It is very hot today. The kind of heat that makes you want to crawl into the shade and sleep. Miniature lizards scurry across footpaths and unusual iridescent bugs the size of pebbles buzz drowsily as they get stuck on the wrong side of my glass door. The air is heavy with the fragrance of hibiscus and frangipani. Parakeets remain active; bursts of colour that explode into the air from hidden vantage points, calling out to each other. 

The breeze does occasionally lift, but it doesn’t bring relief, it just washes over you with even warmer air. You can’t lose enough layers to get comfortable. Venturing out without sunscreen is a serious risk, at best a painful red burn; at worst, the very real risk of melanoma. The only places of solace are either air-conditioned or near the ocean. For those lucky enough to live near the beaches. The inner city in summer must be a claustrophobic choking nightmare, 40 degree heat combined with dust and exhaust fumes and the relentless pace of the CBD. No option there to strip down to boardies and take a refreshing swim at lunchtime. The main beaches are inundated with tourists and locals alike seeking relief from the heat. The crowds are carefully watched over by the red and yellow clad lifeguards, who will have to endure the pain of not being able to save an estimated 80 people from drowning this summer.

It isn’t even summer officially yet…it starts on the 1st December. Summer in Sydney means dry lightning and bushfires and sand too hot to walk on. Shops keeping their chocolate bars in the drinks coolers so they don’t melt. It means celebrating Christmas in the middle of summer, Santa depicted wearing boardshorts and flipflops. It means month after month of almost guaranteed temperatures over 30 degrees. I will spend a good part of this summer indoors in pleasantly air-conditioned surroundings. Summer + Christmas = no time off for those working in retail. It works for me, I’ve spend much of the past 3 years in colder snowier places and sometimes the heat here is too much, I admit. I’ll leave next March after 1 year and 1 month in Sydney. Long enough for a small  pale person from Scotland I think.

 (This was intended as a bit of practice to improve my descriptive writing, but if it comes across as a slightly rambling heat induced stream of consciousness…I apologise. It really is very hot today).

Today the sun very nice.

Make everything look very bright.

COLOUR INTENSITY!!!!

A bit like Australia lah.

But no flies! But damn bright, need shades got no shades.

Sing, floss, stretch. But trust me on the sunscreen.

I wrote recently about the elective class that I am developing and teaching on popular music.  I’m covering a decade per week and a song per day.  Within each song, I highlight an interesting grammar, vocabulary, or pronunciation point.

Developing this class has meant combing through many online resources including lists of Billboard number one hit songs on Wikipedia and best-of-the-decade lists such as AOL’s radio blog, which is a good place to start because you can listen to most of the songs on the list.  I’ve also found that the website sing365.com tends to have the least errors of all of the lyrics websites that are returned in Google searches.

I intend to post the list of songs I’ve used at the end of the quarter (I might even link to the Google Docs spreadsheet that I used to record all of the songs I considered for each decade) but for now I thought I would post the following music video, which I plan to use tomorrow, the last day before Thanksgiving break.

The song is actually a spoken word piece which has an interesting story.  While not a traditional pop music video, I think the message is inspirational without being cheesy.  Plus, there are lots and lots of examples of advice using the imperative.  It might not get you through the last two weeks of the quarter, but it doesn’t hurt.

I smell things. Most things, in fact. If I’m eating something new, guaranteed I’m going to sniff it before I put it in my mouth. I smell people too. And yes, I will judge you based on that smell. The same goes for houses, laundry, cars, pets, new electronics, locker rooms…I always inhale.

The following are my top 10 smells. I defy you to come up with a superior list.

1. Toast.

2. Hot asphalt that has been sprayed with a hose. Preferably in the summer, preferably while washing your car and listening to classic rock.*

*It’s my list. I’ll be as specific as I want.

3. Rain.

4. Grass; this includes freshly-cut grass as well as wild grass that has been baking under the sun all day.

5. Any baked good containing apples.

6. Jasmine.

7. Men’s deodorant.

8. Woodsmoke.

9. Books, whether a fresh new paperback or an old, crinkly-paged novel I found at a used book store. They just smell interesting.

10. Sunscreen. So. Damn. Nostalgic.

Summer is all about having fun and looking good, but the summer months can also cause our skin various problems. As well as the obvious dangers of sunburn and skin cancer, there are other problems we have to worry about too such as oily skin. So what exactly can we do to prevent skin problems this summer? The answer is all in your skin care products!

