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Sunscreen
The Sunscreen in Your Foundation May Not Actually Work
A lot of us rely on the sunscreen in our makeup to protect us during the day, but the Daily Mail is reporting that, in the UK at least, one in five cosmetics with SPF isn't up to par with the EU sunscreen guidelines and doesn't give any protection against UVA rays — the ones responsible for aging. Even more worrisome, the researchers also found that three out of four products weren't completely effective just two hours after application — meaning that if you put your foundation on in the morning, you're no longer protected by the time you take your lunchtime stroll. That also means reapplying your foundation four times in the course of a normal workday, which I think is just absurd.
Powder Power: 7 Unconventional Ways to Use It
You already know that powder can mattify oily skin or create a sudsy bubble bath. Those uses are easy. But powders have other, more unusual beauty uses that might surprise you.
Test Your Pregnancy Sun Exposure Knowledge
That pregnancy glow may be under your control. Expectant mamas know that their skin can undergo changes in the nine months, but how does the sun affect it? Take this quiz to test your knowledge about how the sun's rays can help and hurt a mother-to-be.
Beauty Byte: Sun Exposure Causes Increased Genetic Mutations
Do you ever wonder why some people seem to age at a rapid pace, while others look years younger than what their birth certificate might suggest? That's just what P&G Beauty scientists recently sought to discover, using genomics to learn more about the aging of skin.
While lower levels of collagen, increased inflammation, and a decrease in hydration-enhancing molecules in the skin all contribute to aging, there's one other factor that might surprise you.
Sunscreen Smarts: Protect Your Part
When going down my list of places to apply sunscreen, I often overlook the part in my hair. You wouldn't expect this spot to get that much sun, but if you have a defined hair part and you forget to protect, it can lead to a painful and peculiar sunburn.
The easiest thing to do is to wear a hat or other head covering, but if you dare to go bare, then try spritzing a spray sunscreen along the length of your part.
Reader Review of the Day: Anew Advanced All-on-One UVA/UVB
Avon's Anew Advanced All-in-One Cream ($16.50) provides both UVA and UVB protection. Plus, it has antioxidant protection with a SPF of 15. But, with all that it claims to do, does this hydrating product work?
Minutes to a Healthier You . . .
We all know the Summer sun can do serious damage, and I have been writing a lot about sunscreen lately. We all tend to remember to slather the protective lotion on our faces and shoulder, but skip many body parts that still see the sun. Next time you're heading out to play in sunshine remember to put some sunscreen on the following areas:
- Ears — especially the tops
- Feet — once again coat the top of your feet
- Hands — the backs of your hands need sunscreen, especially when riding a bike
- Low back — if you're wearing a short top that doesn't quite reach the waist of your pants
- Lips — keep your sensitive lips covered with SPF lip balm
- Neck — make sure to apply sunscreen to both the front and back of your neck
Will Ferrell Promises a Sexy Hot Tan . . . or Sunstroke
This cleverly marketed Will Ferrell Sunscreen comes with all sorts of jokes about streaking strength. But don't worry, it's the real deal. Before you start kicking and screaming, notice that both bottles are SPF 30, so they've actually got you covered despite the goofy names.
Sunscreen Review: Badger 30 SPF
After reading the Environmental Working Group's sunscreen list, I decided to try a chemical free sunscreen and opt for mineral sunblock protection. I picked up a tube of Badger 30 SPF ($16) for face and body, which ranked really well on EWG list as being an effective sunscreen without creating health hazards with repeated use.
Learn what I think of Badger sunblock.
Favorite Excuse Not to Wear Sunscreen: I Want a Tan
Unless you live in a cave, you are well aware that cigarettes cause lung cancer and tanning causes skin cancer. However, that doesn't stop people from smoking or baking in their bikinis on the beach. One main reason people continue to expose their skin to the sun without wearing any protection is that they want to have that nice healthy golden glow.
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