FitSugar

Which SPF Is Right For You?

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:33:02 -0700

I went to the drugstore to pick up some sunscreen and the endless shelves of bottles is astounding. Have you ever thought, "What's with all the different SPF numbers?" If you're confused by what the numbers mean and how you choose the right one for your skin type, you're not alone.

To learn more about which SPF you should use click here

Do You Really Need SPF 100 Sunscreen?

FitSugar — Fri, 15 May 2009 08:00:00 -0700

When it comes to exercising, there's strength in numbers, but that's not necessarily true when the subject is sunscreen. Compared to your 50 SPF sunscreen, one that has 100 SPF might give the impression that your product is inadequate. According to dermatologists interviewed by The New York Times, swapping out your 50 SPF for the 100 isn't a necessary move.

Sunscreen brands have been consistently raising the SPF bar. Coppertone started it with last year's groundbreaking launch of SPF 70+, followed by the introduction of SPF 85 from Neutrogena and Banana Boat, and most recently Neutrogena's 100 SPF sunblock. The numbers cause consumer confusion, but Dr. David M. Pariser, the president of the American Academy of Dermatology, says, "As you get higher and higher, it’s not really a practical difference."

To learn what is truly important about sunscreen, read more.

The Times points out the marginal difference in UVB protection: SPF 100 blocks 99 percent of UVB rays, SPF 50 blocks 98 percent, and SPF 30 protects against 96.7 percent of UVB rays. Some doctors argue that ditching your bottle of 30 or 50 for a higher SPF could lead to a false sense of security about staying in the sun longer without reapplying.

Dermatologists suggest that, rather than becoming consumed with the SPF number, it's more important to focus on wearing enough sunscreen. A full shot glass of the stuff should do the trick. What else do you know about sunscreen?

Susan Posnick Cosmetics: Serious Protection Against Skin Cancer

FitSugar — Mon, 29 Sep 2008 10:00:00 -0700

Mineral powders for your face are all the rage now. Not only are they all natural, but they're a great weightless foundation that makes your skin look even and shine-free. The best part is these minerals also contain SPF, which protects your skin from the sun's harmful rays. Bare Escentuals was the pioneer in mineral powders, and now many other companies have come up with their own versions. My favorite is one made by Susan Posnick Cosmetics.

I absolutely love her minerals known as Coloflo ($64), and prefer them to Bare Escentuals bareMinerals. To find out why read more.

The reason I love Susan Posnik's minerals over Bare Escentuals is because this powder offers more sun protection. Colorflo contains SPF 26 while bareMinerals only offers SPF 15 (big difference). This sun protection even lasts in water, and the powder is anti-bacterial, sweatproof, and enriched with vitamins A and E . Another great feature is that Susan Posnick's powder comes in a self-dispensing refillable container with a washable brush attached. All you do is sweep the brush on your skin and the powder is already in the bristles. It's very convenient for sticking in your purse and the fact that you can purchase refills for $32 makes the environmentalist in me smile.

I also learned that Susan Posnick was a professional make-up artist for over 20 years, and she is a skin cancer survivor. She left her work in the film and fashion industry to develop a product with substantial sun protection that wouldn't feel heavy on your skin. Yet another reason to love Coloflo.

Fit's Tips: The blush featured in the photo is called Colorme ($32) in the shade, Peony. If you purchase it in October - so wait a couple of days, the proceeds will benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation since October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Which SPF Do You Regularly Wear?

FitSugar — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 04:30:00 -0700

Summer always reminds us to lather up the sunscreen. In the colder months, I wear SPF 30 on my face every day, but in the Summer I wear it all over my body. I know I am not the only one covering up with sunscreen right now, but which SPF do you generally use?

Source

What Should You Look for When Buying Sunscreen?

FitSugar — Mon, 19 May 2008 08:00:00 -0700

Hopefully you're stocking up on sunscreen for the sunny season ahead. Aside from avoiding the sun entirely, it is your best defense against skin cancer. The Mayo Clinic has a list of recommendations for what to look for when buying sunscreen and here are the highlights.

