SPF

Favorite Find Friday: StriVectin Sun Kit and Eye Bundle

Written on May 24, 2013 at 9:43 am , by Molly Ritterbeck

Even though the forecast is looking a bit dismal for the holiday weekend for us New Yorkers (meh!), I’m still looking forward to enjoying some time outdoors—protected, of course, because yes, you can get rays even when it’s cloudy outside. So whether you’re headed somewhere sunny or just planning a staycation this weekend, one of the best things to have on hand is this convenient travel kit from StriVectin. The Sun Kit and Eye Bundle ($59, strivectin.com) holds an Age Protect Sunscreen SPF 30, Intensive Concentrate for Stretch Marks and Wrinkles and Eye Concentrate for Wrinkles housed in a cute little orange pouch. Plus, it includes a UV indicator bracelet, which alerts you when you’ve been in the sun too long and serves as a reminder to reapply sunscreen. Speaking of sun protection, if you’d like to help contribute to The Skin Cancer Foundation, head over to the StriVectin Be the Face of Safe Sun app to submit your profile picture to be included in their mosaic. For every picture submitted, StriVectin will donate $1 (up to $10,000) to The Skin Cancer Foundation. Once they receive all 10,000 pictures to complete the mosaic, they will share the interactive design as a fun, inspirational way to continue to spread awareness of skin cancer.

Elite Paddler Jenny Kalmbach Shares Her Sun Protection Picks and Paddling Tips

Written on March 20, 2013 at 2:47 pm , by Molly Ritterbeck

To most, paddleboarding is an up-and-coming sport, gaining popularity each year, but for Jenny Kalmbach, it’s been her focus for a long time. After paddling for six years, she’s established herself as one of the sport’s high profile racers, even being honored with SUP Awards’ 2011 Female Paddler of the Year. As an athlete who is passionate about both her demanding sport, and her love for the environment, she teamed up with Morgan Hoesterey in 2010 for Destination 3 Degrees, a standup paddle journey across the channels of Hawaii, to raise awareness for the Algalita Marine Research Foundation and to fight against plastic contamination in the ocean. That kind of eco-conciousness is what brought the suncare brand Coola to her attention. She’s teaming up with the luxury organic company, and here, dishes about her love for paddling and their products.

What sparked your interest in stand up paddling?
“I moved to Hawaii in 2005 and I got a job shortly after working at a beach and golf club. It was back when stand up was just starting out, you didn’t see it anywhere. We had a couple of standup boards at work, and a few of the guys would go out and paddle. So after some time, I started paddling and also surfing. A few years later, I entered my first paddling race. This was back in 2007, so it was still really new. It’s just so much fun and I love doing it. In 2008, a friend called to tell me about a race that was taking place in California and it was the Battle of the Paddle and they suggested I try to do it. I wasn’t really sure because I hadn’t raced against 70 other people before, but I took a chance, flew out and ended up winning the women’s division.  So I think that kind of set off this whole thing in motion where I was like ‘Wow, I can compete and I love this and it’s really fun.’ I haven’t looked back since.”

You’re always outside and in the water paddling and surfing. I know you’ve teamed up with Coola Suncare as their spokesperson—how has the brand aligned with your SPF and skin needs? 
“Just spending so much time in the sun and being fair-skinned, it’s really important for me to cover-up. So when I’m outside, I’m generally with a hat or sunglasses or long-sleeves and I always try to wear my sunscreen. But the problem before was I was always really nervous about what was in the sunscreen so I tended to stay away from using too much sunscreen and I tried to just cover up as much as I could. And then about a year ago, a friend of mine introduced me to Coola and I really loved that it was made with natural and organic ingredients so I felt really comfortable putting it on my skin. I wear it all the time now. I’ve just absolutely fallen in love with it; it’s an incredible brand.”

What’s your favorite product?
“I’d have to say the Mineral Sport SPF 35 Citrus Mimosa ($36, coolasuncare.com) is my favorite. That’s what I tend to use the most when I’m paddling. I also love their ER line, they have a good face wash, Environmental Repair Plus Clear Recovery Foam Wash ($24, coolasuncare.com). They smell so good. And the Liplux is good, too ($12, coolasuncare.com).”

So switching gears to your workout routine, how do you stay fit outside of the water? 
“I go to the gym 2-3 times a week and I have a program that changes every 3 weeks. I do spring training in the gym and then on top of that I do a triathlon once a year. I run, swim and bike as a side thing to stay in shape. I really enjoy biking because it’s really good for building power and endurance. So in the gym it’s spring training and then sprints on the treadmill and then outside it’s biking or swimming.”

