Beauty Tips, Skin Care, Skin Types, Anti-Aging and more

Beauty Tips

Sun Protection: Myths/Truths Your Skin Type
MICRODERMABRASION
Sunscreens and Summer Protection skin care
Skin Care TIP of the MONTH

SUN PROTECTION: DISPELLING MYTHS FROM TRUTHS

The average adult skin weighs 101 lbs. and measures 20-sq. ft. when stretched out — by far our largest organ. However, this largest organ can also be our most neglected when it comes to protecting it from its worst enemy — the sun!

We all know how vital it is to scrupulously use a daily sunblock. But do we know the truth versus myth concerning sunblock protection? Following are a few of the most misunderstood "MYTHS" regarding sunblock protection, followed by the correct "TRUTHS" that should be understood by everyone.

SUN MYTH #1
The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) in a sunblock determines whether the sunblock has good protection.

SUN TRUTH #1
The SPF (Sun Protection Factor) relates to UVB frequencies ONLY and has nothing to do with UVA radiation, which may cause deeper and more long-term damage. The key is finding a UVA and UVB BROAD SPECTRUM sunblock that protects from both. In that broad-spectrum sunblock also look for the very important protective ingredients of zinc oxide and titanium dioxide. And, by the way, The FDA states that SPF of 15 is adequate.

SUN MYTH #2
Sunscreens and sunblocks will prevent skin cancer.

SUN TRUTH #2
Damage from sun exposure is cumulative. Skin cancers can form even with and after use of sunscreens due to previous UV exposure. But, sunscreens more than anything else will reduce the risk of additional UV damage. There is never a bad time to start using a sunscreen or sunblock.

SUN MYTH #3
Skin cannot burn on cloudy days.

SUN TRUTH # 3
On cloudy days, the skin can be exposed to fewer UVB rays, but 65% of the sun’s damaging (UVA) rays can penetrate both clouds and glass. Therefore, an unsuspecting person without UVA/UVB BROAD SPECTRUM sun protection can become severely burned while driving a car on a cloudy day.

SUN MYTH # 4
If a person is wearing a foundation make up with SPF’s of #4 or #8, then she won’t need an additional sunscreen or sunblock.

SUN TRUTH #4
The FDA states that a minimum of SPF 15 is needed for sun protection. Very few make-up foundations contain higher numbers. If you find one that does have an SPF 15, then grab it, but if you can’t find one, then be sure to wear an SPF 15 sunscreen under your foundation.

SUN MYTH # 5
Sunblocks and sunscreens are the only products that can protect from sun damage and premature aging.

SUN TRUTH #5
Even though sunblocks and sunscreens are essential, there are other products that can even increase the effectiveness of the sunblock. Topical Vitamin C Serum is definitely one. Also, skin care products that contain ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, collagen, and elastin also help protect the skin from the sun. anti-aging treatments that contain Vitamin A, Alpha Hydroxies, and Beta Hydroxies can also help combat premature aging of the skin caused by the sun.

Sunscreens and Summer Protection skin care

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YOUR SKIN TYPE AND UV RAYS

In the mid 1990's, the National Weather Service, in conjunction with the Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, created the UV Index. It s purpose was to create a standardized system to measure UV rays and to communication UV information to the public.

This effort to reduce the incidence of skin cancer, cataracts and immune system suppression from overexposure has led to the inclusion of the UV value on many weathercasts. The actions you take are tied to your specific skin type as listed below.

SKIN TYPE DESCRIPTION:
Type I	Fair skin, blue or green eyes, little or no freckles. Burns and peels severely.
Type II	Fair skin, blue eyes, blond or brown hair. Burns severely and easily peels, tans minimally.
Type III	Fair skin, brown hair, brown eyes. Burns moderately, tans somewhat.
Type IV	Olive or light brown skin, dark brown hair, dark eyes. Burns minimally, tans easily.
Type V	Dark brown skin. Rarely burns, tans easily and substantially.
Type IV	Black or dark brown skin, brown eyes, black or dark brown hair. Burns only with severe exposure.
*If your skin description is not obvious, always use the lower of the potential type choices.

UV INDEX VALUE & EXPOSURE LEVELS (Base: Type II Skin Type)
0 - 2 Minimal	Indicates minimal damage from sun's UV for the average (Type II) person. Most people can stay in the noon sun for up to one hour without burning.
3 - 4 Low	Indicates low risk of harm to the skin: Type II individuals can experience a burn in 30-60 minutes.
5 - 6 Moderate	Indicates some significant risk of skin damage due to the sun. Unprotected exposure can result in a burn in only 20-30 minutes.
7 - 9 High	Indicates high risk of harm from unprotected exposure to the sun. Time in the sun should be limited during midday (10 am to 4 pm) since skin may burn in as little as 13-20 minutes.
10 + Very High	Indicates very high risk from harm. Between 10 am and 4 pm, the length of time to burn may be less than 13 minutes without protection.

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HOME MICRODERMABRASION NOW AVAILABLE!

Microdermabrasion is a popular type of treatment that diminishes the appearance of fine lines and abnormal areas of pigmentation, tightens the skin, and gives the skin a youthful glow.

This treatment is like sandblasting the skin. Fine mineral crystals are jet sprayed across the skin, then the debris is vacuumed off. The treatments are normally done in a dermatologist's office or esthetician's salon and cost somewhere around $200 each. Multiple treatments, continuing over time, are required to maintain the effects of the treatments.

Before we tell you about the new home treatment, let's take a look at how microdermabrasion works. Most of the systems that are being used have a simple vacuum chamber that propels the mineral crystals through a specially designed wand that simultaneously lifts the skin into the line of fire of the rapidly moving crystals and exfoliates, or "sands off" superficial skin cells.

Treated skin is smooth, polished, buffed and toned. There is some thickening of the inner skin layer (dermis), and even a mild increase in collagen fibers as the outer skin layer (epidermis) becomes quite thin. This leads to a thickening of the dermal layer.

Why would we want to do this? Here are a few reasons:

1. Microdermabraded skin looks healthier because the epidermis, which reflects light, is gone, leaving the skin with a youthful "pink glow."

2. With dermal thickening, fine lines are diminished and the skin tightens.

3. Skin tone and color evens as abnormal areas of pigmentation are removed. Makeup slides on easier and skin appears and feels smooth and soft.

What happens when you discontinue the treatments? Your skin simply returns to its native state of thick epidermis, dull color and rough appearance.

Introducing a new home treatment!

GreatSkin® is introducing an inexpensive microdermabrasion program that can be performed very easily at home! Called Microbrasion, the GreatSkin system employs custom-designed hollow crystals that absorb epidermal cells as they abrade the rough, thickened dead epidermal layer.

The incredible new product, called Microbrasion Cream, can result in smooth supple skin without having to go to the salon for microdermabrasion. The women in our office who have tried it, are raving about it. There is no discomfort with the treatment and by the next morning, your skin will be beautiful!

Keep in mind that salon treatments are usually around $200 each and have to be repeated on a regular basis.

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Tip of the Month

Foundation should enhance your skin, not hide it.

Does your foundation create a 'mask' on your face? Cakey foundations are so pass�, making you look older instead of younger. Try the natural-looking GreatSkin GreatSkin® Mineral Sheer Tint Moisturizer SPF 20 1.25 oz Porcelain. It moisturizes and protects while skin takes on a youthful, radiant look. Choose from four different shades to enhance your skin, not hide it.

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