The Top Skincare Products to Keep in Your Summer Collection:

Luckily for us, there are some products designed to keep us looking happy and healthy, allowing us to spend more time doing the things that we love. Keeping your body healthy during the summer months includes looking after your skin, hair and lips, protecting them from the suns harmful rays. So just what products help us to protect our body during the summer?

All Important Sunscreen

The first product which had to be mentioned was that all important sunscreen. Whilst we may be bored of hearing all the various warnings out there regarding wearing sunscreen, there are reasons why it is always mentioned. One of those reasons includes the people who buy sunscreen but it is not waterproof.

Whilst it is OK to use ordinary sunscreen, it does not protect us from the water and seem as though a lot of us tend to go bathing in the sea, this is not good news, especially if you forget to apply the lotion again once you get out of the sea! So by choosing a waterproof sunscreen, you are better protected and whilst you should still reapply the sunscreen every few hours and after you have swam in the sea, it is not essential and it can wait a while longer than if you were wearing an ordinary one.

The best way to apply sunscreen is to apply it to dry skin, and leave it for at least 15 minutes to dry, before going outside. It is thought that just one ounce of sunscreen will adequately cover the whole body and keep it protected.

Finally, remember that when applying sun tan lotion, you should make sure that it has a high enough sun protection factor. It is said that you should use one which has at least a sun protection factor of 18, and if you have fair skin and freckles, you should use one which is even higher.

Sunscreen For The Hair

Believe it or not, there are products which are specifically designed to protect the hair and scalp from the sun. Spray on sunscreen for hair and some leave on conditioners, help to protect the hair and scalp from the suns harmful rays. The scalp is generally the first thing that the suns rays will touch and it can easily burn. So, for the best protection if you are not going to wear a hat, use a sunscreen spray to keep the hair and scalp protected before, during and after the sun exposure.

Finally, remember that when applying sun tan lotion, you should make sure that it has a high enough sun protection factor. It is said that you should use one which has at least a sun protection factor of 18, and if you have fair skin and freckles, you should use one which is even higher.

Do Not Forget Those Lips!

Whilst we may not actually realize it, the lips can and do suffer from damage caused by the sun. This means that in the summer months it is a good idea to look out for medicated lip balms which contain sun protection factor. Some lips balms contain a sun protection factor of up to 24, so shop around to find the best ones.

Overall, keeping your body looking happy and healthy in the summertime need not be a chore. As long as you buy the right products, you should be able to relax and enjoy the summer sun as much as possible, safe in the knowledge that you are protected. Always shop around to find the best products for you and remember using sunscreen is absolutely essential and you should never go without!

I learned some time ago to watch this video at least once every few weeks. It inspires me and keeps me on the right track and allows me to think outside the box and focus on what is important in life. I hope that you can get as much out of this video as I do.

And here is a modern BBC take on the same video that speaks out against bullying in the UK. I really thought that it was an great initiative on the part of the celebrities involved, as nothing effects a kid more really than sustained and long term bullying. If your a youngster watching, listen to these words, they really are true.

Katrina Vollado has struggled with her own self-image for years. As a person without normal pigmentation, or PWONP, she often finds it difficult to feel beautiful in a culture that worships the sun and its effects on human skin.

As a PWONP, which is more commonly referred to as a “pale” person, she does not have the ability to tan like many people do. Instead, she burns to a crisp when she’s in the sun too long.

Her skin pigmentation, or lack thereof, has been a struggle for her throughout the years. That is, until, vampires made a resurgence into popular culture. Movies like the Twilight saga and “The Vampire Diaries,” Vollado has found herself suddenly proud of her porcelain skin.

Vampires, by nature, cannot be in contact with the sunlight, and therefore remain very pale. Paler than most other pop culture icons.

“I finally look like the movie stars!” she exclaims, proudly. “I’m hoping after the latest Twilight movie comes out, werewolves will become popular again and maybe I won’t have to shave my legs all winter!”

While she realizes this may be wishful thinking, it seems like a perfectly attainable goal for Vollado. After all, it wasn’t too long ago that her pale skin seemed to doom her. Now, she shows it off proudly. Occasionally wearing fangs to add to her allure.