So cool! I did my first triathlon last summer and am itching to do another this year.  
“Yeah! It’s so fun. I’ve done a few as relays. Two years ago, I did my first solo and I really liked it. It’s fun because it’s three different sports so you don’t feel that you’re constantly doing the same thing. You can kind of mix it up through your training so it’s really exciting. I have a Tuesday training tip I put on my blog and I talk about different exercises you can do in the gym for paddling or last week, I did a sprint workout that I like to do for running.”

I’ll definitely check that out. Do you have any favorite snacks that give you tons of energy for these intense workouts? 
“When I’m racing and training, I really like Honey Stinger products. They make these waffles and chews and they’re all honey-based, and organic. So I’m a really big fan of that brand. I’ve also used Bonk Breaker bars in the past, which are really delicious and they’re gluten-free so they tend to be a big hit with people.”

Any advice for someone who wants to break into paddling or try it out this summer? 
“Yeah! Depending on where you live, it is so accessible now anywhere that has a body of water; it can even be a pond. The best thing to do is go with somebody or find somebody who can give you a few pointers, just because the first time you do it, it’s kind of nice to have an idea of what you’re doing. But it’s a really easy sport to pick up; anybody can do it, all ages. And it’s really fun. First just try it; some people are hesitant to try it because they don’t think they can do it but anybody can do it. Just get out there and try it and just enjoy being out there.”

Ski Star Julia Mancuso on Skin Cancer Awareness, Sunscreen and Squats

Written on January 2, 2013 at 5:00 pm , by Molly Ritterbeck

Julia Mancuso, professional skier and three-time Olympic medalist, knows a thing or two about sun protection. Not only is she religious about shielding her skin on the slopes, she’s the granddaughter of a dermatologist. So when she was asked to team up with the American Academy of Dermatology for their SPOT Skin Cancer initiative to raise awareness for skin cancer, it was the perfect fit. As a “SPOTlighter” for the campaign, Mancuso is spreading the word to better the public’s understanding of the deadly disease and motivate them to change their behavior to prevent and detect skin cancer.

Tell me about the SPOT Skin Cancer Campaign and why it’s important to you.
“I grew up being really in tune with taking care of my skin and wearing sunscreen and taking the right steps to protect myself on all occasions. I actually preach to my teammates all of the time, saying, ‘Make sure you’re wearing sunscreen!’ And then my grandpa mentioned something about the America Academy of Dermatology, and working with them and how they were coming up with a new campaign. They contacted me and it was just a real natural introduction and fit to help promote the campaign.”

Many people mistakenly think they only need sunscreen during the summer or at the beach, so why is sun protection important year round?
“It’s so important—especially for someone like me who spends so much time outdoors training in the sun in the winter. In the past, I’ve been guilty of having a goggle tan, so that’s the first indication to me that you get a lot of sun outside in the snow, even when there are clouds and you think that it’s not penetrating. I’m proud to say that I haven’t had a goggle tan since I was a young girl. It’s really important to protect yourself at all times.”

What’s your sun protection plan when you’re training?
“Every morning, I wake up and put on a moisturizer that has SPF 30, and then I put a regular sunscreen on top of that. We spend a lot of time training and then take a break in the lodge so I always reapply when I go inside or I keep it with my water, so anytime I stop for a drink, it reminds me to put more sunscreen on. In the summer when we’re training outside in high elevation for glacier skiing, I try to wear a handkerchief to block sun reflecting off the snow, too.”

Do you have any favorite sweat-proof sunblock products?
“I like wearing Shiseido products—they’re really great for all-weather protection. I like to wear the Shiseido Sun Protection Liquid Foundation ($35, shiseido.com). I think that it’s nice you can get a little coverage when your skin gets red from being outside.”

What are your other beauty must-haves?
“Well, recently, I’ve been using Osea Malibu, they use all-organic algae in their products. I use the Essential Hydrating Oil ($28, oseamalibu.com), which I find really good in the winter because you’re not putting heavy creams on. You can moisturize with a clean oil, even just the spots that get dry, and then you’re not putting on too much product that feels heavy underneath scarves and hats.”

What are some of the best exercises skiers can do to become stronger?
“A basic squat is the most typical exercise because skiing involves a lot of core strength and quads and glutes, but for me, I think the biggest myth for skiers is that you want to have really strong quads, but it’s actually that you want to balance your hamstrings and quads. So when I’m doing a lot of exercises, I focus on lifting my tailbone coming up so I’m really engaging my hamstrings as well which prevents knee injury.”

