Blah Blah Babycakes

Don't Get Burned

May is skin cancer awareness month.

One gorgeous Sunday in April I was sitting in the backyard in a brunch induced coma when I suddenly realized that I'd neglected to put sunscreen on my arms and chest and had been quickly burned by the spring sun.

It was a stupid mistake and one I rarely make, but it reminded me that I needed to replenish my arsenal of sunscreen and sun safety products. With the latest news that many sunscreens may actually do more harm than good, choosing a non-toxic, photo stable sunscreen can be a daunting task. Thankfully, the great people at the Environmental Working Group are working hard on our side researching sunscreens that are safe and effective.

Check how your SPF rates with the EWG 2010 Sunscreen guide.

Other sun safe products

UV detector:

Spa Finder's I Will Reflect Melanoma Bracelet changes color when exposed to harmful UV rays. 

   

A big ol' derby hat:

A wide-brimmed hat looks glam and keeps you protected.

       

Sunscreen:

I use Vanicream on my boys.

     
 

About Face: Top Three Anti-Aging Products

I take skin care very seriously, mostly because I'm extremely vain, but also because I love the look and feel of healthy, glowing skin. Unfortunately there are around one gazillion skincare products to choose from and it's all very confusing and overwhelming. I've spent way too much money trying to find a magic potion, but I've finally found a regimen that works and I'd like to share the cliff notes version with you (because my friends are sick of hearing about it.)

The following three products are my holy grail for beautiful skin and anti-aging effects:

1. Sunscreen. This is your first line of defense. Anti-aging is all about prevention and without a photo- stable chemical or physical sunscreen you might as well rub baby oil on your face and forget about it.

2. Retinoids.  They are popular because they work.  Retinol builds collagen, improves the texture of skin and gets rid of fine lines and wrinkles.  As a bonus, it will shrink your pores and keep away pimples and blackheads. There are affordable over-the-counter retinol products, Green Cream is a cult favorite, but if you have access to a dermatologist get a prescription for the good stuff.  This is the stuff that makes your face glow.

3. Vitamin C.  Vitamin C acsorbic acid is a powerful antioxidant that neutralize free radicals, increases collagen and reverses and protects against sun damage. It stays on your skin for 48 hours, so a little goes a long way to protect and brighten your complexion. There are a few great C serums on the market.  My personal favorite is Skinceuticals C E Freulic, but there are a ton of less expensive options. You can even make your own. Just make sure it has the acsorbic acid.

If you have any questions feel free to ask me anything.  I'll be doing a more in-depth post about my favorite sun protections in May for National Skin Cancer Month.

Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Lotion SPF 55 has a MUA rating of 76%
Green Cream has a MUA rating of 76%
Skinceuticals CE Freulic has a MUA rating of 71%

Turn That Frown

I once gave my sister and my friend Beth what I called "poor man's botox" for Christmas.  The gift consisted of a satin pillowcase and a box of Frownies.  It was meant to be kind of a joke, but the truth is these two things actually work to prevent wrinkles.

Frownies were created way back in 1889 and basically they're stickers that hold your skin in place and prevent repetitive motion while you sleep, which as we know, causes wrinkles.  Especially that vertical forehead line (or two) that can make you look constantly angry. Frownies are not sexy, but neither is my mouth guard and so I just go for it at night with the whole maintenance thing. And Henry has fun ripping them off my face first thing in the morning. 

I go back and forth about the real botox.  It's costly, not permanent, can sometimes make you look like an idiot and who knows about the safety issues.  I'm not saying I'll never get it, but for now I'll stick with the poor man's version.  

Frownies can be found at your local Whole Foods or online at Drugstore.com and have a MakeupAlley.com rating of 85%.