Busy Mommy Media » Skin Care

Sunscreen is a MUST

Pamela — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:41:04 +0000

The sun is shining, the days are hot and if you aren’t careful your skin is burning! Sunscreen and/or Sunblock application is a very important daily ritual, all year-round, but especially in the summertime! But how do you know which to choose, how often to use it and what is really the point. Here are some basics.

SunBLOCK versus SunSCREEN

It really comes down to a simple variation. Both work to prevent over-exposure to the sun’s rays, they just each use different means. Sunblock, as you guess, actually blocks, or reflects the UV rays from your skin, preventing exposure to the harmful rays. Sunscreen absorbs the UV rays so that they don’t reach your skin. Since both, “actively” work to reduce exposure to the sun, you need to follow the bottle’s directions regarding how often to reapply. Essentially as the cream does it’s job it get’s “used up” so reapplication is imperative to insure continued coverage.
As for which to choose, it really is a preference than anything else. You just want to be sure that you and your whole family put on sunscreen everyday, even if you won’t be sitting in the sun all day, if you are going outside you need to put it on, especially in summertime.

What is the Point?

It seems you can’t read a single magazine or what any of those health-related television shows without someone urging sunscreen use. Shoot, I am doing it right now. Well there are two very important reasons: Skin Cancer Prevention and Anti-aging.
According to the American Cancer Society, Skin Cancer is the number one most common form of cancer found in Americans. Fortunately it is also one of the easiest forms of cancer to prevent as well as catch early. Skin cancer is caused by over-exposure to UV rays (the rays from the sun). So it goes to reason, that adequate Sunscreen/block usage will do lots to prevent skin cancer formation. For more information on how to prevent, as well as what signs to look for please visit the American Cancer Society’s Website at www.cancer.org
As for the skin aging ramifications, it has been proven that at least 80% of the visual signs of aging on the skin is caused by UV exposure on the skin. Basically, collagen cannot withstand the effects of the sun. Collagen is what keeps our skin “perky” and smooth. Once collagen is damaged, there is much debate about whether is can be repaired. But most the of research leans towards the notion that it cannot be repaired, it is better to provide protection the try to fix the damage after. What this all boils down to is the fact that extended sun exposure results in lots of wrinkles!

As an aside, sunglasses are also very important. You want to find a pair that really block out the sun, as UV rays have adverse affects on your eyes as well. The brightness alone can have long-term negative effects on your eyes’ ability to focus.

Mom-To-Be Skincare

Marie — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 22:12:15 +0000

As a mom-to-be and avid skincare junkie, I was completely shocked about the safety concerns regarding beauty product ingredients and their effects on pregnancy. In fact, there is a laundry list of substances that should be avoided during this time. Whether its retinol or salicylic acid - it seems the shelves are filled with products that moms-to-be should steer clear of.

The good news is there are now skin care products available that are not only natural and organic, but completely safe to use during your nine month journey. From serums to scrubs, expectant mothers can now take care of their skin without harming their growing baby.

Here are a few great skin care products that are mom-to-be approved and will help you achieve the ultimate “pregnancy glow!”

Beauté de Maman was developed by Dr. Michele Brown, an obstetrician and board-certified member of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Specifically, the Facial Scrub is designed to help you battle blemished skin which is typical in early pregnancy – or throughout your entire pregnancy for some of us! Beauté de Maman’s pregnancy products have been extensively studied and evaluated, as well as allergy and obstetrician tested. The entire line contains only natural and herbal ingredients proven safe for the mother-to-be, the fetus and the breast feeding baby.

Don’t be surprised to learn that your current moisturizer is packed with no-no ingredients. For an everyday moisturizer, Avalon Organics Lavender Daily Moisturizer has been a“must” for my sensitive skin. It’s a lightweight moisturizer that not only smells divine, but works great under your daily make-up. It features organic Lavender, Licorice Root, White Tea and Grape Seed Polyphenols.

Tea Tree Oil is another ingredient that is great to use for troubled skin. Granted, the smell can be overwhelming for some, but tea tree oil is completely natural and helps to battle any pesky acne that might pop up. I’ve had a lot of success with the Desert Essence Organics line including the Blemish Touch Stick.

