FitSugar

Which SPF Is Right For You?

FitSugar — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 14:33:02 PDT

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

Are UVA and UVB Rays Equally Harmful?

FitSugar — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 14:30:00 PDT

Sunscreen is a must for anyone who spends time outside. Your bottle probably mentions something about UVA and UVB rays. Since you care so much about your health, I thought I'd refresh your mind on the difference between the two.

UVA rays: These are less likely to cause sunburn than UVB rays, but they penetrate your skin more deeply. Watch out because UVA rays can go through windows, lightweight clothing, and even your car windshield. Prolonged exposure cracks and shrinks the collagen and elastin in your skin, which is why UVA rays are responsible for signs of aging including wrinkles, saggy and leathery skin, and suns spots.

UVB rays: These are responsible for tanning your skin, but they also cause sunburn. UVB rays are the main culprit when it comes to skin cancer. These rays also go through windows, and it doesn't matter if it's cloudy - you're still at risk for exposure.

Although both types are responsible for different health risks, they're equally harmful to your skin. So if you're planning on enjoying the day outdoors, lube up with a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays 20 to 30 minutes before heading out. Reapply at least every two hours.

Sunscreen Stats

FitSugar — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 10:15:00 PDT

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

Get Your Butt in Gear: Sunblocker Rashguard by Title Nine

FitSugar — Mon, 09 Jul 2007 03:00:00 PDT

If you plan on spending a lot of time in the sun and the water this summer season, I highly recommend investing in a sunblocking rashguard. While the O'Neil UV Protection Rashguard does the trick, the Sunblocker Rashguard ($45) by Title Nine does the job with a little more fashion sense.

Title Nine commissioned two surfers, both women, to design this guard, and they definitely gave the rashguard a feminine touch. The sleeves though short, completely cover the shoulders but allow for freedom of arm motion. You can paddle out without feeling restricted. The neck is also a little higher, like a mock turtleneck, providing just a little more sun protection. The guard provides both UVA and UVB protection.

Buy it directly from Title Nine. It comes in pink Punch (pictured above) or light blue Water.

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.

UVA vs. UVB Sun Rays

FitSugar — Wed, 28 Mar 2007 14:00:00 PDT

We all know that the sun is bad for our skin. Here's a quiz to test your knowledge on UVA and UVB rays.

Do You Apply Sunscreen Every Day?

FitSugar — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 07:00:18 PDT

With Summer officially here and sunny days the norm, wearing a sunscreen has never been so important. Even though I always wear sunscreen on my face, I am not very good at remembering to wear it on other parts of my body. Dumb, I know. But after returning from the beach with a slight sunburn, I've been doing my best to apply it to the rest of my body every day too. By investing in a moisturizing sunscreen I've made it easy on myself because I don't have to put on a sunblock before a moisturizing lotion.

Besides preventing sunburn, wearing a UVA/UVB sunscreen is defense against wrinkles, sun spots, and, most importantly, skin cancer. And while it might be a pain to do this every morning, it's worth the benefits. How about you . . .

Sunscreen: Healthy or Hazardous?

FitSugar — Thu, 27 May 2010 07:00:28 PDT

A few years ago, I went to the dermatologist to get a suspicious mole checked out on my back. The doctor agreed that it looked like it could be malignant, and I was so freaked out. I started to feel really bad that I hadn't been better about using sunscreen every time I went outside. I was grateful that the mole wasn't cancerous, but it was a huge wake-up call to me. Now I'm religious about slathering it on my whole family, all year round.

But a recent report from the Environmental Working Group says that sunscreen is actually a health hazard, and that the chemicals it contains can "accelerate the growth of skin tumors or disrupt the intricate workings of your hormonal system." They also believe that sunscreen gives us a false sense of security. We feel that sunscreen protects us from skin cancer, so we end up spending more time in the sun.

Before you ditch your bottles, the American Academy of Dermatology disagrees, saying that sunscreen is indeed beneficial in helping prevent skin cancer. They do agree that not all sunscreens are created equal, and that most people don't apply sunscreen as often as they should, and when they do, they don't use enough.

For tips on buying the safest sunscreen and how to apply it so you stay protected,

3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Makeup Sweat-Proof This Summer

Jaime Richards — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 06:00:00 PDT

Summer has officially arrived, and while you may want to bust out the old Slip 'n Slide from the attic to cool down, when it comes to your makeup, the last thing you want to think about is any kind of slipping or sliding.

There's no way to completely stop makeup from remaining completely sweat-proof, but there are a few ways you can make it wear more nicely as the mercury rises, with tips from Shiseido's Lien Huynh. To find out more, just keep reading.

The FDA's New Sunscreen Rules: What They Mean For You

Jaime Richards — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 12:02:42 PDT

It's been a long time coming, and after 33 years with no major updates on sunscreen labeling, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is cracking down. Starting next year, manufacturers will be required to eliminate SPF confusion by making it clearer as to what level and type of protection sunscreens provide. "These changes will help people make better-informed decisions about how to use sunscreens and allow them to more effectively protect themselves and their families," the FDA's Janet Woodcock said. To see the main highlights of the FDA's modernized rules, just keep reading.