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!

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!

One of the reasons why I don’t really wear foundation too much is I can never seem to find a shade that will match my skin perfectly and even though I do use mineral powders for a smooth finish the skin care, makeup products I have used to even out my skin tone have been the kind to lighten and brighten your complexion like CA Botana’s Doctor Schwab Flawless Skin Fluid or Dr. Perricone’s Ceramic Skin Smoother. 

Last night however I saw a commercial from Almay on their  Smart Shade Foundation.  Basically the foundation goes on as a white lotion which contains microscopic color beads that once they make contact with your skin are activated and transform into your skin’s perfect shade. Now that’s pretty smart!  The foundation also has an SPF 15 and natural antioxidants like grapeseed, gingko biloba and ginseng that keeps your skin glowing.

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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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.

This is the first I’ve heard of this… a facial cleanser with suncscreen.  Freeze 24-7 has created a first - a face wash called Ice Shield™ that contains sunscreen, an SPF15 to help keep skin hydrated and protected from sun’s damaging UVA/UVB rays.  I would think that the SPF protection would just wash off but the new technology allows Ice Shield™ to bind the sunscreen to the skin while the cleansing washes away dirt and impurities. I would probably recommend sudsing it up for a few minutes to let Ice Shield™ do it’s magic.

Tanning under the hot rays is not really recommended nowadays but does this mean that we are going to stop doing it?   Imedeen, I guess knows the answer to this because they have come out with a pill you pop - the Tan Optimizer  which increases melanin production (the pigment that makes us tan), therefore increasing your tan potential.  Patented delivery system and vitamins C, E, Beta Carotene and Lecithin. One capsule a day is all you need.  Don’t forget sunscreen is still a must.