Another fabulous line to check out is Terralina. The company’s founders created this line after their own pregnancies. Like me, they were shocked to learn that most of the skincare products they were using featured a number of harmful ingredients. Start with the 3-Step Skincare System which includes a cleanser, toner and moisturizer. The site also has a very helpful ingredient glossary which describes in great detail what every ingredient is and what it’s used for.

Even if you aren’t expecting, it can’t hurt to take a closer look at the products that you are currently using. After nine months of reading about the chemicals that I’ve been putting on my face for years, I’ve definitely been looking at skincare in a totally different light. Of course, if you have questions regarding specific ingredients/products, please consult your doctor.

Top Ten Beauty Products from Head to Toe for Spring/Summer 2010

Kimberly — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 07:01:57 +0000

With Spring all ready here and Summer rapidly approaching its time to get our beauty butts in gear! As the seasons change so do our beauty regimens. Your hair, skin and make-up react differently as the weather heats up so now is the time to change your beauty routine from head to toe. Below is a list of my top ten beauty products that will keep you beautiful all summer long.

The added sun exposure, wind, saltwater and chlorine can wreak havoc on your hair. You need something that will protect your hair and shield it from becoming brittle, unmanageable and discolored during the spring and summer months. Phyto Phytoplage Protective Sun Veil is made with sunflower extract, white lotus flower extract, sweet almond and illipe butter. These ingredients work together to provide a protective filter for the hair fibers, maintain moisture, restore volume, shine and suppleness.

As the weather warms up many of us kick our usual foundation to the curb and go for a light weight tinted moisturizer instead. Stila Illuminating Tinted Moisturizer SPF 15 is the perfect solution. It is a moisturizer, sunscreen and luminizer all in one! The formula blends perfectly and the subtle shimmer and pigments work well to even the skin’s tone. Easy to apply, and a great way to achieve a quick overall look in one simple step.

For those that really can’t live without going the foundation route I highly recommend using B are Escentuals I.d. Bare Minerals Get Started Kit. The kit contains two shades of bareMinerals SPF 15 Foundation, Mineral Veil, Warmth All Over Face Color, Full Flawless Face Brush, Flawless Application Face Brush, Maximum Coverage Concealer Brush and a How To DVD. I have been using this kit for years and it really conceals all of my facial flaws while adding depth and dimension to my face. I can’t live without Warmth or the Mineral veil. In my opinion the only thing missing from the kit that gives an all over radiant glow is Bare Escentuals bareMinerals Radiance Clear Radiance I love the way that it brightens my face and gives it a soft glow. I am continually told that I have great skin when I know that the secret isn’t great skin but great mineral make-up.

Spring and Summer eyes are all about the shimmer! Urban Decay Metallic Glitter Eyeshadow Intense Shadow is just the thing to do the trick! Urban Decay’s eye shadows are rich in pigment and loaded with color. There are very few binders so it blends easily and lasts for hours. They can also be applied wet for a more intense color. The trend this season is to apply a bright color underneath the lower lashes for a punch of color that is different from the upper lid. Urban Decay shadows can be applied wet with a fine tipped brush just like liquid eye liner for this dramatic look.

Lip gloss is a staple of summer and one of my all time favorites is Lancome Juicy Tubes Ultra Shiny Lip Gloss Lip Glosses. There are tons of flavors and colors to choose from and they are all pretty yummy! My favorite is Dreamsicle. The application is smooth and simple with the tube tip applicator – no messy wands, easily applied on the go. This ultra shiny gloss glides on for the most perfect pout.

The perfect manicure is a must have! I absolutely adore the OPI Hong Kong Spring/Summer 2010 Tiny Takeouts Mini Nail Lacquers. This great sample set is features the hot and modern colors for the Spring and Summer seasons. This tiny little four pack of nail polish mini’s feature three colors and a top coat. The colors in the set include: Red My Fortune Cookie, Dim Sum Plum, Suzi Says Feng Shui and the RapiDry Top Coat. All perfectly packaged in a cute little faux take out box!