Broad and Informative

Buser: Tanning Shows To Be a Deadly Addiction -University Daily Kansen

Text Messaging Effective in Increasing Sunscreen Use -The Med Guru

‘Wear Ur SPF’ Text Reminders Increase Sunscreen Use -Med Page Today

Text Message Reminders Can Encourage Healthy Habits -Daily News and Analysis

Put on Those Goggles with Open Eyes -The Keene Sentinel

Bill Requiring Doctor’s Note For Tanning Fails -Exploring Baltimore County

For Those Who Want Some More Info…

Shingles Pain Relief the Promise of New Prescription Patch -Examiner

Cancer Survivor Finds New Technology to Help Others with Melanoma -PR Web

If there is one thing I learned from my dad it’s how to write a letter that gets results.  I’ve written to so many companies to complain about so many things, mostly on behalf of my dad.  He’d request that I draft something and then he’d whip out his Montblanc pen (incidentally he made me write Montblanc a letter about how their ink refills were too expensive to justify their short lives) and revise away.  I think he used to love critiquing my letters about as much as he loves shopping for socks at TJ Maxx.  My dad thrives on getting a good deal.

My dad doesn’t ask me to write things on his behalf so much anymore, but after learning from the master I find myself drafting away on my own.  Among other things, I have managed to replace my defective sofa at no cost to me.  I’ve also managed to get my cousin admitted into grad school by writing her appeal letter.  The success feels great.  Now if only I was as successful in other aspects of my life.  But thats another whole post.

Anyway, after reading Jillian Michaels’ Master Your Metabolism I decided to throw out any household/beauty product that could be potentially harmful.  That was basically everything.  After the massive purge I headed to Target to restock.  Target hasn’t quite hopped on the organic bandwagon yet so selection was limited.  I did manage to pick up a few things though, including this sunscreen:

Initially I was quite pleased with this product.  It smells great, goes on well, doesn’t feel too thick.  The SPF could have been a bit higher but since I planned to reapply it throughout the day that wasn’t that big of a deal.  It seemed to meet all Jillian’s ingredient criteria too.  The only problem was that  around noon each day my eyes started stinging pretty badly.  Since my contact lenses already drive me crazy the added stinging was a bit too much for my irritated eyes to handle.  I finally put two and two together (I’m quick aren’t I?) and realized that the sunscreen was somehow getting into my eyes as the day progressed.  I gave it a few days and when the stinging kept happening I wrote Avalon a letter via their website.

It had been a few weeks with no reply.  I figured they probably didn’t care.  I put them right up there with the INS (now that was a fun letter).  So imagine my amazement today when I received not only a letter thanking me for my email but also two coupons for free products and two $3 off coupons as well!

Thank you Avalon, I am very impressed with your fabulous customer service and I am excited to give your products a second chance.

Sorry for the abrupt ending but I have to go.  I have a ton more letters to write.

You may be doing what you can to put a stop to oily skin; exfoliating, cleansing, the whole nine yards. Yet your oil glands still produce too much sebum and all that oil can occasionally drive you bonkers. However, there are some good sides to having oily skin. True, these good things are few and far in between, and do not do much in the ways of knocking out all the negative impacts oily skin can have, but you do have to take what you can get, right?

One of the better benefits to having oily skin comes in the form of tanning. When you have oily skin and prefer to go outside and soak up some rays of the sun, you can be sure to look forward to a nice, even tan. The oil on your skin keeps it well lubricated and helps to even out the sunlight shining down over your skin. This is a pleasure that people with dry skin are not so fortunate to have.

However, you must remember that just because you can receive a nice, even tan because you have oily skin, that does not mean you are less susceptible to sun damage, sunburns, or skin cancer. The natural oil the skin produces are only meant to protect your skin from so much damage, and is not meant to halt all the UV rays sunlight brings down upon you. Your natural oil is meant as a moisturizer, not as a protective sunscreen. This is why if you choose to go outside, or even to use a tanning bed, you should look into finding a good sunscreen.

As you already have oily skin, you do not want to burden your skin with more oils from sunscreen. Important to remember is that there is a large difference between tanning oils and sunscreen. Tanning oils are meant to help you brown, but most of them do not offer protection from UV rays. If there is no SPF number on it, count it out. It can be difficult to find a sunscreen that will not add to your oily skin problem. After all, it would only behoove you to buy a sunscreen, put it on your body, and then discover later that it has only helped to clog your pores, aiding in a new acne outbreak, or has simply made your skin look and feel even oilier.

Easy ways to avoid this would be to avoid lounging outside in the sun altogether, or at least as little as possible. Yet you still want your beautiful bronze tan, correct? The answer is simple; buy a self-tanning product. A spray or cream can be just what you need to get that been in the sun for hours look without actually having to be in the sun for hours. Companies have been working hard and getting better and better at getting the right colors for instant tanning products, so you do not have to worry as much about winding up orange as you might have several years ago.

