Sunscreens. Understanding Sun Protection.

Are you travelling to sunny areas, or has the weather turned warmer for you? 

Cute Sun by Silverbtf

I know summer is here for some of you, so let us understand more about sun protection.  Also, a question that has always been boggling my mind: "Does higher SPF sunscreens work better?". If you have also thought or wondered about this matter, you're in for some myth busting and knowledge enhancement journey together with me!

So what is SPF?

It stands for "Sun Protection Factor", which is simply a laboratory measurement to measure the ability of a product to prevent sunburn compared to unprotected skin in similar conditions. Since sunburn is caused by UV-B radiation, SPF is a measure of protection against UV-B.

Image from New York Times: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/07/health/07real.html

Does higher SPF = better protection?

According to an article by Steven Q. Wang, MD, higher SPF does not equate to higher protection against the sun. 

Commonly Missed Spots

I came across this article by Jason Fitzpatrick which mentioned about commonly missed spots when we are slapping sunscreens on our body - and that is our feet! Especially those who love going to the beach to play with the sand.

Original Source

A common reason why sunscreens are not applied at the feet is because they dislike the feeling of sand stuck to their feet. But do not forget that our feet is equally at the danger of getting skin cancer or sunburn. 



Source: Hitting the Crossbar Photoblog



Acne & Sun

Sun exposure aggravates acne, thus you have to ensure you put on your sunblock and avoid sun exposure to keep acne at bay! The sun aggravates acne by causing breakouts, so make sure you choose a good zinc/ titanium based sunscreen. Applying a layer of mineral makeup daily may also help to avoid the sun's damaging rays.

Which Sunscreen?

Now you know the importance of sun protection? I will recommend the following sunscreens for all of you with different kinds of skins.. However bearing that the product may work differently for each individual~ with information from Dr. Jessica Wu, Hollywood Dermatologist.

For Oily or acne-prone skin
Look for oil-free sunscreen fluid that dries quickly and invisibly. And these can help your skin appear less oily and perhaps, even enhance the longevity of your makeup~
1. Shiseido Ultimate Sun Protection Cream SPF55 PA+++
2. Roche-Posay's Anthelios Mineral Ultra Light Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50
3. Kiehl's Super Fluid UV Defense SPF 50+

Normal to dry skin
Lotions or creams which are richer in texture, with hydrating ingredients like glycerin or hyaluronic acid are your to-get-sunscreens!
1. Shiseido's Extra Smooth Sun Protection Cream SPF 38
2. Kiss My Face - Face Factor SPF 30

Sensitive skin
Sunscreens with mineral ingredients such as zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are less likely to irritate your skin, unlike chemical ingredients.
1. Juice Beauty SPF 30 Mineral Moisturiser - contain's titanium dioxide
2. Dr Jessica Wu Cosmeceuticals Anti-Aging Sun Care SPF 32 - microfine sheer zinc oxide
3. Vanicream Sunscreen Sensitive Skin SPF 30 - with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide

Outdoor & Water Activities
Search for a water-resistant or water-proof formula
1. Jack Black Oil Free Sun Guard Very Water Resistant Sunscreen SPF50
2. MD SolarSciences Mineral Tinted Creme SP30
3. Sunplay SPF130 PA++
4. Fruit of the Earth Block Up SPF 50

Baby and Toddler Safe
1. BABY Blanket Sunblock Lotion for Babies SPF 50 

Make sure you apply your invisible umbrella before you head out and have a fun time in the sun! <3

Sources:

http://www.dailyglow.com/skin-care-tips/sunscreens-for-different-skin-types.html

http://www.ghbledsoe.com/blog/2013/3/16/sunscreen-spf-highest-is-bestest.html

http://jessaskin.com/2011/11/acne-help-tips-on-what-causes-acne-cause-of-acne/

http://www.mrich.com.au/index.php/therapeutic-goods-adminstration-tga-have-been-given-the-green-light-in-australia-to-change-sunscreen-standard-to-spf-50/

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/08/07/health/07real.html?_r=0

Skin Cancer Foundation

http://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/ask-the-experts/does-a-higher-spf-sunscreen-always-protect-your-skin-better

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/uva-and-uvb/understanding-uva-and-uvb

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/sunscreens-explained
http://www.totalbeauty.com/content/gallery/best-facial-sunscreens#8

Acne Prevention and Cause

Acne is everyone's common enemy. They come and go as and when they like, and how can we prevent the repercussion of a crazy acne outbreak. Furthermore, what causes acne?