One thing is certain, as the temperature rises we tend to drop our clothes. You know what that means – bathing suit time is a comin’! Getting prepared to show off your goods has just gotten easier. The Bliss-Philips Bikini Perfect Deluxe HP6378 Spa-At-Home Grooming System is exactly what you need to get your bikini area ready for show time. This deluxe set features convenient cordless wet and dry operation that offers super precision and less irritation. The set includes six different attachments and blissful spa salves so that grooming is a breeze and your body stays soft, smooth and soothed. The ultimate combination of function and glam all in one!

If you are at all like me, your legs haven’t seen the light of day since last summer. To keep from blinding anyone with the whiteness of my legs I like to use Bare Escentuals Faux Tan to make it appear that my legs have a gorgeous summer glow. The light coconut scent is great smelling and not overpowering at all. Simply apply it dry skin and you will be amazed at how smooth it feels, leaving no spots or streaks, this is the best self tanner that I have ever seen.

Flip flop and sandal weather mean showing off your perfect little piggies. It can be very embarrassing if your feet are rough and dry. To get your toes in tip top shape use the Tweezerman Pedicure Solution Kit for the perfect pedicure. This upscale kit includes a clipper, cuticle nipper, stainless steel pushy/cleaner, callus stone, pedicure files and a wooden pedicure stick all rolled up in an attractive embroidered storage case. Great for home or on the go.

Once you have spent the time clipping, trimming and filing you will want to maintain those smooth and soft sexy feet with some Philosop hy Soul Owner Exfoliating Foot Cream. This overnight foot treatment provides immediate results for dry and cracked skin. The cooling formula also relieves tired, puffy feet. Using this exfoliating foot cream on a regular basis will ensure that your feet remain supple and sexy through out the summer.

My top ten head to toe beauty products for Spring and Summer are sure to get your hot bod ready for all that hot weather fun. I know that these products will help you feel confident, glamorous and sexy inside and out. Honestly, what could be more fun than that?

Friday Fitness: Firmer Face with out the Knife (or Needle)

Pamela — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 23:29:50 +0000

When you look in the mirror do you first notice the sagging or fatty areas? If so, there are some exercises that you can do tighten up your face without going under the knife or needle. Your face has 55 muscles – can you believe that? And just like any other muscles, they are subject to effects of gravity and none-use over time.

One important thing to point out is that, unlike the muscles in the rest of your body, your face muscles are attached directly to the skin. This is directly links the tone of your facial muscles and the sagging ness of your face. This also means that the way you exercise these muscles will be slightly different. Obviously this will not involve weight lifting. Really it is more about making faces. One of the best parts of working out your face is that you can do the exercises just about anywhere. Just be away that you might be making some interesting faces, so don’t frighten anyone (*smile*) or embarrass yourself.

A few exercises to try:

Do 50 repetitions of each (on each side if applicable) throughout the day.

Exaggerated Wink – this is a wink that involves most of the side of your face (cheek, jowl, and part of your forehead)
Open Wide – open your mouth and eyes as wide as possible
Looking Up – look up with eyes while keeping your head level
Looking up and Over – move you whole head to look up and to the side while keeping your shoulders straight
Scalp lift – place a hand on either side of your head just above your ears and gently pull up and back
Jaw Clench – simply clench your jaw and release

If you struggle more with fat around your face, know that cardio is one of the best ways to reduce it. An all over cardio workout (running, bike riding, elliptical, or aerobics) is a great way to reduce fat all over your body. And you will start to see your chin shrink as your overall body fat percentage decreases. Another quick tip is to lower your salt intake. Excess salt in the body causes your cells to retain more water and cause a general puffiness, that make your face seem to have a larger amount of fat.

What about all the creams?

There are literally hundreds of “face-lifting” creams and gels and rubs and treatments on the market. To overly simplify it, they all basically work with the chemistry of your skin and adjusting the tightness, and elasticity. For the most part they are all temporary fixes. As I mentioned before your skin is directly attached to your muscles. So really all those creams do is make that connection firmer. If your muscles are what it causing the sagging, the creams can only do so much!

What’s the Skinny on Skin Cancer?

