LOVE . SUN . BEAUTY

If you're anything like me, you are obsessed with having perfectly polished nails at all times. I have been painting my nails since the age of three. I love getting my nails done and can't stand chipped nails. That is why I have turned to gel manicures. A gel manicure usually lasts me about three weeks, while a regular manicure will last me a little over a week. Unfortunately, I have learned that BOTH gel and regular manicures come with some risks. So what do we do?

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Lets start with gel manicures. For gel manicures, the technicians apply a special polish to nails and then cure the product, usually for four to eight minutes, using ultraviolet light. While with regular manicures, technicians will apply regular nail polish and then let it air dry for about 10-15 minutes.

Dermatologists have discover that the light used to set the gel manicure is actually the same kind of light that causes sun damage to our skin. But don't worry! A study shows that on average it would take about 11 visits over two years to reach the levels of exposure that would cause sun damage. Even though the risk for developing cancer is small, the risk is still there.

To limit the risk, the study’s authors recommended using sunscreens or UVA protective gloves when getting a gel manicure. I actually purchased a pair of our Original Driving Gloves, and cut the tips off to use every time I get a gel manicures. These are great because they are UPF/SPF 50+. and they block 98% of UVA/UVB rays. I would highly recommend purchasing two pairs; one for driving or other daily activities, and one for when you are running to the nail salon for a gel manicure (you must cut the tips).

Even though I am fully aware of the risks, and I usually wear my UVA protective gloves, I try not to get a gel manicure every time I go in to get my nails done. This is because gel actually weakens the nails causing the top layer of the nail to peel off, and break easily. So every once in a while I like to get a regular manicure, or just get my nails cleaned to help them breathe and repair.

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Now let's look at regular nail polish, and it's risks. Most nail polish brands, usually used at nail salons, contain harsh toxic chemicals that could be harmful to your health!

 

The idea of nail polish as a risky substance gained traction in 2006 when public health advocates began a nationwide protest concerning three compounds — often referred to as “the toxic trio” — in leading nail polish brands.

The trio consisted of a known carcinogen, formaldehyde, used as a hardening agent, and two materials linked to developmental defects: toluene, to evenly suspend color, and the plasticizer dibutyl phthalate, or DBP, to add flexibility and sheen.

Here are a few that Mitzi told me she loves using and recommends. They use no toxins or chemicals making them natural and safer to use than gel or other nail polish brands:

Zoya^®

Created by Zoya and Michael Reyzis of Art of Beauty, Zoya nail polish revolutionized the nail industry when it began making long-lasting, toxin-free polish. Eliminating toluene, camphor, formaldehyde, formaldehyde resin and DBP from its polishes, Zoya has quickly become one of the most popular 5-free nail polish brands out there. With new colors released each season, you’ll be sure to find the perfect shade for every occasion.

- See more at: http://www.zoya.com/

Scotch Naturals^®

Making the change to non-toxic nail polish is one you won’t regret. Scotch Naturals is a safe and eco-friendly alternative to conventional polish. Their revolutionary water-based formula delivers long lasting, salon-quality results in a stunning array of sophisticated shades. Their polishes contain none of the chemicals found in typical nail polish. They are “3 Free” as well free of ethyl acetate, butyl acetate, nitrocellulose, acetone, and heavy metals.

- See more at: http://www.scotchnaturals.com/

RGB Cosmetics^®

Aiming to bridge the gap between green beauty and luxury cosmetics within the nail space, RGB is a modern product line. Featured in national press, including Vogue, W Magazine, Allure, and The Today Show, RGB’s formula removes harmful carcinogens often found in nail color. The chip-resistant and high shine nail colors, contain no Formaldehyde, Toluene, DBP (dibutyl phthalate), Formaldehyde Resin, or Camphor, making it a Five Free Formula. All RGB products are cruelty free, vegan, and made in the USA.

- See more at: http://www.rgbcosmetics.com/

LVX^®

LVX brings you luxury and fashion without compromise. They are dedicated to launching the hottest collections for each season by translating the top runway colors based on emerging trends in high fashion. Their long lasting, chip resistant and gel-like formula is free of the 5 toxic and harsh chemicals found in most common nail lacquer formulas. LVX products are formulated without the use of Formaldehyde, Formaldehyde Resin, DBP, Toluene and Camphor. LVX nail lacquer is cruelty free. All products are produced in the U.S.A.