How do you like to stay in shape during the off-season?
“I think a great thing for skiers is biking. I really like to ride my road bike, so I do a lot of road biking and spend time in the gym doing squats and Olympic lifting and jumping. Agility work, box jumps and other plyometrics are great for skiing.”

Favorite Find Friday: Mario Badescu Oil Free Moisturizer SPF 30

Written on October 19, 2012 at 10:36 am , by Molly Ritterbeck

SPF everyday is a must for me, but I can’t be bogged down with a two-step process in the morning, so I need a daily moisturizer that also contains sunscreen. Some can feel heavy and chalky but Mario Basescu Oil-Free Moisturizer SPF 30 ($26, mariobadescu.com) is so lightweight and hydrating, you can’t even tell it has broad-spectrum SPF in it. The green tea antioxidants and aloe vera soften and soothe tight skin. I swipe it on every morning before applying my makeup for instant hydration and the daily sun protection I need.

Skin Cancer is Color Blind

Written on July 18, 2012 at 12:21 pm , by Fitness Magazine

If you have brown skin, skin cancer may not be top of mind—but it should be.

Research by L’Oréal Paris USA has shown that sun can cause DNA damage in all skin types light to dark. Ultraviolet induced DNA damage is the number one reason that skin cancer develops, so this science debunks the ”people of color don’t get skin cancer” myth.

The truth is, only 17 percent of surveyed minority respondents had been to a dermatologist for a mole check, and over 65 percent of surveyed African American adults had never worn sunscreen.  The incidence of skin cancer is going up particularly fast in Hispanic and some Asian populations, and because of delayed detection it is more likely to be deadly in those with darker skin. Skin cancer is curable if caught early, so everyone regardless should be wearing broad spectrum SPF 30 daily, getting skin checks by a dermatologist yearly, and doing monthly self-skin checks with particular focus on new/changing lesions of the palms/soles and genital skin.

—By Mona Gohara, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale School of Medicine in New Haven, Connecticut

How To Safely Exfoliate On Sunny Days

Written on July 10, 2012 at 11:06 am , by Fitness Magazine

Dry, dead skin is our summer glow’s kryptonite. From the sticky gym to grimy subway rides, we run our complexion into the ground. When our faces are nearly as flaky as our mom’s apple pie crust, we turn to exfoliators to reveal young, radiant skin. We hit up Beverly Hills dermatologist Debra Luftman to give us the scoop on how to safely slough during sunny months.

New Skin + Sun = Damage Exfoliating reveals a brighter complexion, but you can actually do more harm than good if you’re not cautious about staying out of the sun. “One needs to be careful during the summer after using peels and scrubs,” Luftman says. “Skin can often be inflamed or more sun sensitive.” She warns that because it is new, previously unexposed skin, permanent hyper pigmentation and/or scarring may occur.

Physical (And Chemical) Education There are a couple of ways to smooth your skin. Dr. Luftman breaks down the options:

Physical exfoliators: Srubs that physically remove the dead skin with beads, salt, sugar or a granular material.  Choose a scrub with rounded, non-irritating beads, which won’t tear or abrade the skin. Luftman’s pick: Aveeno Positively Radiant Skin Brightening Daily Scrub

Chemical exfoliators: These contain acids like glycolic, salicylic, lactic and malic. These ingredients loosen and lift dead cells, leaving new, vibrant skin behind. Editor’s pick: Murad Intensive-C Radiance Peel

Make A Weekend Of It “It’s best to do a peel when there is an opportunity to stay out of the sun for at least two days, like on a weekend,” Luftman says. “Even after the wait period, it’s important to continually protect the skin with sunscreen.” She recommends slathering a broad spectrum SPF 30 or above on all exposed areas daily. You can’t overdo it!

—By Cody Marick, beauty intern

Music Festival Beauty Survival Guide

Written on July 5, 2012 at 1:29 pm , by Fitness Magazine

Music festivals are one of the many joys of summertime, but they don’t make for an ideal beauty situation: Think dusty fields, searing hot sunshine and sweaty mosh pits. If you’ve got a festival or two (or just a concert) on your agenda, here are some tips for staying pretty and comfortable from the opening bands through the midnight headliners.

Forget foundation: It’ll be a gooey mess before your favorite DJ has made it through their set. Use a sheer, lightweight tinted moisturizer with SPF, or just spot cover with concealer.

