the American Academy of Dermatology's website to find a free screening center near you. Beauty brands also want to help. In honor of Melanoma Awareness Month, SkinCeuticals is sponsoring free skin-cancer checks (with participating dermatologists). And for every SPF product L'Oréal Paris sells throughout the Summer, $1 will be donated to the Melanoma Research Alliance. How's that for a beautiful kickoff to a new season ahead?

Hair can take a beating during the warmer-weather months, whether it be from the sun, the chlorine in your pool, or your blow dryer when you try to wrangle your frizz. Luckily, there are steps you can take to keep your strands in tip-top shape. Kim Vo shares his tips and secrets for keeping your hair healthy this season.

• Mist facial SPF onto your hair: To give hair "just a kiss of that sunshield," Vo says you should spray a facial SPF "and walk into it like a fine perfume." Be sure to try a product that's lighter and formulated for your face, though; this way, you won't be saddled with greasy hair. We like Philosophy's Here Comes the Sun Age Defense facial sunscreen ($30).
• Invest in UVA/UVB sprays: For another option, try hair spray with built-in protection. Just look for UVA/UVB filters on the label, and spritz on for instant defense.
• Seal the hair cuticle: Cuticles are the hard, rounded scales that create the outer layer of your hair, and they often take the brunt of the elements. Damaged cuticles stick up and make the hair look bristly, not to mention give your color a shorter shelf life. That's why Vo stresses the importance of keeping them flat with the proper cuticle-sealing products and tools.
• Accessorize your armor: Just because you're nurturing your hair doesn't mean you can't get a little stylish. Vo suggests tying a scarf around your head for a fashionable twist on sun protection. Or, embrace the wet hair look by using a leave-in product, slicking back your strands to keep them in good condition.

— Additional reporting by Jaime Richards

True or false? An SPF of 100 protects you twice as long as SPF 50. The answer is a resounding false, with the difference between the two being so little it can be considered negligible.

This is the issue that watchdog organizations such as the Environmental Working Group are hoping to make public on the coattails of the US Food and Drug Administration's recent update of federal requirements for sunscreen. The push, which was put into place last year, bans terms such as "waterproof" from sunscreen bottles, as well as enforces that formulas block both UVA and UVB rays. Consumer groups are now arguing that high SPF numbers are just as misleading and dangerous as terms like waterproof.

"The high SPF numbers are just a gimmick," Marianne Berwick, professor of epidemiology at the University of New Mexico, told the Associated Press. "Most people don't really need more than an SPF 30, and they should reapply it every couple of hours." High SPF numbers, on the other hand, lead consumers to believe that they can spend more time in the sun without reapplying. Find out the truth about SPF numbers when you keep reading.

Since May is Skin Cancer Awareness Month, SPF is naturally on the brain this time of year, but it's a skin care must all year long. Although the list of sun-protectant ingredients is relatively short, making sure your product contains chemical and/or physical ingredients is a necessity. But what's the difference between these two formulations anyway? Find out when you read on.

It's Skin Cancer Awareness Month, and we all know how important sunscreen is for preventing not only skin cancer, but also the photodamage that causes signs of aging in your skin. No matter what season it is, sunscreen is an important step in your daily skin care regimen. To find out what sunscreens are best for your skin type, keep reading.

If you're tired of side plaits or even wraparound milkmaid braids, here's something you'll want to try instead: the cascading braid. It's part French braid, part regular braid, and part waterfall, but 100 percent impressive. And best of all, it's rather easy to do. Just start by spritzing the hair with a working spray to add texture and hold; Kristy White of Festoon Salon in San Francisco (the hairstylist responsible for creating this gorgeous plait) recommends Oribe Superfine ($29). To see close-up pictures, along with step-by-step instructions on getting the look, just keep reading for more.