Safety Tips for Sun Protection and Tanning!

Hey friends! It's been a while since we've talked. I knew I wanted this to be my next post but I also know it could get pretty complicated so I wanted to wait until I was ready to put a lot of effort into it. I'll try to keep it simple because this is very important to me and should be to you too, let's save your life!

Wanna play the question game?

1. As a teen, do you/ did you spend at least 3 summers sun tanning, swimming or working outdoors? 
2. Have you had 3 or more blistering sunburns before age 25?
3.  Do you have red or blonde hair with fair skin or do you burn easily? 
4. Do you get more freckles after being in the sun? 
5. Has anyone in your family had melanoma? 
6. Do you have any red, rough spots on parts of your body that are not exposed to the sun?

If you answered yes to 3 or more of these questions, your chance of developing melanoma is 20-25 times higher than the general population. I'm not sure about you, but that scares me! Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and the risk of it developing in people under the age of 40 is increasing. There have been more reports of death by skin cancer than death by any other type of cancer. The only way to decrease that risk is to wear your sunscreen religiously and stay out of tanning beds!

Now I don't know where you live, but here in South Carolina the weather is warming up and there's nothing I want to do more than to go spend a day at the beach! But of course, I won't be leaving without my favorite sunscreen. Everyone has different skin types and that requires different types of sunscreen. Do you know the right type for you? Chemical or physical? Sweat proof? Okay for sensitive skin?

Chemical Sunscreen active ingredients: Oxy/avobenzone, octicalate, octocrylene, homosalte, and octinoxate. Creates a chemical reaction and works by turning UV rays into heat, then releases that heat from the skin.

Pros:

• Spreads easily making it wearable for daily use.
• Requires less product to protect the skin because there is no risk of spaces between the sunscreen molecules.

Cons:

• Can cause an increase in brown spots and discoloration due to a higher internal skin temperature.
• Requires a wait time of about 20 mins after application before it starts working.
• Can cause irritation and stinging on dry skin due to multiple chemical ingredients to achieve UVA and UVB protection.
• The higher SPF usually means more chemicals, meaning higher risk of irritation for sensitive skin types
• Absorbs into the skin fast when in direct UV light, requiring more frequent application.
• May clog pores.
• Can cause stinging if it drips into the eyes while sweating.
• Increased chance of redness for rosacea skin types because it converts UV rays into heat, causing flushing of the skin.

Physical Sunscreen active ingredients: Titanium dioxide and Zinc Oxide. Works by sitting on top of the skin to deflect and scatter the damaging UV rays.

Pros:

• Naturally broad spectrum, meaning it protects against UVA and UVB rays.
• No wait necessary, works as soon as it is applied.
• Lasts longer when in direct UV light.
• Less likely to cause stinging for sensitive skin types.
• Less likely to be pore-clogging.
• Longer shelf life.

Cons:

• Can rub off or sweat off easily.
• May leave white cast on the skin.
• Can create an occlusive film which results in increased perspiration during physical activities.
• Can be thicker, requiring more effort to rub it in.
• Can be less protective if it's not applied generously and accurately since UV light can get between the molecules. 

My opinion is to get one of each depending on what you're planning to do or if have sensitive skin, you obviously should go with the physical sunscreen. Always do a patch test and wait 24 hours to see if you may develop a reaction to the sunscreen.

I was at target the other day and while I was browsing the entire store for things that I did not need, I found a product that I think everybody needs!!

This is a physical sunscreen line by Bare Republic and it's 100% natural! They have a sport version, a kids version and they also make a tinted face sunscreen! I AM IN LOVE. Also I think it's awesome that they were able to put a physical sunscreen in an aerosol can because usually you can only find chemical in aerosols. All of these products are about $14.99 each and to me, that's worth it. Cheaper than skin cancer! It does smell like coconut though, so if you're not a fan.. I'm sorry, your sense of smell might be broken. ;)

I want to add one more quick fact before we move onto tanning! You really can't get a better sun protection than SPF 50 because it already blocks about 98%  of UV rays while a SPF 30 blocks 97% and a SPF 15 blocks 94%. Anything above SPF 50 is just silly.

OKAY, so now you're mad at me cause you feel like you're already as white as a snowman and you're going to have to stay that way if you don't want skin cancer.. unless... there was this invention that created the illusion that you had naturally glowing, beautiful, tan skin.. Oh, wait, it's called Sun-less Tanner and I'm obsessed with it. 

Spray tanning is my favorite but it's difficult for some people to find the right salon with the correct solution for their natural skin color. I always tell my clients to find someone who uses a solution with DHA (dihydroxyacetone) as the active ingredient because it will adjust to your skin tone and give you YOUR natural tan/brown color. 

If you prefer to do your own tanning, here's a list of my favorite self-tanning products: 

Banana Boat Summer Color Self Tanning Lotion, $6.74 at Walmart. Doesn't smell crazy, looks really natural and easy to use everyday. My go-to!

