Sun-believable: Part II
The dog days of summer are indeed upon us, complete with their all powerful sunrays. But, fear not–we’ve enlisted the expertise of Boston’s Dr. Onir Spiegel to combat the sun’s effects this season. Read on for tips on protecting yo’self.
Please explain why sunscreen is more important than ever.
Everybody wants to keep a youthful look. We’ve got lots of techniques for restoring youth and recreating lost beauty. But, while you can’t prevent facial deflation or gravity from affecting your cheeks or lips, you can keep smooth, uniform skin by preventing sun damage. Sunscreen is more important than ever with the weather getting warmer and people getting ready to spend more time outdoors this time of year. The best habit is to apply sunscreen year round to reduce UV skin damage, which can cause hyperpigmentation, wrinkles and worse — skin cancer.
Please share the correct way to apply sunscreen.
Sunscreen should be applied in little dabs. Start with a pea size portion on each cheek and work from there. If you get the tinted version you may want to dab it a bit with a sponge. Don’t miss anywhere, and use a specially formulated sunscreen for your face and the back of your hands. It will be better on those delicate tissues.
Any sunscreen favorites?
At The Spiegel Center we recommend mineral based sunscreens containing titanium or zinc as key active ingredients. My favorite is Essential Defense by SkinMedica. There’s simply nothing better out there.
We looked into more sun care to keep skin and hair protected this summer:
The Murad Invisiblur Perfecting Shield SPF 30 is a lightweight primer that works to protect skin against environmental aggressors and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles along with protection against UV damage from harmful rays. The 3-in-1 formula works to instantly perfect the skin and leave an airbrush-like finish. (Available at murad.com)
La Bella Donna’s LBD-WOMEN (and LBD-MEN!) is an all-natural, pure mineral translucent sun protection. It lasts all day without re-application and provides complete protection from all UVA/UVB infrared rays, which includes the overhead lights in most offices and public facilities. It does not contain any FD&C dyes, oils, fragrances, alcohol, parabens, cornstarch or other chemicals. (Available at labelladonna.com)
Bare Republic introduces their SPF 50 Neon Sunscreen Sticks. The cruelty-free, mineral sunscreen collection blends Zinc Oxide with healthy, plant derived antioxidants to nourish, hydrate and protect your skin from harmful UVA and UVB rays. The Mineral Sunscreen Sprays delivers a non-greasy sport spray for lasting protection that leaves skin dry to the touch. (Both available at gobareoutside.com) And the Mineral SPF 30 Whipped Mousse is the first of its kind—an advanced, non-nano mineral SPF mousse that offers a luxurious application. (Available at ulta.com)
Amavara is a natural zinc oxide sunscreen that uses their patented EarthWell technology, making it easy to rub it in clear while forming a physical protective barrier from the sun’s UVA/UVB rays. It’s safe for skin and the environment, especially with the new Hawaii ban on sunscreens with chemicals oxybenzone and octinoxate. The Transparent Mineral Sunscreen lotion is available in SPF 30 and 50, while the Transparent Mineral Sunscreen Facestick is SPF 50. (Available at amavara.com)
The 3LAB Perfect Sunscreen SPF 50+ is a broad spectrum, anti-aging sun protection cream for the face and body that acts as a barrier against harmful UV rays. It contains four active sunscreen ingredients that help protect the skin from sun damage that contributes to skin burning, reddening, and signs of aging. (Available at 3lab.com)
The DERMAdoctor DD Cream Dermatologically Defining BB Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 30 acts as a moisturizer, primer, and sunscreen to give skin a flawless look. Ideal for use under makeup or on its own, it smooths and evens skin, diminishing the appearance of fine lines and large pores. Their unique white sapphire complex adjusts to your skin tone. (Available at ulta.com)
