What is SPF?

Understand the SPF coding & what the differences are. Did you know that using an SPF 30 blocks 97% of the damaging UV rays? Something interesting to note: SPF 50 or high only protects you 2% more! While it's always encouraged to use a higher SPF be sure to reapply just as frequently as if you were using a lower SPF.

A good thing to know is that conventional sunscreen has been shown to protect against UVB rays but the same can't be said about UVA. UVB rays are the ones that make your skin go red and burn but UVA rays are just as damaging; they can heighten the risk of melanoma which is the most fatal type of skin cancer. When buying a sunscreen, opt for one that has broad spectrum protection (it will most likely say that it protects against both UVA and UVB) and has zinc oxide, avobenzone and ecamsule. Sunscreen that boasts "all day protection" is a myth: reapplication is necessary even if you're not sweating or swimming (although if you're doing either of those reapply more frequently).

Scary fact: Did you know over 80,000 Canadians will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year and over 1000 Canadians will die of skin cancer related conditions?

  

Click HERE for more sun-savvy tips to keeping your skin in top condition.

Sun Hats are In, Crow's Feet are Out

This is just a friendly reminder from Skindulgence Spa to load up on sun screen now that the sun has started to come out! Click here to see more sun care tips! Don't forget: a big sun hat, like Samantha's from Sex and the City (have you seen the new movie?) is not only fashionable but can protect you from those harmful UVA and UVB rays that also cause unsightly crow's feet! That's how she stays so young!

Protect your Skin!

Here Comes the Sun!
May is Melanoma Month

Your skin is your body's largest organ and there are no refunds -- you live in it your whole life. You need to protect it both internally and externally. It is essential to apply sun protection everyday to avoid environmental damage.
A SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 is suitable for daily use but when you are spending many hours in the sun it is important to up the SPF to 30. One of the biggest misconceptions of using a SPF higher than 30 is that you will have higher or longer protection. In reality there is only a 2-3%difference in protection. You should re-apply every two hours (increase frequency if you're sweating, turning pink or swimming).
Skin cancer and blistering aside ~ sun damage is the #1 cause of premature aging, wrinkles and unsightly discoloured skin. This damage can lay dormant for 10-20 years... just in time for you to be worrying about "looking your age"! Put sun damage at bay with these tips from our resident Skin Expert Tazeem Jamal:

1. We're repeating ourselves because it's important: slather on the sunscreen and reapply frequently. If your in and out of the water or vigorously exercising then apply every 1-2 hours, otherwise at least every 2-3 hours. Remember according to the AAD (American Academy of Dermatology) not using enough sunscreen and not reapplying it is almost as bad as not wearing it at all because the product starts to break down in the environment it creates more free radicals. People with lighter skin color have lower amounts of melanin which causes them to burn more easily... If you're alabaster, re-apply faster!

2. Use a broad spectrum sun product with a physical screen such as titanium & zinc oxide, because these will cause little or no irritation to the skin or eyes. Check out our extensive collection of sun-care products that contain the physical screens that are recommended by AAD, including our latest product, Tinted Mineral SPF 15, that contains Smart Colour Technology, to blend in with your skins natural pigment.Another added way to give the skin protection is mineral make up~ Check out our CRUSH make up line or come in for a complimentary application.

3. Choose your diet wisely, including supplements and increase your consumption of lycopene (tomatoes are a great source) and green tea. Antioxidants help fight off free radicals. GliSODin Skin Brightening Formula is very high in lycopene and helps addresses already existing skin pigmentation too! Check out our May promotion for up to $20 OFF!

4. Take extra precautions around water, snow and sand as they reflect the damaging rays of the sun a lot more and can increase the chances of burning. You can easily get burnt in overcast weather if you stay in the sun for too long

5. Avoid the tanning beds at all costs. We call them "glass coffins" as the UV radiation can damage the skin cells. These beds provide a false sense of protection - at least the sun provides vitamin D! If you really must use them before a vacation, then cover your face & wear a sunscreen on your skin BEFORE tanning.

Protect Your Skin!

As our previous posts show we're all about saving your skin the damaging effects of the sun by going the self-tanner route. However, if you MUST worship the sun here are a few products to keep your skin glowing and healthy:

-GM Collin's Mineral Sun Veil in SPF 15 comes in clear or bronze tinted. Formulated with Zinc Oxide and natural antioxidants to help combat wrinkles.
-Yonka's After Sun Lotion Tan Prolonger for face and body leaves your skin soft and hydrated while offering it a delicate iridescent glow. It also protects against sun-related oxidative stress!
- Yonka's After Sun Milk helps maintain the hydration of the superficial layers of the skin.

Of course, frequently reapply a strong sunscreen and wear a hat! Always protect the skin on your face since you can easily buy a foundation or tinted moisturizer that can make your face skin match your body.

Sincerely,
Skindulgence
Written by Paige Forgie

Environmental Protection

Keep your skin healthy in the sun with GM Collin and Yonka!

GM Collin offers a variety of protection options to best suit your needs:
~ Mineral SunVeil SPF15: perfect for sheer sheer, everyday protection. Available in tinted.
~ SPF30 cream or spray: for high protection against UV rays at the beach. Non-greasy.
~ After-Sun Cream: to calm and soothe your skin after sun exposure.
~ Self-Tanning Milk: glowing, natural-looking tan with a non-sticky texture and no sun at all!

Yonka also has an extensive sun care line to keep your skin looking beautiful.
~ SPF6 Sun Tan Lotion (also available in tinted): which is recommended during brief sun exposure
~ SPF20 Sun Spray: For those who easily tan with moderate sun exposure
~ SPF25 Cream 410: for fair complexions (can also be used as a day cream!)
~ SPF40 Sun Cream for a water-resistant high protection formula.
~After-Sun Lotion: to prolong and improve your hard earned tan there is the Tan Prolonger and when the sun is not available there is the Self-Tanning Lotion.

Sincerely,
Skindulgence
Written by Andrea