FitSugar

Must Have This Summer: Sun Protection Wipes

FitSugar — Thu, 14 Jun 2007 02:30:00 -0700

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 -0700

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 -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).

A Week of the Happy Healthy You: FitSugar Roundup

FitSugar — Sat, 12 May 2007 04:00:00 -0700

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 -0700

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.

Sunscreen (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 19:55:54 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

May help protect your skin from sunburn, skin cancer, and other damage caused by the sun.

Brand Name(s)

Sport Sunscreen, Rite Aid Baby Sunscreen SPF 45, Rite Aid Sunscreen SPF 30, Rite Aid Sport Sunscreen SPF 48, Rite Aid Sport Sunscreen SPF 30, Rite Aid Sunscreen SPF 45 Oil Free Essential Defense, Rite Aid Sunscreen Sheer, Ti-Screen Moisturizing Sunscreen, Chap Stick Ultra, Rite Aid Kids Sunscreen

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

Talk with your doctor if you have had an allergic reaction to a sunscreen. Even if you have had an allergic reaction to one sunscreen, you still may be able to use another sunscreen that contains different ingredients.

How to Use This Medicine

Cream, Stick, Gel/Jelly, Lotion, Spray

Most sunscreens are applied about 15 to 30 minutes before you go out into the sun. Sunscreens that contain PABA should be used about 1 to 2 hours before sun exposure. There are many different kinds of sunscreens, so instructions may change with each product. Always read and follow the instructions on the package label.
Use the sunscreen on your skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use the spray on your face. A sunscreen stick or lip balm especially made for your face is easy to use.
Apply a thick layer of sunscreen to all skin areas exposed to the sun. Reapply the sunscreen about every 2 hours, or after swimming, towel drying, or heavy sweating.
If the sunscreen contains alcohol, you should not use it near a fire or if you are smoking.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the sunscreen at room temperature away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Talk with your doctor before using a sunscreen on the same skin areas you are treating with other skin medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

You should not use sunscreens on children younger than 6 months of age unless you have first talked with your child's doctor. Children younger than 6 months old may absorb sunscreen through their skin into their bodies. It is best to keep infants younger than 6 months old out of the sun. If this cannot be avoided, lightweight clothes and a hat may help protect an infant from the sun.
Sunscreens work by either absorbing or reflecting the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR causes skin cancer, sunburns, and premature aging of skin (wrinkles and dry, thinning skin). Clouds will filter some UVR, but not all. You will still need to use sunscreen even when it is cloudy.
UVR can reflect off of light surfaces such as sand and snow. Wear a sunscreen when are out in the snow to keep from getting a sunburn.
Sunscreens are rated by SPFs (sun protection factors). Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Children older than 6 months of age should wear a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when outdoors. If you need more protection or have fair skin, an SPF of 20 to 30 (or higher) can be used. You can also protect your skin by wearing a hat and lightweight clothes.
To prevent skin damage, avoid being in the sun between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM, when the sun's rays are strongest.
Sunscreens that contain PABA may permanently stain your clothing yellow.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Rash

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org). URAC's accreditation program is an independent audit to verify that A.D.A.M. follows rigorous standards of quality and accountability. A.D.A.M. is among the first to achieve this important distinction for online health information and services. Learn more about A.D.A.M.'s editorial policy, editorial process and privacy policy. A.D.A.M. is also a founding member of Hi-Ethics and subscribes to the principles of the Health on the Net Foundation (www.hon.ch).

A.D.A.M. Copyright

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997-2009 A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_0824

Sunscreen (On the skin)

admin — Thu, 04 Sep 2008 20:05:13 -0700

Overview

Introduction
Brand Name(s)
When This Medicine Should Not Be Used
How to Use This Medicine
How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine
Drugs and Foods to Avoid
Warnings While Using This Medicine
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

HEALTH GUIDE REFERENCE FROM A.D.A.M

Introduction

May help protect your skin from sunburn, skin cancer, and other damage caused by the sun.

Brand Name(s)

Esoterica Facial, Esoterica Sunscreen, Dermatone Skin Protector, Sportz Bloc, Dermatone UVA/Uvb Sunblock, Vanicream Lip Protectant, Sponix Sunscreen, Solbar Shield Sunscreen, Vanicream SPF 60, Vanicream SPF 30, NAVA-SC, Vanicream Sunscreen, Solbar Zinc SPF38, A-Fil, Rosula CLK

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used

How to Use This Medicine

Cream, Lotion, Gel/Jelly, Stick, Liquid, Ointment

Most sunscreens are applied about 15 to 30 minutes before you go out into the sun. Sunscreens that contain PABA should be used about 1 to 2 hours before sun exposure. There are many different kinds of sunscreens, so instructions may change with each product. Always read and follow the instructions on the package label.
Use the sunscreen on your skin only. Do not get it in your eyes, nose, or mouth. Do not use the spray on your face. A sunscreen stick or lip balm especially made for your face is easy to use.
Apply a thick layer of sunscreen to all skin areas exposed to the sun. Reapply the sunscreen about every 2 hours, or after swimming, towel drying, or heavy sweating.
If the sunscreen contains alcohol, you should not use it near a fire or if you are smoking.

How to Store and Dispose of This Medicine

Store the sunscreen at room temperature away from heat and direct light. Do not freeze.
Ask your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Talk with your doctor before using a sunscreen on the same skin areas you are treating with other skin medicines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine

You should not use sunscreens on children younger than 6 months of age unless you have first talked with your child's doctor. Children younger than 6 months old may absorb sunscreen through their skin into their bodies. It is best to keep infants younger than 6 months old out of the sun. If this cannot be avoided, lightweight clothes and a hat may help protect an infant from the sun.
Sunscreens work by either absorbing or reflecting the sun's ultraviolet radiation (UVR). UVR causes skin cancer, sunburns, and premature aging of skin (wrinkles and dry, thinning skin). Clouds will filter some UVR, but not all. You will still need to use sunscreen even when it is cloudy.
UVR can reflect off of light surfaces such as sand and snow. Wear a sunscreen when are out in the snow to keep from getting a sunburn.
Sunscreens are rated by SPFs (sun protection factors). Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. Children older than 6 months of age should wear a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher when outdoors. If you need more protection or have fair skin, an SPF of 20 to 30 (or higher) can be used. You can also protect your skin by wearing a hat and lightweight clothes.
To prevent skin damage, avoid being in the sun between the hours of 10 AM and 3 PM, when the sun's rays are strongest.
Sunscreens that contain PABA may permanently stain your clothing yellow.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

Rash

Review Date: 8/4/2008

A.D.A.M. Copyright

adam.com

Source Doc: 45_4962

Sunscreen Review: Badger 30 SPF

FitSugar — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 14:30:01 -0700

After reading the Environmental Working Group's sunscreen list, I decided to try a chemical free sunscreen and opt for mineral sunblock protection. I picked up a tube of Badger 30 SPF ($16) for face and body, which ranked really well on EWG list as being an effective sunscreen without creating health hazards with repeated use.

Learn what I think of Badger sunblock.

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?