FitSugar

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).

Soothe Sunburn With This DIY Recipe

Michelle Phan — Tue, 15 May 2012 03:25:00 PDT

YouTube star and beauty guru Michelle Phan always has a new tip or two for making life easier. It happens to the best of us, even with the best of intentions, and this week, Michelle tells us how we can alleviate a painful sunburn:

Hi everyone,

Each day it's getting a little sunnier and little warmer outside. It's nice to spend this time outdoors, and while it's also nice to get a little vitamin D for your skin from Mr. Sun, what's not nice are those painful sunburns you're often left with as souvenirs.

Great makeup starts with a good foundation . . . brush, that is

Sunburns can be annoying, painful, and peel-y, and once you have one, they tend to be hard to forget about until they fade away. Your skin needs a little TLC when it's burned. Find out some of my sunburn soothing tips to help out when your golden glow is more of rosy red when you read more:

A Reader's First Half Marathon Is Full of Triumphs and a Little Bit of Embarrassment

Fit Community — Thu, 03 May 2012 00:41:02 PDT

FitSugar reader Dhitri has an embarrassing tale about her first half marathon. She shared her story in our RunningSugar community group. Help her out by sharing your own funny or embarrassing race tales below!

So you know I ran my first half and had the greatest time ever.

There were a few blunders, of course (what's a race without 'em?). Firstly, I arrived only half an hour before the start. Leaving the house without breastfeeding my little miss didn't feel right (and I had to lose that excess fluid from that part of my body anyway!) and it took longer than anticipated. Then of course I completely forgot about the road closures! We were stuck in traffic and I had to hop out of the cab and run to the event location to save me a few minutes. Also, in all my excitement, I forgot to put on any Vaseline or Bodyglide and even forgot to apply sunscreen. My skin was dry and full of marks from me scratching all night (I do that when nervous). My legs never looked this ugly!

But here comes a big confession: I peed in my pants during the run. Okay, firstly I have to criticize the otherwise flawlessly organized race. There were simply not enough portaloos! The line before the start was just EPIC.

Initially I didn't feel like I needed to go, but then remembered that I downed a lot of water when I woke up at 5AM (2 hours before start) and even though I went a few times at home, I felt like I needed to visit the conveniences in case I needed to wee because of the cold (it was a chilly morning at 10 degrees C) or nerves. I braved the line until a couple minutes before start (and was still nowhere near my turn). Big mistake! I should have braved the bushes instead.

Read on for the rest of Dhitri's story!

Avoid the 5 Worst Spring Break Beauty Blunders

BellaSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2012 05:00:06 PDT

The season for weeklong beach vacations, overseas plane rides, and cross-country treks is here. Celebrating Spring break can take a toll on your skin and hair, whether you are laying out in your backyard or partying in Bora Bora. So, beware of these basic beauty mistakes that can ruin your vacation. To get tips to sidestep these classic beach slipups read more.

How to Organize Your Beauty Products

Real Beauty — Fri, 27 Jan 2012 05:00:00 PST

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

If you have to dig though drawers and rummage through an overstuffed makeup bag to get ready every morning, then it's time to bring order to your beauty stash.

For more great tips check out: How to Clean Out Your Makeup Bag.

These expert tips will help you de-clutter your loot and streamline your storage space. See what they are now.

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.

3 Easy Tips For Soft, Kissable Lips

Michelle Phan — Tue, 06 Dec 2011 05:00:00 PST

We're excited to continue our partnership with YouTube star and beauty guru Michelle Phan! Every other week, we'll be bringing you the best from her website, MichellePhan.com. This week, Michelle has the lowdown on making your lips kissable just in time for that holiday party:

Hi everyone,

Mistletoe is tricky. You can’t really avoid it, since you never know when it will reveal itself. You also can’t run to the bathroom and freshen up when it finally does, because that would ruin the moment, and it’s really more of an on-the-spot kind of thing.

The ultimate bubble bath is within reach

Your best defense is to just be prepared for the possibility at all times. Here are some tips to keep your lips mistletoe-ready all season long, no matter what the weather or circumstance. Check them out now.

How to: Prep the Skin For Makeup

Jaime Richards — Tue, 10 May 2011 10:50:00 PDT

The easiest way to make your makeup look smoother and prettier (and last longer) is to first prepare your skin accordingly. So after you wash your mug and pat it dry, what's next? Find out your go-to guide for getting the skin ready premakeup when you read more.

What Can I Do to Make My Skin Less Prone to Sunburn?

Real Beauty — Thu, 12 May 2011 06:00:00 PDT

We're excited to announce our new partnership with one of our favorite sites, Real Beauty! Each week we'll be bringing you some of their best advice, news, and how-tos. We're kicking things off with must-read information on preventing sunburn:

Q:

Is there anything I can do to make my skin less prone to sunburn in the summer?

A:

Obviously applying sunscreen is a must. Generously apply a broad-spectrum, water resistant formula with SPF of at least 30 to all exposed areas, including your scalp. Apply enough to fill a shot glass to your body and 1/2 a teaspoon to your face and reapply every two hours.

RELATED: Summer skin tips

In addition, wear protective clothing that is tightly woven and dark in color along with a hat and sunglasses. Several companies now make UV-absorbing clothes that have a high Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, indicating the amount of rays it absorbs. A 50 UPF fabirc will only allow 1/50th of the sun's rays to penetrate.

Last, if you use any products with retinol or glycolic and salicylic acid, consider taking a break from them as they can make you more sensitive to the sun. You can also take Heliocare supplements (available OTC at most drugstores), which have antioxidant properties and if taken before sun exposure can help maintain the skin's ability to protect against sun damage.

Photo credit: Izvorinka Jankovic

4 Ways to Protect Your Hair From the Summer Sun

Brittney Stephens — Mon, 06 Jun 2011 03:15:00 PDT

Reader dreamalittledream recently asked for tips on keeping her newly colored hair from fading in the sun in the BellaSugar Q and A group in the Bella Community. It's a great question, because while we're sure you're in the habit of applying sunscreen to your face and body, perhaps the hair doesn't get the SPF protection it might need, too. So, to find out how to help keep your coiffure from fading and frying this season, just keep reading.