I’ve become really disciplined with applying my daily layers of sunscreen.  Even though I live in sunny California it doesn’t matter where you live.  Get into the habit of applying sunscreen.. everyday!  If only everyone knew that 80% of our aging comes from the effects of the sun.  The wrinkles, age spots also called sun spots and hyperpigmentation all start to make their appearance at some point and the less we expose our skin to the sun element the younger we will look in our latter years.

Using a good product is key.  Sunforgettable Orb SPF 30 by Colorscience
is a water resistant sunscreen made of pure minerals and offers sun protection for up to 6 hours.  The powder puff applicator makes applying fast and easy!

I just have to mention RoC Daily Microdermabrasion Cleansing Discs again.  I  started using them this past weekend and I cannot believe the difference in the dark spots on my skin, and after only a few days! The RoC skin care product says results are usually noticed within 1 to 4 weeks so I am extremely impressed after only using this manual microdermabrasion product for 4 days.  

With summer here and spending more time in the sun it’s inevitable that dark spots, also called sun spots or hyperpigmenation are going to rise to the surface and make their unwelcomed appearance.  I have tried alot of expensive brands which some have helped, but to pay only $10 and have these kinds of results??  Not only does it diminish signs of sun damage but fine lines are reduced and skin tone and texture is greatly improved.  

So easy to use.  The cleansing discs have a pocket that your fingers slide into and 2 sides: the exfoliating side with crystals which you use first and then flip over to the conditioning side which contains moisturizers.  Gentle enough to use morning and night.  I’ve also started using their Age Diminishing Facial Cleanser with soy extracts that balances out discolorations and the Age Diminishing SPF 15 Day Cream.  My overall skin tone looks amazing…I am definitely a fan and can’t wait to see results after 4 weeks of use! 

Available at your local drugstore!

Skin discoloration such as hyperpigmentation, freckles and age spots can occur from many reasons such as years of spending time in the sun, hormones, pollution, stress and free radicals. Any one of these can cause an excessive amount of melanin to be produced which then causes those dreaded brown spots to show up. To reverse the appearance of these brown spots and reveal your healthier, younger skin DDF has created the Discoloration Reversal-POD. Their sponge like applicator exfoliates and hydrates your skin on the area where hyperpigmentation occurs and allows for deep skin penetration of the new Micro-Radiance Complex so maximum results for a more even-toned skin are achieved.  Available at SkinStore.com

I wrote about retinols previously but what I didn’t do was mention any specific products.  Now that I’ve had the opportunity to try one that I really like I want to pass it on to you.  It’s by a well known company named RoC that has been around for years and has been a leading French skincare brand.  They’ve always maintained a great reputation with their line of skin enhancing and result oriented products.  Their #1 anti-wrinkle moisturizer has been clinically proven to take years off your skin.   Retinol Correxion is a combination of retinols and the latest sunscreen technology containing an SPF 30.  This is a deep wrinkle daily moisturizer that offers broad protection from UVA and UVB rays. Clinical studies have also shown that after only 8 weeks of daily use deep set wrinkles begin to diminish leaving skin healthier and younger looking.  The perfect anti-aging moisturizer and for only 19.99.

With all the articles on skin cancer coming out now that summer is almost here, it’s better to use products that have the sun protection you need, but if they can offer an anti-aging benefit as well like RoC does I’m all over it!  Availabe in drugstores.

When it comes to your night time skin care routine there is one product you must not leave out, especially if you are prone to acne, hyperpigmentation and wrinkles.  This must have anti-aging wonder is Retin-A, also known as Retinoids, has been used for over 35 years as an acne treatment then eventually becoming FDA approved for use as a cosmetic product for skin rejuvenation.  Retinol, which is the protein in the cells of Retin-A plays a major role in the development of tissues and organs as well as the immune system.  Retin-A, when applied as a cream or gel produces a mild superficial peel of the top layer of the skin known as the “epidermis” which works to strengthen and thicken the outer layer of skin producing more collagen which is something our body loses as we age.  Retin-A also affects our deeper “dermis” layer causing skin cells to regenerate faster therefore ridding the skin of the old cells and replacing with healthy new cells.  The result is a smooth, glowing and more youthful looking complexion.

Retin-A is a key element in our anti-aging treatment that removes the effects of sun damage, hyperpigmentation and helps to soften wrinkles and improve acne.  There may be some irritation with use on sensitive skin such as redness, drying and flaking.  What’s recommended then is that you combine Retin-A with a moisturizer.  Use consistently to benefit from the results and wear sunscreen daily!

Acheiving that perfect tan doesn’t have to involve long hours baking in the sun any longer and exposing yourself to the harmful effects of UVA and UVB rays.  Now getting that rich golden glow can be accomplished in just a few minutes a day with Boots No7 Shimmer Gel. It’s a great compliment to any makeup or lotion product and can also be used on it’s own.  Leave no body part unshimmered, it can even be added to eyeshadow!