Tanwise Dark Bronzing Sunless Mouse, $12.99 at Sally's. Comparable to (better than) Loving Tan, that crazy expensive Austrailian tanning mouse. They also make a face gel that I love.

Fake Bake Sunless Self-Tanning Lotion, $35.00 at Ulta. Produces a deep tan that lasts longer, not recommend for the face.


Please, please, PLEASE take this post seriously. Skin cancer is a scary thing. Laying out with baby oil and spending money on tanning memberships is literally killing you!
Get beautiful skin the safe way!

What is your favorite Self-Tanner? Tell me in the comments! I love hearing from you and answering questions from my email!

Thanks for hanging out!

XO Lindsay


urestiebestie@gmail.com

Healthy Skin Habits To Prevent Aging

There's no better time to start than right now! Whether you're 18 or 45, you can do something to slow down the aging process. I know some of you may be thinking, "It's too late for me." But it's not, doing a few of these things could really improve your skin. It doesn't matter the age though, this list is going to give you 5 steps to healthy skin.

1. Avoid Sun Damage. Wear your sun block and no sun tanning! I know about your baby oil and iodine sun bathing. But we can put that in the past. You can protect your skin by staying indoors between the hours of 10 am and 2 pm, wearing a hat, and an spf of at least 30.
Fun Fact: a Sun Protection Factor of 30 does not equal double the protection of a SPF 15. An SPF 15 blocks 93% of UVB, an SPF 30 blocks 97% UVB, that's only a 4% difference, while an SPF 50 blocks 98% UVB. (UVB= ultra violet burning rays) So, it really doesn't matter which sun block you choose, as long as you are applying it as directed, every two hours, it will be effective.
"Well my make up has SPF in it so I don't need sun block." Wrong. Once you apply your moisturizer (if it is without SPF) your make up with sunscreen is going to have a hard time penetrating that moisturizer to absorb into your skin and protect you from the sun. I'd prefer that you use a daily moisturizer with SPF and if your make up has it too then, cool dude.

But what about your gorgeous glow that you get from laying out in the sun? It's not safe! When your skin is exposed to UV radiation, it produces extra melanin to try and protect your skin from damage. Melanin is the pigment that colors your hair, eyes and skin. This is why you get those freckles and soon-to-be permanent age spots. It's called Photo Aging, and dark spots aren't the only thing you should worry about. UV radiation also breaks down your collagen and elastin, the guys that make your skin plump and firm. Without those, your skin is leathery, saggy and wrinkled and it can't be reversed without surgery. Don't you want to look 22 when you're 42? Yes, the answer is yes. Now I know I'm breaking some sun bunnies hearts so let's make a deal. Cut your sun exposure time in half!

2. Stay Hydrated. Drink more water, drink more water, drink more water, I know you haven't heard it enough. ;) You need to be drinking a half ounce to an ounce of water per pound that you weigh. I'm one of those people that doesn't like water too, you're not alone. But now they make those squeezy flavors you can add to your water to make it bearable! Anyway, when you drink water, your skin is happy. By happy I mean, glowing, plump, less dull, less saggy and it may even reduce your pore size. Also, wear you're moisturizer morning and night to keep your skin cells balanced. The key to healthy ageless skin is hydration internally and externally.

3. Quit Smoking. It causes wrinkles, skin discoloration, and cancer. But I really don't want to sit here and tell you all the reasons you need to quit smoking. You already know. It's not healthy and we're trying to have healthy skin here.

4. Get a Monthly Facial. Yes girl, treat yourself! Not only is getting a facial one of the best ways to relax, it's also super healthy for your skin. Estheticians use professional products which are stronger and more concentrated than what you're able to use at home. Getting that nice deep exfoliation monthly is going to turn back the time! Plus, you'll likely be getting some massage to stimulate circulation and encourage your skin to produce more collagen and elastin.

5. Antioxidants! I love antioxidants. You need to be using them every day! Antioxidants are the warriors that fight off free radical damage to your skin's cells. Free radicals are unstable molecules with a missing electron. They like to attack healthy skin cells to steal an electron, resulting in more free-radicals. This then causes a chain reaction called Oxidative Stress, which leads to pre-mature aging and possibly even cancer. Free radicals literally decay healthy cells and the best way to stop that is by using antioxidants. Antioxidants donate an electron to a free radical to neutralize them without then becoming one itself. What a nice guy.
Here are a couple things you need to be aware of that can cause free radical damage: environmental pollution, cigarette smoke, car exhaust, food preservatives, pesticides.. the list goes on. Scary right? So, there are many different ways to get antioxidants, most are found in foods you eat or you can apply them topically. I'm sure you're familiar with some.. Vitamins C & E, green tea, wheat grass, acai berries, herbs, avocados, artichokes, nuts, coco powder and resveratrol. Do you know what resveratrol is? It's found in blueberries, cranberries and red grapes. Do you know what this means?! "Red, red wiiiiine, it's up to youuu!" You have probably heard that drinking a small glass of red wine each day can save you from heart disease, but it can also help you fight your free radicals! But be careful, drinking too much alcohol can also be a major producer of free radicals.