If you truly wish to lie out in the sun and take advantage of the even tan your oily skin can offer you, then you should look into appropriate sunscreens to help keep your skin safe from too much damage and the development of skin cancer. You will most likely have to shop around, looking for sunscreens that are specifically made for oily skin. You can even go to online forums where the discussion is all about oily skin and ask members what some good options may be. Or you can check with your dermatologist to see if he or she has any good products in mind.

Whichever option you decide to use, always be sure to take good care of your skin so it remains strong and healthy for you in the future.

Recently, one of my readers described her daily exfoliation routine and asked if its possible that she is exfoliating too much.  While she loves the soft feeling of her skin, I have to say that daily exfoliation is not ideal.  When we exfoliate, we are sloughing off dead skin cells that accumulate over time and need a little help coming off.  When exfoliation becomes a daily ritual, we cause damage to our outer layer of skin and can actually make problems worse.

Your skin has a very delicate balance of oils, and when you exfoliate too much, it can throw that balance off leading to dry patches, tightness, and over production of oil.  When these problems arise, we then feel like we need to exfoliate more!  With all of this exfoliation then comes vulnerability to external damage like UV rays and a speeding up of the aging process.

Ideally, one should exfoliate just a couple times a week.  Whether you prefer a scrub or chemical to do the job, it shouldn’t be done more than 2-3 times per week.  The over-exfoliaters out there might go through some withdrawals, but over time, your skin will adjust, and go back to functioning normally.  Your oils will balance out, your skin will start to feel softer, it will protect itself better and be less sensitive.  I also can’t stress enough to remember to top off your skin care routine with an antioxidant rich sunscreen!

Plastic surgery is often used as a way to combat the arrival of wrinkles. While this is a very invasive way to accomplish the goal, it is often successful. With plastic surgery, it is so important to research the procedure and the surgeon very carefully. This is a major surgery and should not be taken lightly. While there have been many wonderful results, there has also been some disasters with plastic surgery.

Basically, when a face-lift is performed, the skin of the face is literally lifted off, pulled up and stitched back into place. The end result is tighter skin with no wrinkles. This procedure is not permanent and signs of aging can and probably will occur again in the future. Since there has been so much in the media regarding doctors who are performing this surgery without being properly licensed and the number of people who complain of botched face-lifts, please do extensive background research before letting them perform it on you. Double check the credentials of the surgeon. A good resource is The Ethical Cosmetic Surgery Association (www.Ecsaonline.com)

Botox and restylane injections are two other popular ways to rebel against the aging process. These types of procedures have gained in popularity, mostly because they are quick and if done by a licensed professional, are safe. You do want to be sure you carefully check to make sure that the practitioner is, in fact, properly licensed and experienced.

Botox is a protein that has been purified from Clostridium botulinum. The fact that Botox is a form of Botulinum is the reason that it is so important for this procedure to be done by an experienced practitioner. Do not be pulled in by someone who says that they can give you Botox or collagen injections for a fraction of the cost of a doctor. These are scams and all too often use either substandard or completely fake injection materials. It is best to be safe and use a doctor with a good history using these methods. It will be worth the extra cost.

The best way to prevent wrinkles and, therefore, the need to fill them in, is with proper diet and exercise. Keeping in shape and eating a healthy diet that includes the proper vitamins and water intake is the best way to keep your skin healthy for years to come. If you find that you are not getting the proper vitamins and nutrients, ask your health care provider about supplements.

Starting with a healthy diet that includes plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and lean meats, you will have a good head start on keeping hour the elasticity of your skin last longer. It will also benefit your general health, so it is very much worth the time and effort to follow a well-balanced diet.

While vitamin supplements are widely available over the counter, the decision as to which is best for you can be a bit overwhelming. Your doctor will be able to ask you questions about your diet and exercise regimen and recommend the right supplements for you.

There are other changes that you can make to your daily schedule, right now, that will have an effect on the appearance of wrinkles. For example, if you smoke, you will notice the appearance of wrinkles around your mouth. While quitting smoking may not be easy, it is a step that will not only make your face look younger, but your whole body as well.

Sunscreen is another thing that will help keep your face wrinkle free for longer. The use of a sunscreen that is at least a 15 SPF will prevent sun damage, cancer and wrinkles. If this habit is formed when a person is young, the sunscreen will help to greatly reduce the early onset of aging signs. This doesn’t mean, however, that starting later in life will have no impact, the opposite is actually true. Cosmetic manufacturers know this to be true, as well and many have included SPF 15 sunscreen in their make-up, from foundations to eye shadows.