Pamela — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 03:46:11 +0000

You got up this morning and as you pulled up your britches you felt something strange on the back of you thigh. Or you suddenly have a nagging itch on your arm, near a mole that you are pretty sure had always been there. Or you notice that a spot on your chest seems to be bigger then you recall. In any one of these cases, a call to the doctor is always warranted. When it comes to the possibility of skin cancer or MELANOMA, you always want to be over safe then very sorry. Did you know that Skin Cancer is the single most common form of cancer?

Early Detection is Critical

A majority of skin cancers are non-Melanomas, which means that they are only in the outer layer of skin. Although, it is best to have it removed, it is very unlikely that it will spread past the epidermis layer of the skin. Melanomas are another story all together. It is a cancerous overtaking of the melanocytes (cells the give us our pigment) in the very deep layers of skin. The most important tool to prevent the systemic invasion of skin cancer is to get treated early on. Melanomas (or black skin tumors) are relatively slow growing, therefore they can often be cured by simple resection (scoping out of the skin) surgery.

What to Look For

Just about every one has a few moles on their bodies. Not all moles are cancerous. So how do you tell the difference:
• Any seemingly sudden change in appearance of a mole – color, size (both height and width), or first notice
• Asymmetry of mole – most moles are generally round and symmetrical.
• Itchiness, tenderness and even pain of the mole
• Cracking, bleeding or pus oozing around edges
• If the color of the mole spread past the raised edge

Ways to Prevent

Although some people are just more prone to skin cancer then others (fair complexions, heredity and severe sunburns as a child). But there are other ways to limit your susceptibility:
• Seek shade whenever possible
• Slather on the Sunscreen – always at least 15 SPF – even on overcast days
• Wear a hat and sunglasses
• Stay away from tanning beds and light – they actually intensify the harmful rays
• Do a monthly once over on your skin.

All in all cancer is a very scary topic to discuss. In fact a upsetting and large number of people do not get signs or symptoms examined for fear of hearing the “C-word”. But we are blessed to live in a time where many forms of cancer can be treated and even cured. But no matter the type – early detection is key to minimal growth. Now please do not turn into a hypochondriac after reading this. I am more urging you to be aware of your body on every level. This makes it easier to notice any changes in the norm. So the next time you are in the shower, give yourself the once over. Learn the topography so that you will notice if a new mountain sprouts up.

For more information on Skin Cancers (or any other cancers) please visit: www.cancer.org And if you are so inclined –please make a donation to help them continue to support the medical research efforts as well as their service and supports efforts for those affected by cancer. Did you know that the American Cancer Society is funded almost entirely by donations (both individual and corporate). They receive no money directly from the government to provide the incredible services they give freely to the general public.

Product Review: Striking Skin Care with SmartPeptides

Rachel — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 14:30:22 +0000

Okay, I admit it. It’s my skin care. I’m smack in the middle of my forties and mother of five ranging in age from 13 to 1, so most days, I definitely feel my age. But because I’ve been blessed with really good genes, most days I don’t look my age. So let’s cut to the chase, what makes my skin look younger than its chronological age? I swear it’s my skin care. I’ve been working in the skin care industry for what seems like forever (20 years) and I’ve used hundreds of different products on my face, but the product line I’ve seen the best results with lately is Striking.

Striking Skin Care with SmartPeptides is marketed towards menopausal women, and while I’m not even perimenopausal yet I have noticed this year that I’m starting to get a little “jowly” (as my mother calls it) and that my crow’s feet are getting very prominent. Menopause brings about even more lovely changes like decreased collagen production and the breakdown of elastin fibers, so essentially, your face falls into your lap. Lovely. I’m all about preventative care, so I started out using Striking Multi-Peptide Serum. Within 2 weeks, I had an “aha!” moment in the mirror. The serum was just what I needed to perk up my tired looking skin. It supplied my skin with a lot of moisture and a big boost of collagen-building SmartPeptides.

A few weeks later I started using the rest of the line and continued to get good results. The cleanser is a creamy cleanser much along the lines of philosophy’s Purity. It’s very lightweight, yet effective in taking off the 10 pounds of makeup that I wear every day. The moisturizer and eye creme are equally as lovely and provide yet a second hit of much needed moisture and SmartPeptides to the skin.