- See more at: https://www.shoplvx.com/

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We recommend stocking up on a few of your favorite colors from any of these brands, and taking it with you when you get mani/pedis to ensure that you are safe and your nails are healthy. Also, don't forget your UVA protective gloves, and sunscreen before gel manicures. Some nail salons have and offer gloves when you are there, however, they are usually not UVA/UVB tested. Make sure you get the right pair at www.sundriven.com and stay safe!

XOXO

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Authors: Nazanin Yashar

Sources: http://www.latimes.com/fashion/alltherage/la-ar-gel-manicures-cancer-study-20140529-story.html
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2014/01/02/ask-well-is-nail-polish-harmful/?_r=0

I bet you've heard the phrase "just put on some lip gloss and get over it!" at least once in your lifetime. Well ladies, that might not be such a good idea anymore...at least not in the sun.

Lip gloss is definitely one of my personal favorite cosmetic products. I can't leave the house without it, and I need it to complete my look every time. The glossy finish brightens my face up, and makes my lips appear more plump and moisturized.

Although you might think that this post is about the ingredients in the actual lip gloss that could cause skin cancer, its not. The problem with lip gloss is the fact that the vast majority of them have no sun protection built into them. Some dermatologists also feel that the shiny nature of lip gloss attracts the rays of the sun, gathering them and focusing them onto the lips like a magnifying glass.

Look at it this way, dermatologists have stated that baby oil is not a good idea for bathing in the sun. This is because it contains no sun protection, and creates a glossy finish on the skin that concentrates the rays of the sun so that you’re much more likely to suffer from a burn. Lip gloss may present a similar problem.

Regardless, the lips are commonly missed when it comes to applying sun protection along with these other spots:

1. Scalp
2. Eyelids
3. Lips
4. Ears
5. Chest
6. Back of Neck
7. Back of Hands
8. Back of Legs
9. Tops of Feet

What most people don't realize is that these areas are also skin, and they need to be protected. But could you apply sunscreen to your lips? The answer is yes!

I personally would not enjoy getting sunscreen into my mouth, so I would recommend just applying a lip balm with an SPF of at least 30 underneath lip gloss before leaving the house. Dermatologists also recommend wearing lipstick underneath your gloss, which serves as a sunblock.

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Here are some natural, SPF protected lip balms that I have discovered, and can't wait to try:

LIPLUX^®SPF30 Original Formula

• 70%+ Certified Organic
• Hypoallergenic
• UVA/UVB Broad Spectrum Protection
• Vitamin and antioxidant enriched
• Water Resistant (80 minutes)
• No nano-sized particles

- See more at: http://www.coolasuncare.com/liplux/spf-30-lip-balm

Kiss My Face^®Sport Lip Balm SPF30

• Extra SPF 30 protection for active adults and children.
• Long lasting.
• Organic ingredients is preservative free and water resistant.
• With natural beeswax, coconut oil, vitamin E, shea butter and scented with lime and spearmint essential oils.

- See more at: http://www.kissmyface.com/natural-lip-care/item/101/Sport-Lip-Balm-Spf-30

Eco Lips^®SPF 30 Sport Lip Balm 

• SPF 30 UVA/UVB protection.
• A hint of vanilla is tucked into an all-day moisture treat for your lips. 
• Ingredients include Organic Sunflower Seed Oil, Organic Beeswax, Organic Cocoa Butter, Organic Coconut Oil, Organic Aloe Vera Leaf Extract, Vitamin E, and Organic Calendula Extract.
• Gluten and cruelty free! 

- See more at: http://www.ecolips.com/store/products/8-eco-lips-spf-30-sport-lip-balm.aspx

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Comment if you use any of these products or are looking into purchasing, and let me know what you think of the post. Sending protected kisses!

