FitSugar

What's the Deal with: Polarized Sunglasses

FitSugar — Mon, 14 May 2007 03:00:00 PDT

Spending a lot of time outside is a MUST in the summer (with sunscreen, of course!), and wearing sunglasses is a great way to protect your eyes from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays, which can lead to the development of cataracts.

Personally, I love to be near the water, on a boat or a beach, or poolside, and the water can make a killer bright glare when the sun reflects off of it.

If the glare bothers you (how could it not?), then you'll want to get a pair of sunglasses that have polarized lenses. These are great at getting rid of the glare, making your vision clear and crisp when you look through them. They act as a filter to absorb the light waves. Pretty cool, huh?

Here's the deal - just because sunglasses say they are "polarized" doesn't mean they protect you any better from the sun's harmful UV rays. Also, especially dark or expensive sunglasses aren't necessarily better either. Make sure they say that they provide 100% protection. Polycarbonate lenses automatically block UV rays, but others have a chemical coating on them, kind of like sunscreen. These from Revo are polarized and offer maximum protection from UV and infrared rays. They are also scratch and impact resistant - not bad for $89.97.

Fit's Tips: Just be aware - some people get headaches when they wear sunglasses with polarized lenses.

How Carrie Underwood Gets Grammy-Ready

Sponsor — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 03:00:00 PST

Carrie Underwood, everyone's favorite Grammy-winning country singer and performer, has been using the suite of Olay deep cleansers to give her face a clean beyond what the eye (and cameras) can see.

To prep for last night's Grammy Awards, Carrie first used Olay Shine Control Lathering Cleanser to get a deep, down-to-the-pore cleansing to minimize shine. With all those flash bulbs on the red carpet, the last thing you want is a shiny forehead! Then she topped it off with Olay Complete Moisturizer, a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer for glowing, healthy-looking skin (and protection from UV light!).

To end the night, Carrie used Olay 2-in-1 Daily Facial Cloths to exfoliate and cleanse her skin of oil, dirt, and all that red-carpet makeup.

Like Carrie, you can get red-carpet-ready starting and ending with Olay!

"The Daily Facials are awesome at taking off makeup - especially eye makeup. You often get products that are super oily, or just don't do the job, or that sting your eyes. I honestly couldn't live on my tour bus without them." - Carrie Underwood.

8 Life Lessons Learned From CES 2012

Kristy Korcz — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 13:31:59 PST

This year's CES didn't just teach us about gadget trends and the future of the industry - it also taught us a few things that we'll remember in our everyday lives as well. Here, we offer up a few tips to take with you on your next journey to a big tech conference, or to keep in the back of your mind for life. Trust me: our pain is your gain!

Get plenty of sleep. Between long hours on the show floor and various industry parties (and afterparties), there's a good reason we'd love to see siesta lounges at CES. But if you can't nap during the day, be sure to get enough shut eye at night. This is true even for the real world, where you've got emails, shows, and news to catch up on. Put away the laptop at a decent hour and get your beauty rest. You'll wake up refreshed and ready to take on the day's to-do list.
Carry water. Downing coffee, cocktails, and Diet Cokes, coupled with the dry weather in the desert, and filtered air in the hotels and casinos can cause dehydration fast. Keep a bottle of water on you at all times. This not only keeps your skin fresh, lips hydrated, and head clear, but it'll keep you from overheating due to thirst.
Wear good shoes. Did I mention how much we walked at CES? Seriously, the biggest expo I've ever seen, it spans the Las Vegas Convention Center and surrounding hotels. It's not hard to walk six miles in a single day. Multiply that by three or four days, and you've got yourself a good workout. Dress your feet appropriately for CES, and everyday life, since it can save your back later down the road.
Get in the lunch line early. Hungry bloggers line up to get their lunches far before the 11:30 a.m. call time. Although we never saw a shortage of food, who wants to wait in another line when you're tired and hungry? This is another way to say "eat your lunch." Skipping meals can lead to headaches and crankiness, symptoms you don't want to experience when you're in a fast-paced and crowded space or in your office.

Check out the rest of the list when you read more.

A Free App Makes Measuring UV Exposure Easy

Annie Tomlin — Wed, 04 May 2011 03:14:55 PDT

Years ago, finding La Roche-Posay sunscreen was nearly impossible in the States. Because its lightweight texture was so unusual, I used to wheedle friends into buying some while overseas. These days, the brand is readily available at dermatologists' offices and drugstores alike, and it's just launched another year of its SOS - Save Our Skin campaign. Its aim is to educate people about the dangers of UV exposure, and part of the endeavor involves a free iPhone app called My UV Check. The app uses location-based services to assess the strength of UVA and UVB rays - the ones that cause skin to age and burn, respectively. If you're the kind of person who needs convincing when it comes to wearing sunscreen, it's well worth a download.

Protect Your Peepers With UV-Rated Shades

FitSugar — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 15:40:34 PDT

Sunshine in your eyes can do more than make you cry; UV rays, both A and B, can cause serious damage to your baby blues. Since you can't put sunscreen on your eyelids or cover your cornea with zinc oxide, you need to protect your peepers with quality shades that are UV rated. It is recommended that you wear shades the provide 99 percent UVB protection and 95 percent UVA protection, but many sunglasses offer 100 percent protection from both. When shopping for shades skip any labeled "cosmetic" - these darkened lenses are just for looks. Also note, that polarized glasses decrease glare and do not provide UV protection unless they specify that they do.

You don't have to spend a fortune to protect your eyes at the beach when biking. Here are some great picks ranging from $30 to $60.

