FitSugar

Must Have This Summer: Sun Protection Wipes

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 02:30:00 PDT

Unless it is a child, it is always funny to me when someone refuses to wear sunscreen because of the way it feels on their skin, since I am sure skin cancer and wrinkles feel much worse.

The clever folks over at Shady Day have realized this problem and have created Daily Sun Protection Wipes that offer broad spectrum UV protection (avobenzone) with no artificial ingredients or synthetic fragrances. These convenient little pre-moistened sunscreen wipes are designed for the entire body with an absorbent formula leaving the skin feeling dry and smooth (i.e. great for kids and everyone else who hates the greasy feel of sunscreen on their skin). Along with the sun protection they have added antioxidant protection, with vitamins E and A, mango fruit extract, cactus flower extract and organic Aloe Vera. This means they smell really nice as well, and while I love the smell of coconut just as much as the next guy, the scent doesn't always work for daily use. What's more? The line also has just been updated with a new formulation that is water resistant and paraben free, making it great for families with kids, for outdoor exercisers or for anyone looking for protection from the sun.

I desperately wish I had these on my last trip to Hawaii, the one where my sunscreen exploded in my suitcase leaving me to pay $20 a shirt to get all my belongings laundered at the hotel. What's even better is that if you're like my husband, and despise checking-in a bag on the airplane, these wipes are one of the only sunscreen products that you can carry-on on an airplane, given fun liquid limitations and all. How cool is that?

Buy some directly from ShadyDayInc.com (a pack of 5 individual wipes cost $10.00 and a pack of 15 wipes cost $14.00).

Alba: Sunscreen That Actually Smells Good

FitSugar — Wed, 13 Jun 2007 09:30:00 PDT

Since my sunscreen from last year expired, I had to pick up another bottle. I happened to be at the health food store and saw the Alba Sunscreen on sale, so it peaked my interest. I'm not a huge fan of how sunscreen usually smells, but when I took a whiff, it actually smelled wonderful. It had a light, refreshing, floral scent, which must have been from the lavender, chamomile, and calendula I saw in the list of ingredients.

I bought some of the Green Tea SPF 30, which is part of their Hawaiian line, made from tropical botanicals, green tea antioxidants, and aloe vera. It's perfect for wearing everyday - not greasy at all, and soaked instantly into my skin, leaving it soft and smelling sweet. You can even go in the water with it on, and it'll keep protecting you for up to 40 minutes.

It worked perfectly while in the sun for 3 hours, and my skin felt soft all day. I'd definitely pick some of this up if you're looking for a new sunscreen that smells great and is also paraben and cruelty-free. Look for it in the beauty section of your health food store or you can order it online from Alternative Outfitters for $8.95.

Fit's Tips: Remember to apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before heading outside, and reapply it every 2 hours.

Don't Let Your SPF 30 Turn into SPF 20

FitSugar — Tue, 15 May 2007 14:30:00 PDT

Did you know that if applied incorrectly, an SPF 30 sunscreen is actually SPF 20?

SPF 30 sunscreen may provide significantly less protection when not enough is used. To get the most out of your sunscreen, use one ounce, enough to fill a shot glass (or your palm). This is the amount needed to cover the exposed areas of the body (arms, legs, neck and face of the average adult) properly. So stock up, use it liberally and reapply often (especially after you towel off).

A Week of the Happy Healthy You: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 12 May 2007 04:00:00 PDT

Want to get active? Then check out Get Active America to see if a gym near you is participating in open houses next weekend.

Now that it is the weekend, why not try the Sun Salutation. The video will take you through the moves, and your body will feel great after a few repetitions.

I want to know which celebrity diet you identify with the most.

Do you know the importance of interval training and why you should be doing it once a week.

Is it true or false SPF 30 has twice as much sun protection as SPF 15? Take the quiz.

Consumer Reports rated 8 popular diet plans and 7 diet books. The findings are interesting, if not predictable.

Looking for an at home workout you can do in 10 minutes?

I am curious if you go to a chiropractor?

For all you mothers out there - get or give the gift of sleep this Mother's Day.

Looking for a Farmers' Market near you? Here's a great site that lists markets by city and state.

I want to hear what you have to say: Are celebs "fit" to sell clothes?

Source

T/F: SPF 30 has two times more sun protection than SPF 15?

FitSugar — Mon, 07 May 2007 14:30:00 PDT

Today is National Skin Cancer Awareness Day and so I thought it would be fun to see how aware you are with a short pop quiz on sun protection.

Simply Fab: Blue Lizard Australian Suncream

BellaSugar — Wed, 25 Apr 2007 07:11:22 PDT

Ok, not to freak you out or anything but if you want to see just how many bad UVA sun rays get to you even after you have slathered your body in sunscreen, then you should check out Blue Lizard Australian Suncream, $13. This lotion goes on your body in a white color and transforms into a blue color when you are exposed to UVA sun.

Just check out the image of the bottle changing color below! Its intentions are to warn you and smarten you up to just how many damaging rays you are exposed to throughout the day. I’m not just talking at the beach either; think about when you are in the car, working at your desk by a window or even when you're running out to walk the dog.

