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Why Switching From Chemical to Mineral Sunscreen Might Be Your Best Bet

What’s in your sunscreen?

Chemicals long used in sunblock are under new scrutiny — and may signal it’s time to start reaching for alternatives.
Some of these chemicals enter the bloodstream at a rate that should require additional safety data, according to a preliminary study published earlier this month in the Journal of the American Medical Association.
The four chemicals — avobenzone, oxybenzone, ecamsule and octocrylene — are among the 12 ingredients that the FDA recently flagged in its efforts to update sunscreen regulations. The administration has proposed new rules that would encourage manufacturers to research these chemicals before the government deems them “generally regarded as safe and effective.”
Mineral sunscreens, as opposed to chemical sunscreens, are a better bet, says Upper East Side dermatologist Michele Green. They contain zinc oxide and titanium dioxide — which the FDA has deemed generally safe and effective.
They physically block both UVA rays (those that can cause premature aging) and UVB rays (the ones responsible for burns), providing a shield on the surface of skin, instead of absorbing the sun’s rays as chemical sunscreens do.
And while Green would prefer folks — especially those under the age of 21 — slather on mineral-based blockers, she cautions that a chemical sunscreen is still safer than no protection at all.
“Should you throw it away? No, you absolutely need it to protect you against skin cancer,” says Green. “On average, a person’s risk of melanoma doubles if he or she has had more than five sunburns.”
Looking for some more guidance as you rethink your sunscreen supply?
Last week, the Environmental Working Group released its annual guide to safe sunscreens. The watchdog group’s researchers found that two-thirds of the more than 1,300 sunscreens on the market either don’t provide enough protection or contain ingredients that are especially worrisome — such as oxybenzone, which may have hormone-disrupting qualities dangerous for kids. You can type in the name of your sunscreen at EWG.org to see how it ranked and get a full ingredient breakdown.
Mineral sunscreen’s only con? Its reputation for leaving an unbecoming white film on the skin.
“But I would rather have that than cancer,” says Green, adding that the film makes it easier to see where you’ve applied it. “It’s a good way to know your skin is really protected.”
Some sunscreen makers have created mineral formulas that offset the dreaded opaque white hue without sacrificing protection.

Here are some of our favorites:
CeraVe Hydrating Sunscreen
Clean Screen Mineral Mattifying Face Sunscreen
Drunk Elephant Umbra Sheer Physical Daily Defense
Elta MD Broad Spectrum SPF 30

And don’t forget your lips. Try Elta MD Lip Block or Brush on Block Protective Lip Oil.

Originally Posted on 5/26/19 by the New York Post

When Is Cleansing Before Bedtime Not Enough?

We used to believe that a quick wash with soap and water, or a swipe of a facial wipe was sufficient. But we have learned that neither of those techniques actually removes all the dirt and grime that collect on our skin each day.

Then along came the Koreans with all sorts of new techniques for cleansing, the best of which is a double cleanse. No mystery here, you cleanse first with an oil based cleanser to break down any makeup, remove dirt and excess oils. Then you follow with a water based cleanser for your particular skin type, having ingredients that hydrate, calm or treat acne and oiliness.
Double cleansing may be a two-step technique but it only adds a few minutes to your usual regimen, but as with most things in skin care, it’s not a one-routine-fits-all. Considering every skin type and taking into account your specific skin concerns, choosing the right double-cleansing duo is key in making sure you get the most out of your routine.
Using the best double-cleansing products for your skin type also allows you to avoid over-washing and over-drying your skin. If we strip too much of our natural oils, our body can respond by producing more oil and that can lead to breakouts and irritation, that’s why I suggest double cleansing only at night—when you actually have dirt and makeup to wash off—to make sure you’re not altering the natural balance of oils and microbes on your skin.
Follow your two step cleanse with serums that build and replenish your skin, a moisturizer that hydrates and an eye product to treat fine lines and wrinkles.

For Healthy Skin, Feed It From the Inside

There are so many commonly available foods that feed your skin. No need to search out exotic foods. Reap the benefits provided by fresh foods and achieve a glowingly healthy and supple complexion. Take advantage of seasonal produce for the best buys and the freshest fruit and veggies.

Drinking water is one of the best things you can do to keep your skin in shape. It keeps your skin moist — and that makes fine lines and wrinkles less noticeable. It also helps your cells take in nutrients and get rid of toxins. And it helps with blood flow, keeping your skin glowing. Just how much water? Divide your weight in half. The result is the number of ounces of water needed daily.

Selenium protects your skin from cells that gather free radicals. Free radicals cause signs of aging like wrinkles and dry skin, and tissue damage. Selenium may also help prevent skin cancer.Selenium is found in Brazil nuts, button mushrooms, shrimp, lamb, and fish like snapper, cod, halibut, tuna, and salmon. Foods like cooked beef, light turkey, oysters, sardines, crab, and whole-wheat pasta also have selenium.

Antioxidants are important to slowing and preventing free-radical damage.They are found in all kinds of foods, especially colorful fruits and vegetables like berries, tomatoes, apricots, beets, squash, spinach, sweet potatoes, tangerines, peppers, and beans.

Your body makes a key antioxidant called Coenzyme Q10. But as you get older, you make less of it. It’s involved in making energy and helping your cells work. You can find CoQ10 in fish like salmon and tuna, poultry, organ meats like liver, and whole grains. If you use a skin product that has CoQ10, it may help soften wrinkles and other signs of aging.