Tifosi T-F900 Helo Aviator Sunglasses - Sold Out	Tifosi T-F850 Scout Sunglasses - Sold Out
S4 Mac 751S4 Aviator Sunglasses - Sold Out	S4 Women's Samantha 793S4 Resin Sunglasses - $35.00
S4 Women's Elle 719S4 Oversized Resin Sunglasses - $45.00	S4 Kermo 733S4 Resin Sunglasses - $45.00
Tifosi T-V670 Tyrant Sunglasses - Sold Out	Tifosi Envy T-G281 Sunglasses - $59.95

5 Can't-Fail Winter Skin Care Tips

Real Beauty — Fri, 16 Dec 2011 06:02:16 PST

We're happy to present this article from one of our favorite sites, Real Beauty.

Just because you're showing less skin during the colder months doesn't mean you can skimp on a proper skin-care regimen. Dr. Mitchell Chasin, medical director of the Reflections Center for Skin and Body, tells us his top tips for keeping yours hydrated and healthy all season long.

Tip #1: Find a body wash that isn't going to dry out your skin. Look for products that are soap-free and use the word "hydrating" to maintain moisture. Now would be a good time to swap your gel formula for a creamy one.

Tip #2: Moisturize everyday to keep dry skin at bay. When you apply lotion right as you step out of the shower, you are sealing in the moisture that your body has just absorbed. Not to mention, the combination of the cold weather, wearing gloves, and constant hand washing can cause painful dryness and cracked skin. (Your hands can show signs of aging faster than other parts of your body.) Indulge in a heavy moisturizer and keep it in your bag, car, and office-and don't forget to use it often.

Tip #3: Since your skin type can change with the seasons and environment, you may need to asses what's happening and switch up your products. Look for signs of dry or oily skin, breakouts, or changes in pigmentation. To ensure you are treating your skin appropriately, visit your dermatologist for a consultation.

Tip #4: Sort through your skin-care routine. Using too many products together, such as facial masks and exfoliators, can irritate skin. If you have to, label your products with designated days so that you don't overlap treatments too often. Also, remove and replace any expired products from your stash.

Tip #5: Did you know that UV rays can damage your skin through your clothing? Sunscreen is essential in protecting your skin against premature wrinkling, skin cancer, and dryness. We recommend using at least an SPF 40 daily. And, don't forget your lips-a great balm with SPF can prevent dryness and cracking.

Prevention Tips For Common Summer Health Risks

Heather Dale — Sun, 12 Jun 2011 04:07:00 PDT

Now that Summer is here, you probably want to throw caution to the wind and lap up the pleasures this season has to offer - not so fast. Before you go on your Summer joyride, keep in mind that you need to keep yourself protected from the elements. The last thing you want to be doing is spending your vacation days cooped up in a hotel room due to heat exhaustion. Here are five common health problems that tend to creep up on us during the Summer months and how to prevent and combat them!

Save Our Skin: Adorable Rash Guards For Sunseeking Tots

Rebecca M Gruber — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 10:32:32 PDT

Summer seems like the perfect season for stripping down to the bare minimum, but for lil ones headed out in the sun, it's time to cover up. Rash guards do a whole lot more than simply keeping sand from rubbing against wet skin. Today's garments provide UPF protection as well, helping lil ones keep the sun's harmful rays at bay. Check out my picks for beach and pool wear that won't have tots ripping the shirts off.

Clockwise from top left: Patagonia Baby Long-Sleeve Sun-Lite Top ($29), Lands End, Short Sleeve Graphic Orange Rash Guard Shirt ($20), Cabana Life Hamptons Swim Set ($45), UVSkinz Casey Swim Shirt ($25), REI Long-Sleeve Rashguard ($25), Janie and Jack Watercolor Dot Rash Guard Set ($22), Cabana Life Rash Guard 3-Piece Set ($50).

Skin Saving Protection From Summer's Harsh Rays

LilSugar — Sat, 23 Jul 2011 04:45:40 PDT

Take cover! A significant percentage of our exposure to sun occurs by age 18, and with Summer in full swing, beaches, pools, and other outdoor activities rule the day. While avoiding the sun completely just isn't an option for most families, Mr. Golden Sun's dangerous UV rays can be avoided with the right accessories. Infants' thin skin and underdeveloped melanin can cause their skin to burn faster than older kids. To celebrate UV Safety Awareness Month, we're looking beyond sunscreen and the rash guard for the best products to protect even the littlest tots' precious skin now, and throughout the year.

Clockwise from top left: Speedo Hydrospex Kids Goggle ($10), Coolibar UPF 50+ Infant Chlorine Resistant Bucket Sun Hat ($19), i play Long Sleeve Rashguards ($12), Julbo Infant Looping Sunglasses, 0-18 months ($30), Breakers UV Sun Protective Two Piece Swimsuit for Infant/Toddler Boys (UPF 50+) ($40), Coolibar UPF 50+ Child Swim Sun Sleeve ($40).

Manicure Monday: Can an at-Home Gel Manicure Really Work?

Jaime Richards — Mon, 07 Nov 2011 06:00:00 PST

Editor's note: see an update of how the manicure wore after seven days after the jump.

Gel manicures are all the rage at salons, so it makes sense that someone would make an at-home version. That's exactly what Nutra Nail has done with the release of its UV-free Gel Perfect Gel-Color Manicure ($12). While the brand markets the manicure as a five-minute deal, in reality, I found that the whole process takes just a bit longer than your average nail polish time.

After thoroughly pushing back cuticles and filing the nails, steps that are essential in making this manicure look clean, polish activator (which is essentially nail polish glue) is applied to each nail on one hand. Colored gel polish comes next - I used Passion, a candy-apple red - and then the color brush must be cleaned off immediately with a special antistiffening solution that comes in the kit. Then, the same process is repeated on the other hand. Once the polish sets, which takes practically no time at all, you repeat this whole process over so that you've painted on two layers of color. See more when you keep reading.