The line is simple, just four products: cleanser, serum, moisturizer and eye creme. I’ve used lines with multiple products and I have to say that I like the simplicity of this line. The only product that I would suggest that you add to the regime is a sunscreen (if it’s not already in your foundation). An easy way to get started on the regime is try the Striking Daily Essentials Product Set. You get travel sizes of all four products for $50. If I had to pick one product, I would pick definitely choose the Multi-Peptide Serum. That’s the “work horse” and an easy product to slip into any regime you’re using right now.

The result? Fabulous. I’m in love and here’s why: I was at a CAbi party the other day with women all around my age and when I told them I was going to be 44 in a couple months, their jaws dropped. They told me my skin looked fabulous (an ego boost I needed, for sure!) and that’s all I needed to know that it’s indeed working.

Striking Skin Care can be found at www.strikingskincare.com. They’ve got a great webstore; visually beautiful, easy to navigate and packed with information. They are also on Blogger, facebook, Twitter and YouTube effectively covering all the social media bases and they have a monthly newsletter. Don’t get turned off by the marketing to the 40+ crowd. Remember, all skin types, regardless of age can benefit from the SmartPeptides. Preventative care is a good thing!!

Beauty on a Budget – Sunless Tanner

Kelly — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:24:27 +0000

This time of year, when our legs don’t see the sun for months on end I recommend a little pick me up by using a sunless tanner. I am a big fan of the New Jergens Natural Glow Express. It will give you a summer tan in only 3 days, once you achieve the tan you want, maintain your look with the original Jergens Natural Glow and Jergens Natural Glow Face with SPF 20.

Benefits of Jergens Natural Glow Express

Color starts after just one application

Gives a full shade of natural summer tan in just 3 days

Available in medium and medium/tan shades

Priced at Walgreens for $7.99 it is a great deal and budget friendly!

For more information on this and other Jergens products go to www.jergens.com

Sunscreen and Moms – It Is Not Just For Summer and Kids

Kelly — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:22:08 +0000

Whether you have had a family member diagnosed with skin cancer or are concerned with premature aging caused by sun damage, the importance of sunscreen is popping up everywhere. Some of use live in areas where you would think that sunscreen is a seasonally skin care product and others know that it needs to be used daily. Well, I am here to say that all of us need sun protection daily all year round, not only in summer months. It can differ by region on how high the SPF in your sunscreen needs to be to protect your skin year round.

All of us are concerned about wrinkles and them popping up before we realize. Some of us, like me, are already working to reduce them and fight them off. Sun damage and sun exposure can break down the collagen in the skin from the UVA exposure. So if you are concerned about aging and wrinkles, then sun protection needs to be added to your daily routine year round.

Think about where you live and that will help you determine what type of sunscreen you should start using. I was recently on a vacation in Bozeman, Montana and it is sunny there over 300 days per year. But even though it is sunny, it also is located at a high elevation. The higher the elevation, the more likely you will need sun protection every day. Normally, I live at sea level in Washington State and we have very gray winters that can start in the fall and linger until spring. One might think that I do not need sun protection during those gray seasons, but I still do.

During fall, winter and spring months, I use a moisturizer that has sun protection in it and I do not even have to think about it. I recommend and using daily moisturizers with sun protection in non-summer months. It is a bonus if they have other ingredients to help with anti-aging or help reverse hyperpigmentation. Then I have the sun protection I need and also receive other benefits to help keep my skin looking closer to my actual age. During the summer months, I use a sunscreen with SPF 30 daily and reapply often when I am outdoors.

When using daily sunscreen, apply your daily moisturizer and then wait for a few minutes. Then apply your sunscreen and allow it to dry or set for a minute before finishing with make-up. If you are using a sunscreen plus moisturizer, then apply product to clean, dry skin and let dry. Then follow with your daily routine of make-up or in my case, keep it simple with mascara and lip gloss.

So next time you are in the market for a new moisturizer, think about picking out one with sunscreen. Your skin will thank you for it later and you will not even need to change anything in your busy mommy’s daily routine.