Drinking at least 32 ounces of water daily will help your skin stay hydrated and supple. Hydrated skin does not wrinkle as quickly or as severely as skin that has not been taken care of. If you have trouble fitting the full 32 ounces of clear water into your daily routine or find that you simply don’t like plain water, try mixing in some lemon or a low calorie flavored drink mix. Besides helping to keep your face free of wrinkles, water is essential to keep your body hydrated and healthy.

By combining healthy eating habits, water, sunscreen and the correct vitamin regimen, you can greatly reduce wrinkles and the procedures that are then needed to correct them. This will also benefit your general health. Please remember before starting any exercise or vitamin plan to speak with your doctor or health care provider.

Copyright (c) 2007 Barry Lycka

This is one of the biggest acne myths around. Regardless of your skin colour, type or age, sun exposure will dry, damage and age your skin. Proection is essential.

It is understandable however why this myth continues; on exposure to the sun, skin dries and ages. When acne skin dries up, the bacteria have less to feed on so the acne lessens.

This short term improvement however is ineveitably followed by an onslaught of much worse acne… Dry skin means dead skin cells. Dry acne-prone skin means a sudden burst of oil as your skin tries to rehydrate. These two factors combined provide a perfect scenario for another acne outbreak.

When you have acne, your skin is not at its most healthy. It is fighting bacteria attacking it while trying to regenerate as fast as it can to get rid of the acne and guard against scarring. The last thing it needs is to have the sun drying it out and creating more scaly dead skin cells sitting on top of your pores to block them and encourage your acne.

With less dead skin cells sitting on your skin to clog your pores, you also have less dead skin cells to protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. With a battle going on inside your pores, your skin is too preoccupied to effectively fight off sun damage as well.

The bottom line is that you must protect your skin. Sun exposure is damaging for normal skin but for acne skin it is even more incredibly harmful.

How do I protect my skin?

If your moisturiser contains both a UVA and a UVB sunscreen and has an SPF of at least 15, you can skip this. If not, you will need to apply a sunscreen to your face first thing every morning.

If your moisturiser does not contain adequate sunscreen or you want to make doubly sure by applying a separate sunscreen, the application process is very similar to applying your moisturiser.

1. Wait until your moisturiser has soaked in.
2. Wash your hands, rinse thoroughly and dry.
3. Apply your sunscreen to the palms of your hands.
4. Rub your palms together to warm up your sunscreen. This helps activate the emollients and humectants in the sunscreen so it is more likely to soak into your skin.
5. Pat your sunscreen gently onto your skin until it has soaked in. Try not to rub it in.

Protection top tips

- Sunscreens and sunblocks usually protect your skin from many types of pollution as well as sun damage. Wear it all the time unless you are in bed asleep.

- Apply your sunscreen even if you are planning to spend the day indoors, it is raining or you are going to be underground. The sun’s rays can be travel through glass and are often magnified by bouncing off cloud cover.

- If you are going out in the evening after you have done your evening skincare routine make sure to apply your sunscreen too. You need to wear protection anytime you are outside and there is no damage to your skin in having sunscreen on overnight.

- If you cannot avoid going out in the direct sun, apply sunscreen every two hours, wear sun protective clothing, a hat and sunglasses. Especially avoid the sun between 10am and 4pm as this is when the risk of sun damage is highest.

Under no circumstances should you actively seek sun exposure, use tanning beds or purposefully sunbathe if you have acne. While you may see a short term gain, in the long term you are in fact encouraging your acne and making it worse.

Look after your skin and it will start to reward you by becoming healthier.

Kaya loves Dora. Thank goodness for grandparents who indulge her in her passions. For I only get her the ‘natural’ toys. You know, the boring ones.

So even though I have not purchased her any Dora, she has Dora movies, a Dora van, Dora painting , Dora books and Dora figurines. These consist of Soccer Dora, Camping Dora, Boots and Dora, Birthday Dora and Skin Cancer Dora. You heard me right. Skin Cancer Dora. See for yourself:

Here is what she should look like:

Click Here For Images &
Dora The Explorer Pictures

Tragically, Dora got skin cancer this past summer after spending the summer outside in the crab sandbox/water table with no protection. Not even a bloody sun hat. She is doing okay though a little weak. She does not feel much up to exploring these days. Kaya would like to know why Dora looks so ‘ugly’ and this is where I decide Dora is not so bad after all. She is totally helping me instill the value of sunscreen. Dora looks scawy sweetheart? You too will be scawy yellowy wrinkly patchy if you don’t wear your sunscreen. What? You’d like some sunscreen on? Willingly? Thank you Dora. No more threatening, chasing, forcing, pinning down to apply sunscreen. Just a pleasant “Do you want to look like Scary Dora?” does the trick.