Wear it for one day, and I’m willing to bet you’ll be buggin’! It's available in SPF 30: regular, for the face, sport style and sensitive skin variations.

And I know what you’re thinking: what’s with all the bella blue stuff lately? I don’t know what to tell ya other than sometimes the good stuff is also the weirdest!

Sensitive SPF 30 For Your Face, Part II

BellaSugar — Tue, 20 Mar 2007 13:03:33 PDT

Welcome to Part II of Sensitive SPF 30 For Your Face. Since there were just too many yummy and safe SPF 30s for sensitive skin out there, I couldn't help but write about a few more. Here are three additional sunscreens to help prevent premature aging and skin damage for all of you sun worshippers.

Estee Lauder Multi-Protection Sun Lotion for Face SPF 30, $22, is new and not only water resistant, but also combats the appearance of dark spots on your skin with its new ASP (anti-spot protection) formula.

ASP ensures that you tan evenly without getting any of those blotchy, patchy sun spots. This formula also helps protect your skin from environmental damage that can occur while you're in the sun.

In addition, special hydrators to guard your skin against unwanted and dangerous peeling and anti-oxidants have also been incorporated to ward off free radicals. This sunscreen is great for delicate, sensitive skin. It won't clog your pores and it smells fresh and beachy.

A couple more, so

Skinceuticals Physical UV Defense SPF 30, $34, is great for those of you with hypersensitive skin. It's so gentle, it's even ok for children. I love the sleek silver tube, as well as the fact that it doesn't whiten on your face when you apply it.

This special sunscreen contains moisturizing and healing properties and is also PABA, oil and fragrance free. You can apply it under your makeup or for a day at the beach!

Clarins Sun Wrinkle Control Cream with SPF 30 , $27.50, is a lightweight, oil-free sun cream with the most incredible texture. It is heat resistant so it won't drip into your eyes, contains UVA, UVB and infra red sun protection all the while hydrating and nourishing your skin.

Be Wary of Chemicals: The Safest Sunscreens on the Market

Jenny Sugar — Thu, 17 May 2012 12:42:05 PDT

It's hard enough to remember to put on sunscreen when you leave the house, but now you also need to make sure your sunscreen is safe to use. The Environmental Working Group has just released its 2012 Sunscreen Guide, and in order to make the list, a sunscreen must be free of oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, not have an SPF above 50, and must be broad spectrum (protects against both UVA and UVB rays).

What's wrong with oxybenzone? Although it does a great job of absorbing ultraviolet rays, some studies show that it can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream. The Environmental Working Group and toxicology experts believe this can disrupt hormones, damage cells, and potentially lead to skin cancer. Other experts disagree, like the American Academy of Dermatology, and oxybenzone has been FDA-approved since 1978 for use in children older than 6 months.

Keep reading to find out what else you need to consider when buying sunscreen, and for a list of the safest sunscreens on the market.

Made in the Shade: The Best Sunscreens For Lil Ones

Lisa Horten — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:23:47 PDT

Summer's just around the corner! Before you hit the beach with your kiddie clan, it's important that you know the ins and outs of sunscreen - from the oft-confusing terminology (even the FDA is having a tough time coming to an agreement on the language) to what brands to buy. Here, a guide to decoding the lingo and what bottles, tubes, and sprays are worthy of your beach bag.

Sunscreen 101

Sun Protection Factor (SPF): This refers to the product's ability to block out the sun's rays. It should be prominently displayed on the sunscreen's packaging.
Chemical Sunscreen: Contains special ingredients that act as filters and protects against UVA and UVB rays. Chemical sunscreen takes 15-30 minutes to absorb into the skin.
Physical Sunscreen: Also referred to as sunblock or "chemical-free" sunscreen, these products form a barrier with ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to block out rays. Many dermatologists recommend this option for children, as it's less likely to cause irritation or allergic reactions and starts working immediately.
Broad Spectrum: Protects against both UVA and UVB rays (any sunscreen with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide will do this).
For Babies 6 Months and Under: Discuss sunscreen use with your physician. Some pediatricians are completely opposed to the use of sunscreen on newborns, while others advocate a chemical-free product if they're going to be exposed to extensive sun.

Source: Flickr User sunsurfr

What We're Sweet On: Sun-Kissed Foundation That's Sheer and Light

Jaime Richards — Mon, 30 Apr 2012 03:05:00 PDT

With Spring well under way and Summer not too far off in the horizon, it's time to shelf the heavy moisturizers and foundations, all while being cognizant of the importance of SPF. Cover FX's Skintint Treatment and Tinted Moisturizer SPF 30 ($42) is the perfect warm-weather makeup trifecta. Not only does it block away both UVA and UVB rays, but special lipid-captors help give skin suppleness, and hyaluronic filling spheres provide hydration. And thanks to its ultralight, ultrasheer coverage tint, the complexion is left with a beautiful sun-kissed glow. Available in six oil-, fragrance-, and paraben-free shades.