Sun Exposure and Skin Aging

As much as we all enjoy the sun, it is very easy for a bit of unprotected sun exposure to lead to permanent damage to our skin. Skin is an excellent record keeper. Every moment of exposure to daylight is recorded and stores up like money in a bank. The result is skin damage, also known as photodamage. The top cause of premature signs of skin aging, sun damage shows on the skin in the form of wrinkles, hyperpigmentation (brown spots) and can lead to a repressed immune system and the potential for skin cancer.

Even if the periods of sun exposure are brief (say you sit outside for 20 minutes whilst you eat lunch), the cumulative exposure is enough to cause skin damage and signs of aging. The first line of defense against damage is the daily use of spf. Even on cloudy or overcast days UV rays can cause damage to your skin. Just wearing spf on sunny days is not sufficient, it should be added to your daily skin care routine all year round.

Sunscreens have become much more sophisticated in recent years and there are now formulations available for every skin type. A skin therapist will be able to advise which spf product is perfect for your skin and how to easily add it into your daily regimen. Whether you require sunscreen on it’s own, a spf moisturiser to wear under make-up or a foundation with added spf, there are options available. So no excuses for not being properly protected!

Hair Removal for Guys

Can you imagine getting a bikini wax alongside your woman? Neither can we. However, men have come a long way since the days of showing up to work in an unbuttoned button-down that revealed an army of hair fighting its way past the nape of their necks -- haven't they? While you likely won't go the Brazilian route, you might be surprised (or not) to hear that men are taking it off -- their body hair, that is.

Is it weather-related? Is she hinting at it? Or, have you been curious about how you would look with less hair? Whatever the motivation, men have already arrived at this point.  Between waxing, shaving, electrolysis, tweezing, trimming, and laser hair removal, men of all ages, sizes, sexual orientations, ethnic backgrounds, and professions are getting rid of excess body hair.

We're not advocating waxed legs or arms -- jeez, a dude should look like, well, a dude -- but we do advocate taking the time to do your homework to figure out what's best for you.

Waxing and sugaring

What is it? Waxing is a hair removal trend for men that involves spreading hot wax on to the desired area, and then applying a strip of cloth or muslin onto the wax, rubbing it, and ripping off the strip in one fell swoop -- wax, hair, root, and all.  Sugaring is similar to waxing, only it uses sugar paste (which usually consists of a mixture of sugar, lemon, water, and even citric acid and gum arabic) instead of wax and is a method of hair removal that goes as far back as ancient Egypt.

Since some men might be embarrassed about getting waxed at a salon, there are at-home aestheticians who can perform this at home. There are even do-it-yourself waxing kits -- but unless you're a glutton for punishment, it's pretty hard to put yourself through such torture and it can get very messy.

If you opt for waxing, go to a professional.   If you choose to get your genital area waxed , keep in mind that most spas and aestheticians simply wax the areas surrounding your crown jewels -- so only the regions around and above the base of the penis get the royal treatment.

Men are also booking appointments at salons or spas for eyebrow waxes. With guys like David Beckham boasting nicely shaped brows, it seems men aren't settling for less. According to the spa director at Esthetique, in Hamden, Connecticut, 86% of his male clientele get their eyebrows waxed.

Guys, this really isn't about becoming a pretty boy -- it's about not walking around with a unibrow. Makes sense. Don't aim for a perfectly arched eyebrow, but waxing is a good way to get rid of eyebrows that are out of control.

Ideal parts to wax: Eyebrows (unibrow), back of neck, back, chest, toes, and knuckles
Pain factor: 8/10
Bottom line: With repeated use, hair gradually becomes thinner because the roots are weakened, but the hair will grow back, albeit at longer intervals. So, if you want to lessen the hair that grows on your toes or chest without permanently abolishing it, this would be the ideal way to go.

Tweezing
What is it? With the help of a trusty pair of tweezers (the sharper, the better), pluck away at the hairs you want to eliminate.

Unless you have lots of time on your hands and can take the constant pinching sensation, save the tweezing for those smaller regions that are covered with excess hair (or for ingrown hairs). Of course, this method is far from permanent.

Ideal parts to pluck: Eyebrows (unibrow), nape of neck
Pain factor: 4/10
Bottom line: Spending more for high-quality tweezers is worth the price. Don't forget to keep up with regular maintenance.
Trimmers
What are they? When it comes to body hair that you'd like to keep short, electric trimmers can do the trick with no pain, fuss or mess.

Ideal parts to trim: Ear hair, nose hair, nape of neck, pubic hair, arms, legs, the possibilities are endless.
Pain factor: 1/10
Bottom line: A man's gotta do what a man's gotta do. There are so many electric and nonelectric trimmers out there for a guy to choose from, so go for it.
hair today...
Between the various hair removal trends for men, there is no reason for a guy to let his pubic area grow out of control or his unibrow to attract attention. You could always stick to shaving, but there are some areas that require more care and shaving can cause irritation and razor burn.

