advice
Q: There are so many sunscreens on the market. How do you know which one really works?
A: I believe that it's important to like the way your sunscreen looks and feels. You need to reapply sunscreen several times throughout the day — if you don't like the way it feels you're not going to use it!
That being said, there are two types of sunscreen: physical and chemical. Physical sunscreen contains zinc oxide and/or titanium dioxide. These ingredients are inert minerals that physically block the suns rays from reaching your skin. The provide instant protection and are not irritating to even the most sensitive skin. The problem with these types of sunscreens is that they can feel pretty heavy and often leave a white film on the skin.
Chemical sunscreens are more popular as they're available in many forms such as cream, gel and spray. Unfortunately, in order to fully protect the skin up to the SPF number they're rated to, they must be applied at least 1/2 hour before going in the sun. In addition, many chemical sunscreens will break down in sunlight, further decreasing the amount of sun protection they offer.
I've found that most people are happy with a sunscreen that contains a mix of physical and chemical blocks. The key is to reapply often throughout the day and to always have a tube handy - in your purse, car, golf bag, etc.
Read a skin care article in The New York Times about sunscreen and SPF.
Listen to a podcast about sunscreen/skin cancer from Fresh Air (on NPR).
To purchase sunscreen click here.
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Q: Do I really have to use a "night cream" at night?
A: Most creams that are labeled as a "night cream" are usually heavier and more dense, thus most people prefer to apply them at night rather than during the day under make-up. In general, our bodies repair and rejuvenate at night while we're sleeping. If clients are able to follow a routine in the morning and evening, I suggest they apply the repairing serums and heavier moisturizers at night. If people are able to follow a routine only once a day, applying these serums & moisturizers during the day is fine.
Read an article from The New York Times about Night Creams.
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Q: What really works to reduce wrinkles?
A: There are many products on the market that will help prevent wrinkles, but only one that's proven to reverse signs of aging: Vitamin A, specifically tretinoin (commonly known as Retin-A) and retinoic acid. Because prescription strength tretinoin can often cause side effects like irritated, flaky skin, retinoids (from retinoic acid) have gained popularity and are available in many skin care products
Read an article from The New York Times about Retin-A.
To purchase Vitamin A products click here.
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Q: What can you do about the brown spots on your face and hands?
A: The brown spots on your skin are known as hyper-pigmentation. They're generally caused from sun damage, inflammation of the skin or hormonal fluctuations. The most effective treatment for hyper-pigmentation is IPL — intense pulsed light laser treatments, but these are expensive and can be fairly painful. There are topical products that help reduce the appearance of brown spots as well as prevent further pigmenting. Vitamin C, Kojic acid and Bearberry are some of the more well known skin "brighteners". The key is to be consistent and use these topical products regularly.
Read an article from The New York Times for more information.
To purchase products for hyper-pigmentation click here.
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