Due to the environment men now need more than just a wash, shave and a splash of aftershave. They need much more to protect their skin.

The skin care regimens for men are aimed at educating men, not only of the benefits gained in having younger healthier looking skin but also of the health benefits as well.

Not only is a man’s skin 20% thicker and firmer than most women’s skin due to extra collagen and elastin found in their skin but it also tends to be more oily with larger pores which tend to collect sweat and dirt more readily. Add to this the dehydration caused through daily shaving and this can have a serious affect on the skin.

In order to avoid dehydration, skin problems and the early signs of aging such as wrinkles, good skin care is vital.

Besides just washing your face, your pores need to be cleaned out which will help keep the oils down and help prevent acne.

Also needed for skin care is a good cleanser specially formulated for your skin type is the best way rather than a bar of soap which can be made of harsh chemical that as well as clean also strip your skin of vital oils and have a scouring effect as will alcohol based after shave products.

Using a swivel-head razor rather than a disposable razor is a good habit to get into.

Next on the list for men’s skin care is a moisturizer, again using one that is made for your skin type will rejuvenate your skin. Many men with oily or trouble skin are afraid to use moisturizer but the right one will not cause you any problems for your skin.

What you are replacing into your skin is moisture, not oil. At this point it is appropriate to mention that most men’s skin care ranges are formulated especially for men which means no “girly” fragrances.

One much overlooked part of men’s skin care is sunscreen. You wouldn’t go for a day at the beach or a picnic with applying sunscreen. Yet your face is exposed to the sun and the other elements every day, apart from the drying effects of the sun, research has shown that skin cancer on the face is increasingly common.

So the skin care program should include protecting your most exposed parts of your body, your face and hands with at least a 15+ SPF sunscreen is something that should become as automatic as shaving.

Many moisturizers now have is built in sunscreens or alternatively, you can use any brand of sunscreen with the required level of protection, remembering to reapply at regular intervals.

It is not too hard to find a men’s skin care range to suit your skin with many leading companies developing good quality products to clean, moisturize and protect your skin.

It’s time to clear a spot in the bathroom for the new skin care products to help protect your skin and keep you healthy.

Spotted, saggy skin. That’s not exactly the image that a soothing day at the beach congers up. Yet that’s precisely how ill-protected skin ends up after years of fun in the sun gone wrong. You can fend off unwanted solar lentigines (those pigmented spots and freckles resulting from sun exposure) and lose, wrinkled skin by avoiding the four most common suncare bloopers.

For starters, Dr. Ara DerMarderosian, professor of biological science at the University of the Sciences in Philadelphia suggests using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) higher than 15 to shield the skin from UVA and UVB rays. DerMardersosian explains that, “UVB is what gives the burn. The UVA is more powerful and is what penetrates the skin. This can lead to more deep seeded problems such as cancer.”

Regardless of how simple applying a sunscreen seems, a lot can go wrong with this simple act. It’s these innocent mishaps that allow skin damage to sneak up on even the most devote sunscreen users.

1.Not applying sunscreen soon enough

One of the first foul ups with sunscreen is waiting too long before applying it. For example, one summer, researchers examined the sun protection activities of 352 families as they arrived at the beach. Ninety-eight percent of the families using sunscreen applied it after arrival at the beach. Moreover, the typical delay time for rubbing on sunscreen after arrival to the beach was 51 minutes.

For optimal protection, apply sunscreen at least twenty minutes prior to sun exposure, and reapply the agent every two hours or has directed by the label.

2.Not laying sunscreen on thick enough

The next sun care folly is not applying enough sunscreen to the skin. The United States Food and Drug Administration suggests applying 2 miligrams of sunscreen per each centimeter squared of skin. Yet, when forty-two volunteers applied sunscreen to their bodies while enjoying the sun, scientists observed that the bathers slathered on less than half of the recommended amount of sunscreen.

Don’t be stingy with your sunscreen. Coat your body with a thick layer of sunscreen that the skin absorbs in about one to two minutes.

3.Deceived by clouds

Have you seen those red, confused beach goers duped by clouds? I happens all the time in during overcast San Diego days. And so DerMarderosian recommends using sunscreen even when it’s cloudy. DerMarderosian notes, “Some people don’t know that the sun’s rays can penetrate through the clouds, and they may get a pretty good burn, even though it’s a cloudy day.”

4.Not using food to bolster sun protection

Who says sunscreen only comes in bottles? According the a report in Biomedical Papers, some foods contain agents called phenolics that may protect the skin from UV-induced free radical damage, photo-aging and skin cancer. Phenolic containing foods include: cherries, cocoa, berries, apples, citrus fruit, plums, tomatoes, olives, broccoli, lettuce, soybeans, artichokes and wild rice. Pack some of these solar protecting foods along on your next outing.