Mom Review – Belli Skin Care Solutions

Kelly — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:20:16 +0000

Belli Specialty Skin Care Solutions uses the line “Embrace Life, Enhance Beauty” in their logo, now what busy mom does not strive for that? I know I do and I thought exactly that when I tried Belli products. These products are designed by a physician, Jason Rubin, MD while his wife was pregnant. His goal was to provide a skin care line that she could use that would be safe for her and their baby. By creating products that are free of artificial dyes, parabens, fragrances, phthalates, these products are safer for babies while in their mommy’s tummies, nursing and after baths.

There are 3 lines that they carry: Belli Baby, Belli Pregnancy, and Belli Motherhood. All of the products are formulated under the same philosophy to remain gentle for delicate skin.

I tried the products that are available in the Belli Bundle of Joy Gift Set. Belli Baby products are xenoestrogen free, which means that the ingredients included in the products do not have harmful effects on newborn reproductive systems. Many of us do not think of skin care causing issues deep down in the body, but the products rest on your skin and can be absorbed into your body. I have a daughter who has very sensitive skin and has recurrent patches of eczema. I tried the Calm Me Hair and Body Wash and the Nourish Me Enriched Lotion and they worked beautifully. She did not have any reaction to the products and her skin felt soft and hydrated. I continued to use this set of products for 2 weeks and still no skin reactions or reoccurrences of eczema. I was thrilled and of course so was my daughter; no red patches meant no itching.

It is common knowledge to pay attention to what you eat during pregnancy and while lactating, but did you ever think of about the skin care products you use and possible effects of them? The Belli Pregnancy line focuses on keeping your baby safe by testing ingredients for teratology screening. This screening searches for ingredients that have any type of link to birth defects and once the ingredient located then Belli Skin Care does not use these ingredients. Belli Specialty Skin Care products also use ingredients that are safe for the baby in the womb. The Belli Motherhood line uses the LACTMED database to help ensure that the ingredients they use are safe for nursing babies.

The Belli Baby Gift Set includes: Calm Me Hair & Body Wash 4 oz, Nourish Me Enriched Lotion 4 oz, Pamper Me talc-Free Powder 2 oz and Protect me Diaper Rash Cream .5 oz in a clear zip bag. Priced at $32.99 this is the perfect gift for a new mom or any parent of a youngster. The website offers free gift wrapping with orders – how can you beat that? This product set and many others designed by Dr Rubin and are available on their website.

Do you have stretch marks or a post-caesarean scar that is not fading as fast you would hope? There are two products for these issues in the Belli Motherhood line and many other products are available on their website. There is also information on other places to buy Belli products and how to become a VIP Member with savings and samples of upcoming products.

Skin Care Products – Order of Application

Kelly — Sun, 27 Sep 2009 21:17:07 +0000

There are so many products out there and it can be confusing once you get home and then line up all your products on your counter. Panic sets in and then products do not get used. As we try to find simpler things in life, we forget the reason why we bought them in the first place and then end up not using them.

Here is a quick guide to how to use products and when to use them. First, as rule always start your routine with clean skin. Use your cleanser first that is recommended for your type of skin. Dry skin with towel and then use a toner if recommended. I personally do not think that a toner is needed, especially if you clean your skin well. Save the money unless it is part of a regimen that you are buying.

Next, the most important rule is to use the product that is the lightest first. Usually this will be a serum or treatment product. When using products like this, make sure you allow the product dry completely before moving on to the next step. If you end up applying a serum and other products on top, then products will “ball up on your face”.

After a serum or treatment product, follow with a moisturizer recommended for your skin type. Next, apply an eye cream to the area around the eyes. Apply the product to your ring finger and gently apply. Products tend to migrate and can get into the eye later in the day. If a product is stinging your eyes it is probably do to user error, so apply the product not as close to your eye next time.

Finally, apply a sunscreen, if there is one not already in your moisturizer. Once this has dried then follow with foundation or other make-up that you normally use.

This may sound like a lot of work, but if you are going to invest in skin care products then it is important to use them correctly. Think of it as layering and once you get used to it then it will become second nature and not seem as time consuming.