Nobody wants dry, flaky skin. So grab an orange, carrot, or slice of cantaloupe. They’re loaded with vitamin A. You can also find it in leafy greens, eggs, and low-fat dairy foods. Vitamin A is also found in leafy greens, eggs, and low-fat dairy foods. When you use a skin product with vitamin A, your wrinkles and brown spots may look better. Those products, called retinoids, are common prescription treatments for acne and other skin conditions.

The sun can be tough on your skin. Vitamin C can help protect you. It also helps undo sun damage to collagen and elastin, which firm up your skin. Get vitamin C from red bell peppers, citrus fruits, papayas, kiwis, broccoli, greens, and Brussels sprouts. But nothing defeats sun damage like a good sun screen containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Sun screen should be reapplied every two hours during sun exposure.

Another antioxidant that may help save your skin from sun damage and inflammation is vitamin E. Get it from vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, olives, spinach, asparagus, and leafy greens. Try a topical that contains Vitamin E to soften the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

Your skin is the largest organ of your body and it needs protection on the inside and the outside. Omega-3s and omega-6s are good fats that help make up your skin’s natural oil barrier, keeping away dryness and blemishes. Essential fatty acids like these help leave your skin smoother and younger-looking. You can get them from olive and canola oils, flax seeds, walnuts, and cold-water fish like salmon, sardines, and mackerel.

Some oils provide your skin with more than just essential fatty acids. Good-quality ones like extra-virgin olive oil and cold- or expeller-pressed oil are more simply processed than many other kinds. They may have more nutrients that are good for your skin. These oils may also help lube up your skin and keep it looking and feeling healthy.

Green tea may be the closest thing to a magic potion that you can find for your skin. It helps stop inflammation, helps slow DNA damage, and can even help prevent the sun from burning your skin. You can find green tea in lots of cosmetics, but why not go straight to the source: Drink it!

Feeding your skin from the inside as well as following a home program of cleansing, exfoliating and hydrating will provide the healthy glow you seek.

It’s Never Too Late

Wishing for that glowing skin of your youth? Don’t just wish – Do Something!

It’s never too late to start taking care of your skin!

Our skin begins to age in our mid-20s, but you probably didn’t notice it then. Those products you have used for years may not be giving you the results you want anymore. Our genetics, daily habits, and the sun cause changes in our skin, but there are several things that you can do to achieve softer, healthier skin.

Begin by using a creamy cleanser if you have dry skin, or if you are oily, use a foamy one. Breaking out? Choose a cleanser containing beta green tea – a natural antiseptic that is great for problematic skin. Always cleanse with warm or cool water. Hot water can strip away your skin’s natural moisture. Pat your face dry — don’t rub.

Next step – Moisturize

Moisturizers protect and improve your skin. Even if your skin tends to be oily or breakouts, you can use a lightweight, oil-free moisturizer every day. Dry skin may need to be moisturized more than just once a day. Very dry skin can often benefit from using a serum before adding moisturizer. Serums and moisturizers are best used while your face is still damp to seal in moisture. And don’t forget your neck! Using moisturizer and sun screen on the neck can slow the formation of crepey skin.

Don’t forget your sunscreen!

Sun protection is needed during daylight hours, even when it is cloudy or if you’re staying indoors. The sun’s rays can pass through clouds and windows, so you’re always exposed. Many moisturizers have sunscreen, as does some make-up. Look for a broad-spectrum screen, which means it guards against both UVA and UVB rays. I think the best sun protection is derived from a product containing zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. Those products sit on the surface of the skin and reflect the sun’s rays away. Use your sunscreen on your lips, neck and chest too. Driving? Be sure to protect the backs of your hands as well. And if you sweat or are outside for a long time, reapply sunscreen every 90 minutes to stay protected. Wearing make-up? Boost your protection by puffing on a mineral powder.

Layer your lotions and potions

Begin with clean skin, apply any serums or gels that treat specific issues (they need to be next to your skin to get the most benefit), follow with your moisturizer and top it off with your sunscreen. Make-up can be applied after the sunscreen. A word of caution here – never sleep in your sunscreen. Your skin needs to recover and rejuvenate while you sleep. Cleanse, use your corrective serums, moisturize and have sweet dreams.

Keep that glow

Exfoliation of dead, dry skin will return your skin to a healthy glow. Normal to dry skin can benefit from a gentle exfoliation weekly. Use an enzyme, gentle scrub or a spinning brush to gently rid your skin of that dull outer layer. Oily skin can usually be exfoliated more often. Get the most from your enzyme by adding steam. Cleanse your skin, apply the enzyme, and then jump in the shower. The steam will increase the power of your product. Remove it at the end of your shower.

Exfoliation exposes a fresh new layer of skin, but it also makes your skin more sensitive to damage from the sun, so be sure to protect that glow with a good sunscreen.

Your skin care pro offers many in salon treatments that treat more deeply than retail products. Check out progressive chemical peels and deeply moisturizing facials to rid your skin of the dry and dulling layer left over from exposure to sun and summer heat.

Why Switching From Chemical to Mineral Sunscreen Might Be Your Best Bet

When Is Cleansing Before Bedtime Not Enough?

For Healthy Skin, Feed It From the Inside

It’s Never Too Late

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