Like I said before, it's never too late to prevent aging and it's never too early to start! Let's get healthy skin together and try these 5 easy steps! Better yet, let's make them habits!

Please e-mail me if you have any questions and I'll totally get back to you within 24 hours!
urestiebestie@gmail.com

Thanks for hanging out!

XO Lindsay

Let's Talk Acne

I want to start by saying, the topic of acne is a tough one. People experience acne in many ways and respond to treatments differently. Not all faces are created equal. In my opinion, there is no right answer telling why your skin breaks out the way that it does, but there are probable causes. I would also like to say, if you have acne, your best option for the skin you are looking for, is going to be found in the hands of a skincare professional. Please don't ask your bestie (unless your bestie is me) what they are using to treat their acne because their skin is not yours! You need a personal consultation to figure out the best treatment for YOU. And it will take TIME.Your skin does not change over night, in a week or even in a month! But trust me, it will be worth it when you're using effective, professional products fit for you.

So what is acne? Well if you're reading this, you probably already have an idea of what acne is, and I mentioned it in my last post. Acne is when a pore is blocked by oil or dead skin cells, creating a lovely home for p. acne to get a job, get married, start a family and eventually take over your whole face. Just kidding. There a few different types of acne that I am going to breakdown and explain, I'll show you some products that I like, and then we're going to talk about the different areas these babies might appear.

• Clogged pores: hardly noticeable, non-inflamed, painless, yet still a pain in the butt. These guys are like those people that show up at your birthday party, without an invitation, just for the food and drinks. People with dry skin tend to experience these and they can usually be taken care of with regular exfoliation 3-4 times a week. I personally like to use an exfoliating mask like GlamGlow Supermud because it contains charcoal and kaolin clay draw out the impurities. I would use this as a spot treatment too, maybe twice a week. Sold at Sephora or glamglowmud.com.

• Whiteheads: also known as pustules or papules, inflamed, sometimes painful and red, literally a pimple with a white head. Most acne sufferers experience these and strive to prevent them. The problem with whitehead is that they are hard to treat because its difficult to find what exactly causes them. Once you do find what is causing them and you find your holy grail products and regimen, they are treatable. Just don't pick at them! Your beautiful face doesn't want scars, girl. Instead of picking, as soon as I see that little red dot forming, I dab on some Acne Spot Fast Fix from Murad. I am not kidding you, that baby will be gone in 72 hours. Apply as needed, spot treat only. Can be found at most Massage Envy Spas, Ulta, and Murad.com.

• Blackhead: a pore plugged up by sebum (oil) and darkened by oxidation, not painful, but not fun either. Since these are due to excess oil build up, exfoliation is key as well as sometimes using products with ingredients such as Salicylic Acid and Benzoyl Peroxide. And like I always say, it doesn't help to skip the moisturizer. Use it. Juice Beauty has an awesome serum for oily or problematic skin. It has willow bark, salicylic acid, and fruit acids to help control oil and reduce breakouts. Plus, it's organic, yay! You would use this after your cleanser and toner, and before your moisturizer. Now since I'm not letting you skip the moisturizer, the next two products are great daytime and night time moisturizers for oily/blemish prone skin. And yes, they're Murad. Oil control moisturizer has spf so you'll use it during the day. Skin Perfecting Lotion is used at night and will help sooth, hydrate and minimize appearance of pores. Both are Oil free. 

• Cystic: Ughh.. wanna-be besties. These puppies are painful, big, tumor-like, and anchored deep in your skin. Unfortunately, they are usually caused by an internal issue, hormones, allergies, or food sensitivities. They take a long time to heal and they will get extremely worse if you pick at them. I hate saying this, but if you think you might have cystic acne, see a dermatologist. 

Now that you understand acne almost as well as I do, let's see where our unwanted friends like to show up and WHY. According to Chinese Medicine, your face correlates the internal health of your whole body. Whether you believe this or not, in my work, I have found it to be quite accurate. Here is a picture of the face and the regions that reflect your body.