Years from now, as you glance over your family photos featuring your days at the beach, I hope you will be able to congratulate yourself for avoiding these four sun-fun-foul-ups, and instead enjoy your tight, lesion free skin.

Sources:

Bech-Thomsen N & Wulf H. Sunbathers’ application of sunscreen is probably inadequate to obtain the sun protection factor assigned to the preparation. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology and Photomedicine; December 1992-1993, vol 9, no 6, pp 242-4.

Bickers, D & Athar M. Novel approaches to chemoprevention of skin cancer. Journal of Dermatology; November 2000, vol 27, no 11, pp 691-695.

Mitani, Hiroaki1et al.Topical application of plant extracts containing xanthine derivatives can prevent UV-induced wrinkle formation in hairless mice. Photodermatology Photoimmunology & Photomedicine; April/June 2007, vol 23, no 2-3, pp 86-94.

Robinson, June & Alfred Rademaker. Sun protection by families at the beach. Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine; May 1998, vol 152, no 5, pp 466-470.

Svobodov

Paula's Choice Essential Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF15

From www.cosmeticscop.com:

My Skin Type:
Actually very oily, but surpressed with BHA exfoliator. Results in generally ranging from very dry to normal/combo skin. Generally dehydrated, very sensitive, and acne prone.

Packaging:
Large, opaque plastic tube with flip-top cap. Very convenient.

Texture:
Thin lotion, very easy to spread.

Sun Protection Level:
This product uses Avobenzone as its UVA filter, so protection is broad. With other filters combined, this product covers all harmful UVA and UVB.

Paula's Choice Essential Non-Greasy Sunscreen SPF15 - Protection Spectrum

Problem may arise if you don’t believe that Avobenzone is stable; as this product doesn’t contain Octocrylene. Me myself is torn between the 2: there are studies that prove Avobenzone is stable, other studies dispute it.

Read the ‘What Else You Need To Know’ section if you’re not familiar with photostability term.

My General Review:
I used to use the Paula’s Choice Essential Moisturizing Sunscreen SPF15 for my leisure at-home weekends, and loved it to bits. It was a combination between Octinoxate and Titanium Dioxide in a refreshingly fluid lotion. Yes, the PPD may be low, that’s why I only use this behind thick curtain and UV-filtering film at home. And it seems to keep my face nice and white (unlike the popular Clarins UV Plus!).

But the nice stuff get discontinued! D’oh. Ever since, I used other light SPF15 sunscreens from PC, and Essential Non-Greasy SPF15 is one of them.

It doesn’t disappoint. The texture is similar to the Essential Moisturizing SPF15, which I highly prefer because it makes it easy to apply tons of it evenly. The fresh texture means there’s no overly greasy/sticky residue, hence I don’t need to set it with powder.

I was dry then, so when I used Essential Non-Greasy SPF15, I always put heavy moisturizer underneath. So in the end, the feel is somewhat similar to the Essential Moisturizer SPF15. I personally think Essential Non-Greasy SPF15 can be used by normal/dry to combination skin.

As for the protection, I love that it’s broad, but I don’t prefer to use this for daily sunscreen as I tend to pick 3% Avobenzone product to ensure higher UVA protection. And, this product doesn’t stabilizer, so I don’t know whether it’s stable or not.

Aside from the stabilizer issue, the ingredient list is great. It contains antioxidants and soothing agents. Typical of Paula.

What Else You Need To Know:
Photostability issue is a condition where an UV filter breaks down under the presence of UV; essentially beats down the function of an UV filter.

Avobenzone has been quoted here and there as not photostable on its own, therefore it needs photostabilizer to make it work as a UV filter. Some of Avobenzone stabilizer are Octocrylene, Mexoryl SX, Tinosorb S, and Tinosorb M.

Application:
This can be used alone, but I prefer to use a separate moisturizer. Either way, always apply this liberally and evenly though.

Availability:
As always with Paula’s Choice, no good ole’ brick and mortar store available. You’ll need to order it online, if it’s available in your country or region.

Price:
In its home country, it’s sold at US$14.95 for 177ml. In Indonesia, it’s IDR295,000. Quite a difference! But there’s a lot of product in there, so it’s still quite economical compared to other products.

Ingredients:

Active Ingredients:
Octinoxate (Ethylhexyl Methoxycinnamate) 7.5%, Octisalate 5%, Avobenzone 2%, and Oxybenzone 2% (sunscreen agents).

