Sunscreen, Self-Tanning, and Sunless Tanning

The American Academy of Dermatology has named May the official Melanoma Awareness Month, so as a precaution we’re sharing with you three things you can do now to proactively protect your skin. 

1. Sunscreen – Applying sunscreen to your skin daily is very important. Any area of your body that will be exposed to the sun should receive a layer of sunscreen to provide a healthy barrier between the sun and your skin. To best protect your skin, apply sunscreen after you’ve applied Advanced Correcting Serum and before you apply your makeup.  

2. Self-Screening - A monthly head-to-toe screening is recommended by The Skin Cancer Foundation. Knowing the various marks on your body and monitoring your skin for any new or changing lesions can result in early detection and removal of skin cancer. Refer to The ABC’s of Melanoma.

 

3. Desperate for a summer glow? A spray tan or self-tanner are the only safe options!
   Spray tans and tanning lotions have come a long way! Next time you're at the drugstore check out the variety of lotions they have to offer or search online for a MediSpa in your area that offers the best custom airbrush tan.
   All we ask is that you say no to tanning beds! Recent studies show that UV radiation used in tanning beds increases your risk of developing skin cancer and puts your eyes at risk for cataracts and corneal burns. 
   
   

Disclaimer -- *This article is to provide insight about Melanoma, not to be used for a professional diagnosis. If you or anyone you know if concerned they may have skin cancer, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist immediately.

The ABCDEs of Melanoma

As the American Academy of Dermatology has named May the official Melanoma Awareness Month so we want to share with you The ABCDEs of Melanoma because knowledge is power, and skin cancer is highly treatable - if detected early. 

An easy way to decipher if a mole on your body is normal or potentially harmful is to use the ABCDEs. This handy method from the American Academy of Dermatology will help you determine if you should schedule a screening with your local dermatologist. 

A: Asymmetry

An atypical mole will not be symmetrical.

When observing a mole on your skin the first thing you want to look at is its shape. Is the mole asymmetrical? Check to see if both halves look the same, if so, then chances are your mole is healthy.

B: Border

An atypical mole will not have a defined border.

What does the border of your mole look like, is it smooth or irregular? Does your mole have a scalloped or poorly defined border? If so, you should schedule a screening.

C: Color

An atypical mole will not be one consistent color.

Notice the color of the mole, is it all one shade or does it vary in hues of tan, brown, or black? Maybe it’s white, red or blue? A healthy spot will be one consistent color.

 

D: Diameter

An atypical mole will be larger than 6mm.

The diameter of melanoma is usually greater than 6mm, or the size of a pencil eraser. However, they can be smaller. If the size concerns you, it might be time to schedule a screening.

E: Evolving

An atypical mole will change in size and/or shape.

Is your mole evolving in size and/or shape? Keep an eye on your mole, if you notice it has changed in size or shape it’s time to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist.

Disclaimer -- *This article is to provide insight about Melanoma, not to be used for a professional diagnosis. If you or anyone you know if concerned they may have skin cancer, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist immediately. This information has been obtained by the American Academy of Dermatology and can be found at www.aad.org

7 Beauty Hacks for Glowing Skin

Summer is coming! Yes, it will be here before we know it so it's time to prepare our skin. That's why we've gathered 7 Hacks for Glowing Skin on the blog for you, just in time for summer. These are a few things you can do now to ensure your skin is at its best come time to slather on the sunscreen and put on a swimsuit.

Treat Acne and Tone Your Skin with Lemon Juice

The last thing you’ll want, come time to soak up the sun, is acne. One of our hacks for treating acne is lemon juice. A lot of people choose to apply lemon juice overnight, incorporating it into their nightly face-washing routine. If you have sensitive skin you may not want to leave the lemon juice on overnight. Instead, try applying it with a Q-tip or cotton swab right after you wash your face in the morning.

Clearer Complexion with Advanced Correcting Serum

Summertime means less makeup and more sunscreen. Now is when you should begin treating your skin to shrink pores and even out your complexion. We suggest using the Advanced Correcting Serum, an all in one anti-aging power serum designed to treat fine lines and wrinkles, fade sun spots, and correct uneven skin texture that occurs from UV damage. You can use this serum twice a day – once in the morning and once at night after you’ve washed and dried your skin. To see maximum results be sure to use an SPF 30 sunscreen during the day.

Moisturize and Reduce Inflammation with Aloe Vera

Aloe Vera is most often associated with painful sunburns, but it is also a great natural solution for your skin. When taken internally Aloe Vera helps a myriad of digestive problems and skin issue. When applied topically, aloe can be used to moisturize your skin, help minimize inflammation of the face and neck, and reduce signs of aging. Bonus hack: Use Aloe Vera when you get an insect bite this summer to treat redness and irritation.

Diminish Dark Circles and Wrinkles with Bright Eye Booster

If you’re experiencing puffiness or dark circles under your eyes, you need Bright Eye Booster. In six minutes or less, dark circles diminish, wrinkles are reduced, skin is left toned and perfectly moisturized. This eye booster is perfect all year round but will come in handy when traveling this summer. Bright Eye Booster can be applied both under and over your makeup and used multiple times a day.

Treat and Tone Your Skin with Tea Bags

Tea is not just for drinking! After you’ve finished a cup of tea there are a variety of ways to reuse the teabag to treat your skin. Have a green tea bag? Use a cotton swab to soak up the remaining juices and apply to your face as a toner. The combination of cold tea bags and Aloe Vera can provide relief from a sunburn. How’s that for a dynamic duo? Lastly, chamomile tea bags are a great natural remedy for eczema when applied to the affected area.

Say Goodbye to Cellulite with Sugar Shrink Body Scrub

It’s time to start prepping for your first spray tan of the summer. Yes, even though it will be summer you should still consider a spray tan. Why? Because too much exposure to UV Rays (the sun) is bad for your skin, and a faux glow is a perfect alternative. Before your spray tan, you’ll need to exfoliate your skin to remove the dead skin cells. During a bath or shower, scoop a small amount of the scrub into your hands and gently rub on your skin in a circular motion. Rinse thoroughly, then pat skin dry. This will not only leave your skin feeling silky smooth, it will reduce the appearance of cellulite and even extend the life of your spray tan. Sugar Shrink Body Scrub can also be used pre, and post pool day to rehydrate your skin.

No More Pimple Panics with Toothpaste

Using toothpaste to treat a pimple as soon as it appears, or shortly after, will not only reduce the redness and inflammation, it will also cause a pimple to clear up faster. Another alternative is to dab a small amount of the Advanced Purifying Cleanser on a Q-tip or cotton swab and apply it to a pimple. But wait, do not wash it off! Instead, let the cleanser hang out on your skin for a while; the high-performance ingredients in this cleanser will help to address redness and irritation and remove airborne pollutants and residue.