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Authors: Nazanin Yashar

Sources: http://www.doctoroz.com/blog/susan-evans-md/can-lip-gloss-cause-skin-cancer
http://www.ebay.com/gds/10-Commonly-Missed-Places-to-Apply-Sunscreen-/10000000177404919/g.html

Sun protection is trickier than it seems. It’s not as simple as slathering on any old sunscreen you find in the back of your medicine cabinet. Sunscreen products come in a vast array of sizes, shapes and SPF’s. There are broad spectrum, waterproof, water resistant, sweat proof, hypoallergenic, and the list goes on. It all can be a tad confusing.

However, armed with a better understanding of sun protection products and application standards, you will be better prepared to guard your skin against skin cancer, and other photo-aging skin issues. So how do you protect yourself and your loved ones from the ravages of the sun? Let’s start with the basics.

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Not all sunscreens are created equal

Only around one in five women wear sunscreen on a daily basis; and even if you are one of the few, you may still not be getting sufficient protection.

One of the biggest misconceptions about sunscreen is that the higher the SPF the more protection they offer. Grab a sunscreen with SPF 50 and you’re good for the day. This is not true and may lull people into a false sense of security. SPF factors have a law of diminishing returns. In fact, according to a report published June 2011 in Drug and Therapeutics Bulletin, most experts agree that after SPF 30, the additional protection is negligible, estimated to be only 1 or 2% higher.

Although SPF ratings are important, the new magic word you should always look for is broad-spectrum. There are two kinds of solar rays: short ones called UVB that cause redness, burning and with prolonged exposure, skin cancer, and long ones called UVA that cause skin cancer and photo-aging of the skin. Broad spectrum means that the product is offering protection against both the short UVB rays and the long UVA rays.

Without broad-spectrum, you’re only being protected from UVB rays. Sunscreens that aren’t broad-spectrum protect against sunburns, but not the dangerous UVA rays that penetrate deep into the skin, some research cites rays penetrating as deep as the subcutaneous fat level, and can cause skin cancer and premature aging.

SPF level doesn't offer insights into UVA protection. Product manufacturers have never before been required to provide labeling information regarding UVA protection. To get the broad spectrum claim, manufacturers will have to show that the amount of UVA protection proportionally increases as the SPF level increases. The product will also need to be SPF 15 or higher.

FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation has mulled over how best to test for UVA protection since 1978. "We were having difficulty arriving scientifically at a standard test method that everyone could use and a way to relay that to the consumers in a way that would be effective," said Dr. Janet Woodcock, director of the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation. Beginning in June 2012, new sunscreen labels will include a label to show for the first time, how well the product protects users against cancer-causing UVA.

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A shot glass a day = 1 ounce

You’d be surprised at how much sunscreen you need to apply to your exposed skin every day. The dermatologist’s rule of thumb is one full shot glass, equivalent to 1 ounce, is needed to cover the exposed areas of the body. Adjust the amount of sunscreen applied depending on your body size. Most people only apply 25-50 percent of the recommended amount of sunscreen. If you are using the recommended amount of sunscreen every day, a bottle should not last you beyond its expiration date. But, sunscreen does lose its efficacy with time, so be sure to always check the expiration date before applying.

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The two-hour rule

No sunscreen, waterproof or not, protects your skin all day. Even if you’re on dry land, sunscreen’s protection fades. The general rule is to reapply every two hours, more often if you’re in the water or exercising. Additionally, experts recommend applying your sunscreen to dry skin at least 15 minutes prior to sun exposure to allow the product to penetrate and bind with the skin.

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Wear more than makeup with SPF

By now, it’s clear how important it is to protect your skin from the sun, especially the delicate area of the face, hands and décolleté, which can show signs of photo-aging more quickly than other areas. But how do you add a sunscreen into your makeup routine for the best protection?

A broad spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF 30 should be applied to clean, dry skin, before any other facial product, according to Dr. Neal Shultz, with DermTV.com. An average adult requires ¼ a teaspoon to cover the face. Allow the product to soak into the skin and then apply the rest of your makeup.

Many foundations and moisturizers on the market now have SPF protection. This is a great extra layer of protection when worn with an additional sunscreen. The majority of makeup products with SPF, are not broad spectrum and will not protect you from the highly damaging UVA rays.