To keep the shimmer looking hydrated and lasting long apply the Naturally Sunkissed Body Moisturizer which helps to maintain the tan color for up to 12 hours.  Boots No7 brought over from London has been recognized for their high quality skin care products at affordable prices and can be found at any Target store or at Target.com.  You definitely don’t want to pass up these sexy skin care products this summer.

Longer days means more sunshine exposure and therefore protection from the harmful UVA and UVB rays is a must. Smartshield offers eco-friendly products that will keep skin glowing and protected.  No days should be spent at the beach without an oil-free SPF 30 Gel that won’t clog pores like alot of sunscreens and offers waterproof and sweatproof protection. 

For those of you who don’t like to lay out in the sun but still want that golden glow try the SPF 15 self tanner that builds a tan naturally by drawing out the body’s own melatonin.  No dyes and completely natural.

Lip protection is just as important as protecting your skin and Smartshield has one of the only lip balms that offers an SPF 30 and is packed full of vitamin E and aloe vera.

Get it while it’s hot and sunny!

Stay cool and hydrated this summer with the Coola SPF 30 Cucumber face protection. Loaded with vitamins A, C, D and E, antioxidants and organic extracts of cucumber, walnut and orange.  Skin will feel silky smooth while protected from the sun’s harmful rays.

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After spending alot of time researching online and off for the best skin brightner and dark spot reducer I finally dropped into Sephora and picked up a bottle of the Caudalie Vinoperfect Radiance Serum. Even if you do regular peels like me it’s still important to use products that will keep your complexion looking radiant and if you are prone to hyperpigmentation or dark spots it’s even more neccessary to get it under control now before it’s gets worse and not to mention darker. 

The Vinoperfect Radiance Serum got some really great reviews so i thought I would give it a shot and trust me at $78 for a bottle I wanted to make sure i wasn’t wasting my money.  Caudalie research is all about the grape. The grape seed has powerful anti-oxidant polyphenols and the stalk and stems stimulate cell multiplication to prevent premature aging.  The combination of the active ingredient viniferene with other powerful nutrients helps to fight against free radical damage from the sun, pollution in the air, smoke as well as other culprits which cause a staggering 80% of our skin’s aging.  If only i would have known this years ago I may not have these dreaded brown spots now!  The Vinoperfect Serum has been scientifically proven to fade dark spots or hyperpigmentation and all within 4 weeks of use.  The serum does not contain any hydroquinone, which i’m hearing this year is going to be taken off the shelves and will only be available by perscription due to the long term side effects that can occur from it - anything from skin irritations to liver damage - isn’t worth the risk. One really great review I want to share with you that I came across on this product was from Emakeup.com.  I suggest you take the time to read it if you are looking for a new skin lightener and brightner.  I’ll check back with you in a few weeks to give you the update on how it’s working for me.

Since we’re into the fall and winter season now we have plenty of days where it could start off pretty gloomy, so naturally, we would forget to apply our sunscreen.  As the day goes on the sun suddenly finds it’s way out, beaming brightly all those harmful UVA and UVB rays, and on our bare skin! Luckily you happened to hear about Coolibar’s Women’s Wool Felt Bell Cloche Hat and left it in your car just incase.  Not only is this 1920’s style hat a cool, stylish accessory but it is also rated to block 98% of UV rays.  Rain or shine style and protection are always in.

Being in the beauty industry I always get asked “What kind of skin care products do you use?” and lately alot of ”Can you recommend a good anti-aging skin care line?”.  There are definitely alot of skin care products available on the market today to choose from.  Sometimes it can be very overwhelming.  I tend to look for result oriented products.  Whether we are in our 20’s or our 40’s we should pay attention to what we put on our skin.  Starting a good skin care regimen early will pay off later and since 90% of the skin aging and damage comes from the sun using enough spf daily is crucial whether it is in your facial cream or separate - use it daily! 

As far as choosing a good anti-aging skin care line one I have been using for almost 2 years now is the RE9 NutriminC Anti-aging skin care products from Arbonne.  RE9 was the first line of anti-aging products created to address the after effects of the sun and aging and since hyperpigmentation from the sun has been an issue for me I wanted to give it a try.  I have to say I was impressed with the results. 

The RE9 skin care line includes the NutriminC RE9 REnewing Gelee Creme Hydrating wash - a cream and PH correct gel cleanser, the RE9 REstoring Mist Balancing Toner, an RE9 SPF Day Creme that strengthens and protects the skin, the REactivating Facial Serum that increases your skin cells turnover rate - activating generation of new healthy cells while retaining the skin’s moisture and diminishing fine lines.  The NutriminC RE9 REcover night creme - heavier in consistency and helps to retain transdermal water loss while you sleep.  No skin care line is complete without the eye creme. Upon applying the RE9 REpair Corrective Eye Creme you will notice immediate firming and less puffiness. 

All RE9 products can be purchased separately or as a complete kit. The RE9 products can only be purchased online or through a skin care rep. 

F.Y.I  if you signup as a skincare rep through Arbonne for $29 you get 35% off your products forever.