The healing power of Vitamin D

1. Vitamin D is produced by your skin in response to exposure to ultraviolet radiation from natural sunlight.

2. The healing rays of natural sunlight (that generate vitamin D in your skin) cannot penetrate glass. So you don’t generate vitamin D when sitting in your car or home.

3. It is nearly impossible to get adequate amounts of vitamin D from your diet. Sunlight exposure is the only reliable way to generate vitamin D in your own body.
4. A person would have to drink ten tall glasses of vitamin D fortified milk each day just to get minimum levels of vitamin D into their diet.
5. The further you live from the equator, the longer exposure you need to the sun in order to generate vitamin D. Canada, the UK and most U.S. states are far from the equator.
6. People with dark skin pigmentation may need 20 – 30 times as much exposure to sunlight as fairskinned people to generate the same amount of vitamin D. That’s why prostate cancer is epidemic among black men — it’s a simple, but widespread, sunlight deficiency.
7. Sufficient levels of vitamin D are crucial for calcium absorption in your intestines. Without sufficient vitamin D, your body cannot absorb calcium, rendering calcium supplements useless.
8. Chronic vitamin D deficiency cannot be reversed overnight: it takes months of vitamin D
supplementation and sunlight exposure to rebuild the body’s bones and nervous system.
9. Even weak sunscreens (SPF=8) block your body’s ability to generate vitamin D by 95%. This is how sunscreen products actually cause disease — by creating a critical vitamin deficiency in the body.
10. It is impossible to generate too much vitamin D in your body from sunlight exposure: your body will self-regulate and only generate what it needs.

11. If it hurts to press firmly on your sternum, you may be suffering from chronic vitamin D deficiency right now.
12. Vitamin D is “activated” in your body by your kidneys and liver before it can be used.
13. Having kidney disease or liver damage can greatly impair your body’s ability to activate circulating vitamin D.
14. The sunscreen industry doesn’t want you to know that your body actually needs sunlight exposure because that realisation would mean lower sales of sunscreen products.    
15. Even though vitamin D is one of the most powerful healing chemicals in your body, your body makes it absolutely free. No prescription required.

Adapted from “The UV Advantage” by Dr. Michael Holick

Tim James Certified PT Australian Kettlebell Instructor

Broad and Informative

For Healthy Skin, Get Some Sleep -LA Times

Beauty on a Budget: Top 10 Money-Saving Tips for Luxury Skin and Hair Care -PR Web

Dermatologists Can Help Separate Fact From Fiction for Sun Exposure, Sunscreen and Vitamin D -PR Newswire

Hair Care on a Budget: Dermatologist Offers Money-Saving Tips to Keep Hair Looking Good in a Bad Economy -PR Newswire

Saving Face 101: How to Customize Your Skin Care Routine With Your Skin Type -Earth Times

Skincare for 20’s, 30’s, 40’s, 50’s and Beyond -Manila Bulletin

For Those Who Want More Info…

Roche Stops Market Accutane Over IBD Link -Examiner

(Photo by ruschi e via flickr.com)

After a quick visit to my local Retravision in Heathmont, I’ve picked up a suitable box to pack up two network servers for shipment to Global Impact in Davao, Philippines. They’ll be going by sea, and arrive there in January, after which I’m planning to make a trip over to set them up and train the local staff in the administration of them.

However, there’s likely to be a fair bit of empty space in the box so this is an opportunity to send over basic medical supplies as well – things like:

• Band-aids *
• Non-stick dressings *
• Gauze swabs *
• Steri strips / skin closures *
• Burn cream *
• Betadine *
• Pain killers (Panadol/Nurofen)Elastic bandages *
• Instant ice packs
• Saline steritubes *
• Antiseptic steritubes *
• Triangular bandages
• Scissors
• Splinter probe
• Emergency shears
• Forceps
• Safety Pins
• Gloves
• Emergency Blankets
• Eye bath
• Universal dressings*
• Stingoes
• Sunscreen *

* denotes “can never have too many at the base!”

If you’d like to contribute, no matter how large or small, donations of goods can be delivered to Mitcham, Heathmont or Warranwood by prior arrangement – just call Philip on 0400 878 630 and we’ll make sure somebody’s there to receive you – or small parcels can be mailed to PO Box 140, Mitcham VIC 3132.

When enough people make a small contribution, the nett result goes a long way! These supplies will help Global Impact to make a significant impact in the lives of many desperately poor Filipinos.

For more information about the Davao base, take a look at the web site of Glen & Sarah Biggs (Base Leaders).