Starting with the forehead, these are the reasons you may be breaking out in certain areas:

• Forehead- Digestive problems (hard time breaking down certain foods), small intestine issues, liver issues, irregular sleep schedule, stress, bad temper, too much worrying, to many sugary foods, toxin build-up, hair products, bangs, wearing hats.
• Temples- Poor lymphatic circulation, diet high in fat, gallbladder issues, too much McDonald's- I mean processed foods..
• Between Brows- Weak heart, too much alcohol (uh-oh), too much tobacco.
• Left Cheek- Liver, overeating, nutrition having a hard time absorbing, stress, stomach problems, dirty cell phone, dirty pillow case, dirty make up brushes (Gurrrll...) 
• Right Cheek- Lungs, allergies, stress, stomach problems, too much sugar, dirty cell phone, dirty pillow case, dirty make up brushes.
• Nose- Poor diet, constipation, bloating, gastrointestinal imbalance, indigestion. Poor blood circulation if the skin on the nose peels.
• Lip Area- Constipation, irregular bowels, too much spicy or fried food, toothpaste, ovulation in women.
• Chin and Jaw- Hormonal problems, Gynecological issues, kidney imbalance, resting hands on face, toothpaste.

Remember that these are just a few possibilities. Try to pay attention to your skin and figure out what could be causing your breakouts. Is it that time of the month? Have you been eating a lot of junk food? Do you change your pillow case often? If you can change some of these things and if you use great products in your regimen, your skin may improve!

Like I said in the beginning, not all skin is created equal. But if you have acne, you are not alone! Take some of these thoughts into consideration and see a skincare professional. Acne can be hard work but believe me, taking care of it the proper way is worth it! 

Please keep in mind that the products I mentioned are examples of things you may use. Since I can't give you a skin consultation through the computer screen, I cannot be sure these products will work for you.
Also, my last post brought a lot of questions so you if you don't know me personally you can e-mail me at urestiebestie@gmail.com

Thanks for hanging out!

XO Lindsay

Apricot Scrub and Why You Should QUIT IT!

Alright guys, what did you expect? Of course my first post is going to be about my hatred towards the oh-so-popular St. Ives Apricot Scrub!
Disclaimer: this post, and my posts in the future, are not meant to bash the people who are using this product. This post is to simply inform you that it is not highly recommended by me (and many, many other skincare professionals) to use. ever. :)
So lets get started. Everybody loves a nice deep exfoliation, but guess what.. scrubbing your skin literally OFF is not the way to do it. I go into work everyday and meet new clients and as soon as I get them on the table, I say, "Explain to me your skin care routine and the products you are currently using." I can honestly say that about 60% of clients mention a scrub and almost 80% of those people say ST. IVES APRICOT SCRUB. My next question: "How often do you use your apricot scrub?" Answer: "Everyday in the shower." My eyes then start twitchy and my blood starts boiling. Jk. But this really is my biggest pet-peeve. Scrubs are great, don't get me wrong, but this scrub in particular is made with walnut shell powder, sharp as needles! When you use this scrub you are creating tiny little cuts in your skin and damaging your sensitive little face! But not only that, you are spreading bacteria to the deepest layers of your skin. People with acne should stay far FAR away from this scrub.

HERE IS WHY:

• Scrubbing causes irritation and inflammation, especially when you are the type that thinks the harder you scrub, the cleaner your skin will get. Listen, Linda listen.. STOP DOING THAT. When your pores get inflamed they swell, close up and trap p. acnes bacteria inside. This creates a happy environment for the bacteria to survive and spread, resulting in more breakouts. The only thing that I can think of that is worse than scrubbing your acne to death is pouring bleach on your face. The idea of apricot scrub being advertised towards people with acne makes me want to vomit. 
• You know that tight feeling you get after cleansing your skin with this scrub? That my friends, is due to Transepidermal Water Loss (TEWL) which is caused by you damaging your sensitive little face. Definition of TEWL: the measurement of the quantity of water that passes from inside a body through the epidermal layer to the surrounding atmosphere via diffusion and evaporation processes. Think of a grape, nice firm and juicy.. Now think of a raisin, dried, deflated and sad. 

It's okay to feel bad, you didn't know! That's why I'm here to help. Now as your new Estie Bestie, I'm going to teach you the right way to exfoliate!

1. When choosing a scrub, you need to look for ingredients such as jojoba beads and sugar.
2. Scrubbing is not the only way to exfoliate. Chemical exfoliation is a thing too!
3. Scrub GENTLY. Be nice to your skin, it's the only one you've got! Rub in small circular motions upwards for about 3 mins then rinse very well and follow with moisturizer. Please :)
4. The amount of times you should exfoliate depends on your skin type but it's not recommended to exfoliate more than 3/4 times per week.

There a millions of exfoliators on the market, choosing one that works for you takes time but if you have any questions go see a local esthetician or ask me :)

Now, throw away your St. Ive's Apricot scrub or give it to your worst enemy, apologize to your sweet little face, and share this with people you know who use this product!

Do you have a favorite exfoliator? Let me know in the comments!

Also, I'll probably be posting like this once or twice a week and I already have an idea of my first few posts but if you have any questions or ideas that you want me to write about, let me know!

Thanks for hanging out!

XO Lindsay