Try the method that best suits your needs and your budget.

Get Your Guys Detailed

With the holiday’s right around the corner, there is no doubt that all the magazine’s and salons will be marketing their services towards women.  In this day and age we can’t overlook that men need to be pampered too.  So go ahead and encourage that man in your life to spend a little extra cash on a good hair service.  He will not only walk away feeling great, but he will have a new found education of hair products to help him maintain his look.  Whether he suffers with unruly curls or flat, thinning hair a trained stylist can help him achieve a style that looks great and is easy to manage.  Another great way for your guy to feel pampered is by getting regular facials.  This may be a hard sell.  Don't let him imagine a towel on his head, and cucumbers on his eyes!  Facials that are designed with men in mind are focused and results driven. They are specific in purpose.  Men often times suffer from Barbae Folliculitis (red irritated bumps) as a result from shaving.  Facials using steam and extractions help eradicate the bumps and incorporate soothing balms to reduce redness.  Exfoliating facials can help reduce blackheads as well as diminish fine lines and wrinkles due to premature aging and sun exposure.   So go ahead and buy that salon gift certificate for the man in your life and lead him in to a place where he can escape when he needs time away from the office or just from the overload of the daily routine.

Give Your Hands Some Love This Autumn

Just like your face, you need to continue to protect your hands from damaging UV rays throughout the autumn and winter. Whereas the rest of your body will be nicely protected under layers of clothing, your hands may still be exposed and the sun’s rays can cause damage to skin even on cloudy days so it’s important to continue with sunscreen. Using sunscreen on your hands every day of the year is a good tip to keep them youthful looking and avoid the tell-tale signs of aging. Don’t let your hands give away your true age!

The skin on your hands can dry out very easily and it is dryness which causes the problems commonly experienced in autumn and winter. Chapped and cracked hands can be unsightly and even painful if the dryness is severe. To counter this it is important to keep your hands and nails nourished and protected with a good hand cream.

Dermalogica MultiVitamin Hand and Nail Treatment is like medicine for hands. This super-nourishing cream absorbs quickly without being greasy. It keeps hands smooth, helps repair damage, strengthens and protects nails and also contains brightening ingredients to help reduce signs of aging such as hyperpigmentation. All of this in one amazing little tube!

Apply Dermalogica MultiVitamin Hand and Nail Treatment whenever hands feel dry and, for extra nourishment, apply before bed then slip your hands into a pair of gloves whilst you sleep. Guaranteed silky smooth mitts!

September is National Skin Care Awareness Month!

This is it! This is the month to really get serious about your skincare. September is National Skin Care Awareness Month and we want to educate you and help you get your skincare routine underway and added as one of THE most important components in your daily routine.

A regular (daily) good skincare routine can turn around the look, feel and health of your skin in as little as two weeks! That is not time at all if you think about. Using the right products and steps is also extremely important to healthy skin.
Here is a great place to start!
1st – Visit a professional skincare therapist and get your skin analyzed
2nd – Choose a product line especially formulated for your skins needs (we suggest Dermalogica or PCA)
3rd – Use the products in their correct order to achieve optimal benefits
4th – Add the skincare steps into your twice daily routine (morning and night for best results)

Top 6 Summer Skin Tips

As you prepare to show more skin, get ready to face the sun's rays with our top 6 summer skin tips!

1. Exfoliate for clearer, smoother skin

What it does: Exfoliation removes dead, dulling skin debris to prevent congestion and improve hydration from toners and moisturizers.

When: Perform in the mornings prior to toner, moisturizer, SPF and make-up application. Tip: Make-up will last longer on an exfoliated skin!

Don’t forget: After you exfoliate, follow with a hydrating body cream to seal in moisture, and always shield freshly exfoliated skin with an SPF (as recommended by the FDA).

Recommended Dermalogica Products: Daily Microfoliant®, Exfoliating Body Scrub, Body Hydrating Cream, MultiVitamin BodyBlock SPF20.

2. Keep skin hydrated

How: Up your regimen’s level of hydration with intensive masques, perfect for use one to two times a week. Boosters are a great fit, working best when layered underneath a moisturizer. Toners are a refreshing moisturizer prep, working to even out skin porosity. Tip: Refresh with a revitalizing toner spritz at your desk, in the car, at the gym, on the plane!

Recommended Dermalogica Products: Antioxidant HydraMist, Skin Hydrating Booster, Skin Hydrating Masque.

3. Make friends with H20

Why: Higher temperatures and more time outdoors leads to internal dehydration, which can result in headaches and dizzy spells!

What you can do: Eight 8-ounce glasses of plain, filtered water every day help maintain critical moisture balance of the body and skin, and assist in detoxification. Tip: If you drink caffeinated beverages, you must triple the amount of water you drink!

Recommended: Plain and pure water!

