Tag Archives: sunscreen

by | May 6, 2013 · 6:00 am

It’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month And Today Is Melanoma Monday: Here’s What You Need To Know To Be Safe This Summer

melanoma_monday_rouche.comSkin Cancer Awareness Month kicks off today, and with it, we wanted to share tips for how to keep your skin protected. This is serious business — skin cancer is the most common cancer, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, and Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is the most common cancer for 25- to 29-year-olds. Washington DC-based dermatologist, Elizabeth Tanzi, MD, shared with me her summer skin safety tips. Think you can do these this summer?

1. Wear sunscreen — broad spectrum SPF 30 or more is a must. Reapply every two to three hours when you are in direct sunlight. For the body, try Blue Lizard Sunscreen, Sensitive, $24. For your face, try Elta MD Skincare UV Facial Broad-Spectrum SPF 30 Plus, $23.

2. Stay out of the sun during peak hours (10am – 2pm). When you are out, wear hats, sunglasses, long sleeves and do your best to find shade.

3. Get a full-skin exam by your dermatologist. I did mine last week and it took ten minutes. That’s it. Do it once a year. Also, check your own skin every few months to determine if any skin lesions are changing size, shape or color. Schedule your appointment now — if you always have your appointment around Melanoma Monday, you’ll have a built-in reminder. To find a free cancer screening near you, visit the American Academy of Dermatology at aad.org.

4. If a mole has changed in size, shape or color, have it checked out immediately, says Dr. Tanzi.

5. Try a powder sunscreen. I’ve been using Tickle Time Mineral Powder Sunblock, $35, and I also dust it on my kids to reapply — it’s much easier than holding them still to slather their cheeks with cream while they are playing at the park.

6. No tanning beds. Ever. Ever. Ever.

For more stories like this, check out What You Should Know About Sunscreen Before Slathering It On and Beauty Problem Solvers of the Week: Natural Sunscreens

When’s the last time you got your skin checked?

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by | June 27, 2012 · 5:23 am

Grooming 411: Sunscreen Alert

Even though he tans at the drop of a hat, my husband Dave is a sunscreen convert — I got him to change over years ago, mostly because I burn so easily, the only thing I would allow in our house was SPF 50. But he’s not the norm. A new survey by The Skin Cancer Foundation reveals that nearly half of men in the US admit to not using sunscreen in the last 12 months and 70 percent of men don’t even know what skin cancer warning signs to look for. So all those dudes spending Saturday and Sunday on the golf course? Um, that’s scary. If the man in your life (hubby, boyfriend, dad, brother, friend, co-worker, you get the point) isn’t wearing sunscreen, you are the biggest influence so make sure he knows what’s what. So share the wealth about how important it is to cover up. For more sunscreen facts, check out What You Should Know About Sunscreen Before Slathering It On. And here are three guy-friendly sunscreens we recommend:

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock SPF 55 sunscreen, $9

Banana Boat Sport Performance UltraMist Sunscreen SPF 110, $11

L’Oreal Men’s Expert Comfort Max Anti-Irritation After Shave Balm with SPF 15, $8

For more sunscreen facts, check out What You Should Know About Sunscreen Before Slathering It On

Does your man wear sunscreen?

- Carrie Stern Kleiner

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by | June 13, 2012 · 6:27 am

Reader Q: “What’s a Good, Non-Greasy Sunblock I Can Wear Under Makeup?”

Reader question: “What is a good sunblock that I can wear under makeup that isn’t too greasy or heavy?” — Brooke

The answer: Sunscreen is arguably the most important beauty product to keep in your arsenal (IMHO). And when it comes to sunscreen you apply under makeup, you need to find a lightweight cream or serum that absorbs quickly into your skin. Sounds easy, right? Try telling that to the 50 half-used bottles I’ve tested over the years. Though many claim to go on “sheer” or “invisible” few actually deliver. The one I recommend over and over again because it does work fabulously under makeup is Dr. T’s Supergoop City Sunscreen Serum SPF 30+, $42. It goes on ultra-sheer and has awesome sun protection that’s perfect for every day. The clincher: It also combats premature aging with Uniprotect PT-3, an ingredient that promotes cell renewal — all while being super-moisturizing. It’s my go-to and is probably your best bet.

Now that you know sunscreen is my number one beauty product, tell me what yours is.

– Carrie Stern Kleiner

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by | June 6, 2012 · 6:34 am

What You Should Know About Sunscreen Before Slathering It On

You may have heard the buzz about the new FDA regulations on sunscreen that go into effect this summer, but if not, here’s the 411 on the changes you’ll care most about, and what to keep in mind before you slather on your SPF and hit the pool or beach this summer (especially since most of the products on the shelves currently may not have been held to these standards) :

  • Sunscreens will now be tested for their ability to protect you from both UVB and UVA rays. The SPF number previously only applied to UVB protection. If a product offers sufficient protection from both the cancer-causing rays and the aging rays, then it can be labeled “Broad Spectrum”. If it’s not labeled “Broad Spectrum”, skip it.
  • Products can no longer claim to be sweatproof, waterproof or sunblock because these claims can’t be backed up. Instead, products can be labeled water resistant and they will also state if they are water resistant for 40 minutes or 80 minutes, so you’ll know exactly when to reapply. I kinda love this, it’s so much more specific.
  • Products must have an broad spectrum of at least SPF 15 to claim that they reduce your risk of skin cancer or early skin aging.
  • Though not part of this year’s regulation changes, the FDA is going to take a closer look at spray sunscreens. Though these are super convenient, it’s hard to know if you’re applying the recommended amount in order to get the level of SPF protection the package claims to provide. If you want to be sure that you’re getting the protection listed on the label, for now, stick with a sunscreen lotion.
  • The FDA may also cap SPF levels at 50 instead of allowing the SPF 100+ products since they haven’t been able to prove that you do truly get better/longer protection from an SPF that high. I personally stay away from these really high SPFs because they usually contain more chemicals, but won’t necessarily protect you any better.
  • Powders and wipes as sunscreen delivery methods may also not be eligible for FDA approval in the future — testing is being done on their effectiveness, so you might want to steer clear of those if you are looking for quality protection you can depend on.
  • None of these regulations change the basic rules of sunscreen use, which are: Reapply every two hours, use a shot glass-sized dollop of sunscreen to cover your body and use a teaspoon full for your face.

For more scoop on these changes, check out this helpful post from Dr. Claudia Aguirre, the International Dermal Institute’s Scientific Communications Manager or consult the FDA’s page about the new regulations.

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