Prime everything: Your eyelids, your face, your hair. Even if you don’t plan to wear makeup, primer still helps tame shine and grease. Keep frizz from acting up with a smoothing hair cream or serum: Apply in the morning when your strands are wet, and don’t step outside until they’re completely dry. Any moisture in hair + humidity = instant pouf.

Swap products: Switch out your go-tos for longer-lasting versions, like a cheek stain instead of powder blush, waterproof mascara instead of regular, clinical strength deodorant instead of basic protection, and eau de parfum for more fleeting eau de toilette.

Pack your protection: Pop a mini tube of sunscreen in your purse and reapply at least every two hours or if you start sweating. The searing hot sun is no match for unprotected skin, so add insurance by sporting a chic floppy hat, too.

Prepare for porta-potties: There likely won’t be toilet paper, or anything remotely hygienic for that matter. Stash a mini pack of tissues or wipes and a tube of hand sanitizer in your bag to make the experience as pleasant as possible.

—By Cody Marick, beauty intern

Great Skin, No Sweat

Written on June 19, 2012 at 10:33 am , by April Franzino

As a Pilates instructor, tennis player and founder of the skincare line Stages of Beauty, Jasmina Aganovic has a few tricks up her sleeve for keeping skin in top shape, both in the gym and out.

• Stay toned. Pack toner-soaked cotton balls in your gym bag and swipe over your face for a quick purifying cleanse.
• Take cover. You may be indoors, but UV rays can reflect off of metal and glass surfaces in the gym, causing skin damage. Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30 or above both before and after workouts.
• Hands off. Don’t touch your face with your sweaty hands during your session—body heat opens your pores, making skin apt to absorb bacteria and clogging dirt and oil. Wipe down any mats before touching them or bring a towel to lie down before you begin.
• Double up. Apply an exfoliator or mask all over your face before you step in the shower, then rub in and rinse before getting out: The treatment ingredients will work while you wash, and the steam enhances penetration.

Olay’s Handy Guide to Navigating the New SPF Rules

Written on May 24, 2012 at 2:33 pm , by April Franzino

Our friends at Olay just shared this fun infographic explaining the FDA’s new sunscreen rules— plus protection tips— right in time for Memorial Day weekend. Here’s to a happy, safe summer!

Melanoma Monday: 5 Sun Secrets You Need To Know

Written on May 7, 2012 at 2:01 pm , by April Franzino

Each year, there are more new cases of skin cancer than breast, prostate, lung and colon cancers combined. Arm yourself with these sun protection secrets from FITNESS Advisory Board member Mona Gohara, M.D., assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Yale University and founder of K&J Sunprotective Clothing.

1. Commute carefully:  Cancer-causing ultraviolet rays can come through the windows of your car, home or office. Studies in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology show that in the U.S., left-sided skin cancers— and aging— are more common as a result of sun exposure during driving. Regardless of weather conditions, apply a light, broad-spectrum SPF of 30 or higher on your face, arms, and hands before hitting the road.

2. Get out early: Choose the morning to have (protected) fun in the sun. Research published this year in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences shows that afternoon sun exposure is five times more likely to lead to skin cancer. Scientists say this is because a protein the body produces to repair damage caused by ultraviolet rays is most active in the mornings. In general, seeking the shade between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M. is best, but when this isn’t possible, try to get an early start to your day.

3. Know your ABCDE…F and G’s: Do monthly self skin exams and look for any spot that is new, not healing or— as gross as it sounds— bleeding, oozing or crusting. When examining moles, be on the lookout for asymmetry (one side doesn’t equal the other), border/color irregularity, lesions growing in diameter, and anything evolving (itching, hurting, etc.)— but don’t forget to look at your fingers/toes and genitalia. Skin cancer can come anywhere, and it’s usually more dangerous in those not-so-easy-to-see spots.

4. Say no to tanning:  When someone’s first tanning booth exposure is in youth, their chances of developing melanoma are increased by 75 percent.  It has also been shown that ladies who use tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma. Additional studies have concluded that tanning can be as addictive as hardcore drugs, making it a hard habit to break.

5. Don’t rely on dark skin: People with dark skin are not immune to skin cancer— fact it can be more deadly in this population. A survey in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology showed that only 17 percent of ethnic minority respondents has been to the dermatologist for a skin check. Everyone, regardless of skin type, should wear sunscreen daily and seek the care of a dermatologist for guidance on optimal skin health.