4. When in doubt, apply (and reapply!)

Why: It’s not enough to just apply sunscreen.: you must apply enough, and apply frequently. Studies indicate that most people do not apply nearly as much daylight protection as they should.

How much: A teaspoon for the face. For the body, about as much as would fill a shot glass.

How often: Re-apply every two hours. Tip: Stay out of the midday sun from mid-morning to late afternoon whenever you can.

Bonus: Today’s sophisticated formulas and technology let you select sun protection that works with your skin condition. That means you can choose oil-free, mattifying formulas, extra emollient formulas for dry skin, or chemical free formulas for sensitized, reactive skin.

Recommended Dermalogica Products: Oil Free Matte Block SPF20, Extra Rich FaceBlock SPF30, Super Sensitive FaceBlock SPF30.

5. Soothe over-exposed skin

What: You forgot the sunscreen, didn’t apply enough, or got caught in a sunny spell.

What’s next: Unfortunately, the damage is done, but you don’t have to suffer in pain! Super-soothing botanicals and cooling gels can help prevent peeling and reduce redness and inflammation.

How: Apply cooling balms generously over-exposed skin, preferably at the first sight of a pink glow.

Prevent: One blistering sunburn doubles your risk of melanoma -- remember to get a yearly skin exam by a doctor and perform a self-examination once a month to detect early warning signs of carcinomas and malignant melanoma. Look for a new growth or any skin change.

Recommended Dermalogica Products: After Sun Repair

6. Repair and treat sun damage

What causes skin damage: UV light causes photoaging in the form of brown spots, coarse skin and wrinkles, whether you have burned your skin or not. When sunlight comes in contact with skin a cascade of damage results (including the stripping of barrier lipids) causing inflammation, production of reactive oxygen molecules that affect healthy cell growth, and stimulation of collagen destructing enzymes.

What to do: A tan may be a popular summer look, but it indicates damage. Bombard your skin with age-fighting ingredients to help undo any damage that may occur, and to further protect it from the aging affects of UV.

Recommendation Dermalogica Products: Power Rich™, MultiVitamin Power Recovery® Masque, MAP-15 Regenerator.

Sunscreen 101

What Is Sunscreen? Sunscreens are chemical agents that help prevent the sun's ultraviolet (UV) radiation from reaching the skin. Two types of ultraviolet radiation, UVA and UVB damage the skin and increase your risk of skin cancer. Sunscreens vary in their ability to protect against UVA and UVB.

What Is SPF? SPF — or Sun Protection Factor — is a measure of a sunscreen's ability to prevent UVB from damaging the skin. Here's how it works: If it takes 20 minutes for your unprotected skin to start turning red, using an SPF 15 sunscreen theoretically prevents reddening 15 times longer — about five hours. Another way to look at it is in terms of percentages: SPF 15 blocks approximately 93 percent of all incoming UVB rays. SPF 30 blocks 97 percent; and SPF 50 blocks 98 percent. And as you can see, no sunscreen can block all UV rays.  However, there are problems with the SPF model: First, no sunscreen, regardless of strength, should be expected to stay effective longer than two hours without reapplication. Second, "reddening" of the skin is a reaction to UVB rays alone and tells you little about what UVA damage you may be getting. Plenty of damage can be done without the red flag of sunburn being raised.
Who Should Use Sunscreen? Anyone over the age of six months should use a sunscreen daily. Even those who work inside are exposed to ultraviolet radiation for brief periods throughout the day. Also, UVA is not blocked by most windows. Children under the age of six months should not be exposed to the sun. Shade and protective clothing are the best ways to protect infants from the sun.
What Type of Sunscreen Should I Use? The answer depends on how much sun exposure you're anticipating. In all cases, a broad-spectrum sunscreen offering protection against both UVA and UVB rays is recommend. Many after-shave lotions and moisturizers have a sunscreen (usually SPF 15 or greater) already in them, and this is sufficient for everyday activities with a few minutes here and there in the sun.
How Much Sunscreen Should I Use and How Often Should I Apply It? To ensure that you get the full SPF of a sunscreen, you need to apply 1 oz – about a shot glass full. Studies show that most people apply only half to a quarter of that amount, which means the actual SPF they have on their body is lower than advertised. During a long day at the beach, one person should use around one half to one quarter of an 8 oz. bottle. Sunscreens should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure to allow the ingredients to fully bind to the skin. Reapplication of sunscreen is just as important as putting it on in the first place, so reapply the same amount every two hours. Sunscreens should be reapplied immediately after swimming, toweling off, or sweating a great deal.
Once you choose the right sunscreen, use it the right way. But remember, you should not rely on sunscreen alone to protect your skin against UV rays. For more information, log onto The Skin Cancer Foundations web site at www.skincancer.org you will find additional Prevention Guidelines that can lower your risk of developing skin cancer and help your skin look younger, longer.