Summer Skin 2012

Wass up?
Hope everyone is enjoying their summer so far. Penny's having a ball! But I'm also trying to enjoy it safely. Please be sure to wear sun protection at ALL times. I know its easy to just run out the door; or to think you won't get a nice tan if you use a high sun protection factor (SPF) sunscreen. But there is no room for skin neglect today. Skin cancer is very real and the sun can be very damaging. With the plethora of products on the market to protect your face, lips, body and even your hair from the damaging rays of the sun, there is no excuse not to wear some form of sunscreen...daily. Not just when you're going to the pool, beach or the family cook-out...but daily.

Hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and more seriously melanoma, should be enough to prompt you to protect yourself. Don't take Penny's word for it; check out the facts at:
http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/skin-cancer-facts#general

Last June (6/22/11) I posted a message about the new FDA rules for sunscreen manufacturers. The following are some of the main points of the new rules (excerpted from www.skincancer.org):

• Sunscreens may be labeled “broad- spectrum” if they provide protection against both UVA and UVB radiation according to FDA-sanctioned test methods.
• Only broad-spectrum sunscreens with an SPF of 15 or higher may state that they protect against skin cancer if used as directed with other sun protection measures.
• Broad-spectrum sunscreens with SPFs of 2-14 must display a warning that the product has not been shown to help prevent skin cancer or early skin aging.
• The terms “sunblock,” “sweatproof” and “waterproof” are no longer allowed on sunscreen labels.
• Sunscreens may claim to be “water-resistant,” but must specify whether they protect the skin for 40 or 80 minutes of swimming or sweating, based on standard testing. Sunscreens that are not water-resistant must instruct consumers to use a water-resistant sunscreen if swimming or sweating.
• A company cannot claim that its sunscreen products provide sun protection for more than two hours without submitting test results to prove this.

(read full story after the jump...)

Although Penny is a recovered sun-aholic, I still get my Vitamin D on every once in a while. In addition to self-tanning (safer way to tan), I layout with a high SPF sunscreen and re-apply often as directed. Since I have melasma (hyperpigmentation), eczema, and overall sensitive skin, I am sure to use facial products with no less than SPF 30 as directed by my dermatologist. Here are some of Penny's picks:

FACE:

Maybelline Baby Lips

Cerave A.M. Moisturizer w/ SPF 30 (UVA/UVB daily moisturizer)
MAC Prep + Prime w/ SPF 50  (foundation primer)
Aveeno Continuous Protection Lotion Face SPF 30 (UVA/UVB sunscreen)

LIPS:
Maybelline New York Baby Lips Moisturizing Lip Balm, Peppermint w/ SPF 20
Bite Beauty SPF 15 Sheer Balm

BODY:
Aveeno Continuous Protection Lotion SPF 55 (UVA/UVB sunscreen)
Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry Touch SPF 45 (UVA/UVB sunscreen)
Eucerin Dry Skin Therapy Everyday Protection Body Lotion SPF 15 (UVA/UVB body lotion)
Jergens Natural Glow Express Body Moisturizer for Medium to Tan Skin (self-tanner)

Please be safe this summer and apply (and re-apply) your sun protection to face and body at all times. Can't hurt...might help. ;-)

Be blessed. Be beautiful.
P