Select a sunscreen that says broad spectrum on the bottle. These provide protection against both UVA and UVB rays.
It should have an SPF of 15 or higher. Remember that sunscreens with an SPF of 45 or higher don't allow you to stay out longer. You still need to reapply every two hours.
Make sure the label says that it contains sunscreen. Some lotions and tanning oils don't, so they'll offer no protection from the sun's harmful rays.
In the list of ingredients, it should say one these: oxybenzone, sulisobenzone, avobenzone (Parsol 1789), ecamsule, titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
If you have sensitive skin, choose one that is free of fragrance, dyes, and preservatives.
If you spend time in the water, choose one that is water-resistant. If you exercise outside, select one that is sweatproof.

Remember, when applying your well researched sunscreen be sure to use enough. It takes about a shot glass worth of sunscreen to cover your entire body.
Source

SPF 15, SPF 30, SPF 45: Seriously, What's the Diff?

FitSugar — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 03:00:00 -0700

The snow is gone and Spring is finally here. The warmth of the sun may feel sweet on your skin, but do remember that those rays can cause premature skin aging and skin cancer. Thank goodness for sunscreen! Shopping for protection from the sun can be more than a bit confusing with SPF ratings that range from 2 to 60.

For starters, SPF stands for sun protection factor, but the numbers don't refer to how long you can spend outside without getting a sunburn, they refer to the amount of UVB protection the product offers. UVB rays were once thought to be the sole type of sun ray that caused skin cancer. Sunscreens with SPF 15 filter out 93 percent of UVB rays; SPF 30 filters out 97 percent. The thing is, wearing a sunscreen with a higher number, such as SPF 45, won't allow you to stay out longer, since the effectiveness of sunscreen decreases over time. Plus if you're active, either swimming or sweating in the sun, the moisture can wash sunscreen away, leaving your skin less protected. So it's a good idea to reapply sunscreen every two hours, just to be sure. Don't wait to see if your skin is turning red before reapplying since a sunburn may take up to 24 hours to appear fully.

Source

Protect Your Lips From the Sun

FitSugar — Thu, 02 Aug 2007 10:51:46 -0700

When you go outside to enjoy the warmth and sunshine, you've got to protect your lips from the sun's harmful rays. That skin can get sunburned too, and excessive exposure could cause lip cancer.

Just as you apply sunscreen to your skin, you need to apply sunscreen to your lips. Many lipsticks, lip glosses, and lip balms contain SPF, so check those labels ladies.

Here's a list of some of my favorite protective lip balms and lipsticks. Beeswax lip balm from Burt's Bees is still my all time favorite even though it doesn't contain any SPF, so I just reserve it for nighttime use if my lips feel dry after spending a day in the sun.

Kiss My Face Certified Organic Lip Balm, SPF 15	Tinted Lip Balm SPF-18, TerraTint Blaze
Neutrogena Whisper Pink Lipstick SPF 20	SPF 15 Vanilla Lip Balm by Ecco Bella
Eco Lips Organic Sport Lip Balm	Buy Burt's Bees Beeswax Lip Balm

Sunscreen Stats

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:15:00 -0700

Just to see if you all have been paying attention, I have a few questions about sunscreen for you. It is kind of like a "pop" quiz, but really it is a Fit quiz.

Source

Take the quiz

Don't Let Your SPF 30 Turn into SPF 20

FitSugar — Tue, 15 May 2007 14:30:00 -0700

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).

Gear Review: SPF 15 Lip Gloss by Clinique

FitSugar — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 12:00:00 -0700

I know a few of you hardcore athletes might scoff at the idea of lip gloss being gear, but this gloss offers sun protection along with color, and that is why I am ranking it as gear. Lips should be treated like skin and protected from the sun's rays. Most shiny lip gloss actually attracts the sun, making it easier for harmful rays to penetrate the delicate flesh and causing skin cancer on your kisser.

That is where Clinique's Long Last Glosswear ($14) with SPF 15 comes in handy. It coats and protects your lips, and it really does last. It is flavorless too, which I think is great, and the texture is so thin you forget you have it on. On my way out the door for a midday run, I couldn't find my chapstick with SPF, so I wore this lip gloss. It was great. It kept my lips moist and protected. It comes in many shades and is available online at the Clinique website.