What is Acne
A skin condition that is otherwise known as acne vulgaries, which gives us pimples on our skin. These pimples can be found anywhere on our body and at any age.

When sebaceous (oil) glands attach to the hair follicles which are stimulated by puberty by elevated levels of male hormones (androgenic hormones), acne is formed. Our skin naturally produces sebum (oil) to moisturise and protect our skin. However excess sebum production will clog the hair follicle, which will gradually enlarge and produce a bump. The wall of the enlarged follicle may rupture to allow bacteria and normal skin bacteria access into the deeper layers of the skin, ultimately producing inflammation.

Different Types of Pimples

• Whiteheads - oil that breaks through the surface and remain under the skin and are very small
• Blackheads - caused by accumulation of melanin pigment in the oil, or when the oil is oxidized and changes from white to black. clearly visible but is not caused by dirt. Scrubbing your face vigorously will not help. 
• Papules - visible on the surface of the skin
• Pustules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin, caused by inflammation, and are usually red at their base with pus at the top
• Nobules - clearly visible on the surface of the skin, they are large, solid pimples. Painful and embedded deep in the skin
• Cysts - very deep inflammation which are clearly visible on the skin. They are painful and filled with pus. Cysts can easily cause scars!

Acne Causes
There are various factors that cause acne, and a key trigger for acne are hormones. Acne typically begins around puberty when an increase of steroid (androgenic) hormones causes an increase in the activity of sebaceous hair follicles.

However if acne continues to persist beyond the age 25 or 30, it may be due to other factors: heredity, stress, diet, certain medication, thyroid, vitamin deficiency, or other endocrine problem chronic irritation and bacteria can also play a role in acne. Acne are mostly a cause of a combination of several factors. 

Some other factors that you might even neglect!!

• beauty routine - make sure you remove your makeup entirely before bed
• cell phone - keep it away from your face or regularly wipe the screen
• touching your face - i am so guilty of this...

10 Tips to Prevent Acne from WebMD

1. Keep your face clean - wash your face twice a day
2. Moisturise - I read somewhere, that your skin produces more oil because it is lack of moisture, so you do not want to skip moisturiserrr...
3. Try an over the counter acne product - I personally resolved my crazy acne outbreak with an over the counter acne product ^^ 
4. Use makeup sparingly
5. Watch what you put on your hair
6. Keep your hands off your face
7. Stay out of the sun - sunrays will aggravate acne
8. Avoid greasy and junk foods - drink more water and avoid fried food especially
9. Exercise - they help to purge out the toxins when you perspire~
10. Relax and chill - stress causes acne, so take a chill pill and do something you like 

Information Are Taken From These Sources:
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/107146.php
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/acne-vulgaris-cause
http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/10-tips-for-preventing-pimples
http://www.womenshealthmag.com/beauty/cause-acne

Monthly Finished and Favourites - April

This month, I managed to clear a couple of my favourite products. And please keep on reading if you are interested to know what are my favourites as well as finished items of the month!

FINISHED

Well, when you finish these products, it just means that you get to replenish and buy new ones! Teehee, I am trying to finish all the products that I have bought before I get new items, because I have piled up quite a lot of beauty and skincare related items due to the Watsons Sale that happens ever so often. 

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Review: AcneClear Pimple Treatment

Edit: This is an updated post as I realise I missed out a few things. This was previously posted on 1st December 2012. I am still using this occasionally due to the random breakouts that I might have due to hormonal and weather changes. One of my favourite acne treatments :)

*

This is an overdue blogpost, however I took many photos along the way of my treatment of acne. This happened in NOVEMBER, and I am proud to say that my skin is definitely under control and I am able to go out with little or no base makeup. 

So here I am going to share my remedy on my adult acne..

Today I will be sharing a review on Acne Clear, a pimple lotion, that is available over the counter at Watsons or Unity as well. This product costs below SGD5.00, so it is really affordable.

I have tested this product for half a month already, although the review only reflects the first 13 days. This probably shows you how potent this product is as well ;)

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Review: Proactiv Solution

I tried the Proactiv Solutions before I went on to my previously raved about product Acne Clear. I have got to say you have to be patient and try out this product progressively.

This product can be too harsh on certain skin. Previously, I did not imagine my skin to be sensitive as I could use almost any cleanser, toner and moisturiser and all would be fine. However my skin reacted so badly to the Proactiv Step 3. 
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