SPF numbers do not add up. If your foundation has an SPF of 15 and you apply a sunscreen with SPF 15, you still only have protection of an SPF 15. That is why it is crucial to ensure that the first layer of protection that goes on your skin is a sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.

To top off your makeup routine, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying compressed powder with a sponge because the powder's particles provide some sun protection, and powder will help keep sunscreen and moisturizer in place.

Finally, do not forget the sensitive area of the lips. Avoid using opaque high gloss lipstick with little pigmentation. Dr. Christine Brown, a dermatologist at Baylor University Medical Center in Dallas, reports that shiny lip balms and glosses actually attract the sun's ultraviolet rays to the lips, which can increase your risk of skin cancer. Dr. Brown says you actually increase the light penetration through the lip surface by applying lip balm or gloss to your lips.

Protecting your lips from the sun is as important as protecting your skin. Dr. Brown recommends applying a base of lip sun block of SPF 30 under lipsticks or lip glosses. For extended exposure, you should continue to reapply the sun block to your lips.

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Seek additional protection

Wear protective clothing, such as a long-sleeved shirt, pants, gloves, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, where possible. Ordinary clothing provides limited sun shield when dry (the tighter the weave, the better) but little or no protection when wet. Special sun-protective clothing is a wise investment for those who accumulate everyday sun exposure and spend excessive time out doors. You can purchase our beautiful sun protective apparel here.

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Math Time

Let’s compare a few numbers: The average size sunscreen is 8 oz. To use the dermatologist recommended dosage you will apply 1oz, twice daily. At this use rate, your bottle will last 4 days, or you will be using 7.5 bottles a month. The average cost of sunscreen is $10. $10 x 7.5 bottles = $75 a month. $75 dollars a month x 12 months = $900 a year on sunscreen! Yikes! Someone pass me the sun protective clothing please!

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It ALL counts!

Remember that all time outdoors matters towards cumulative sun exposure. As the Skin Cancer Foundation says, "every days exposure counts; you do not have to be actively sunbathing to get a damage dose of the sun".

Take into consideration activities such as driving to work every day, walking to and from your car, home, office, etc that could result in a 1/2 hour of "exposure" per day. Adding this up over the course of a working year, assuming 50 weeks of work, one accrues about 125hours of UV exposure.

Every second, minute, hour, you spend exposed to UVA and UVB rays count towards the damage being done under and on the surface of your skin.

UVA rays penetrate clouds and even tinted glass, so unless you are protected, you are never safe from their assault. "In the western world, drivers and passengers spend a significant part of their lives in cars. In Europe, the figure is 274 hours per person a year, while in the US it is 541 hours a year. Sources: Commerzbank; Roland Berger report"

That’s an additional 541 hours of potential sun exposure and damage. Now, add in the cumulative every day exposure and the average person spends 666 hours exposed to UVA/UVB rays! That’s more than enough reason for all of us to be reaching for our favorite UV protective clothing and bottle of SPF 30, broad spectrum, sunscreen.

"For a long time, the public has needed a clear message about the effectiveness of sunscreen," said Dr. Ronald Moy, president of the American Academy of Dermatology. "Ultraviolet exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer."

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Authors: Mitzi Runyan and Catherine McGrath

Sources: http://abcnews.go.com/Health/SkinCare/sunscreen-stricter-labeling-protect-cancer-causing-uva-light/story?id=13835798 http://abcnews.go.com/Health/SkinCare/sunscreen-stricter-labeling-protect-cancer-causing-uva-light/story?id=13835798 http://abcnews.go.com/Health/SkinCare/sunscreen-stricter-labeling-protect-cancer-causing-uva-light/story?id=13835798 http://www.dermtv.com/how-often-reapply-sunscreen-makeup http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/features/sunscreen-and-your-makeup-routine?page=2 http://voices.yahoo.com/lip-glosses-balms-may-increase-risk-skin-1419857.html?cat=69 http://specials.ft.com/ftit/june2001/FT3A72I0JNC.html http://abcnews.go.com/Health/SkinCare/sunscreen-stricter-labeling-protect-cancer-causing-uva-light/story?id=13835798&page=2