Waterproof... Sweat proof... Sunblock... These terms are so widely used on sunscreen labels that we have become blind to their meaning. Many consumers grab the bottle with the most "proofs" and the highest SPF and call it good.
Well, this "no-brainer mindset" concerning sunscreens will soon be a thing of the past. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on June 14, 2011 new requirements for all over-the-counter sunscreens. These new...
Mineral sunscreens, like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, are the most effective approved mineral—based ingredients to protect the skin from both UVA and UVB damage. These minerals form a physical barrier on the skin, reflecting UVB and UVA rays and keeping them from penetrating to deeper layers of your skin. They are also less irritating and safer than chemical sunscreens, and offer a wider range of UV protection. A statement from the Environmental Working Group (EWG) states that they have found “consumers using sunscreens without zinc and titanium would be exposed to an average of 20% more UVA radiation; with increased risks for UVA—induced skin damage, premature...
Mineral sunscreens build a physical protective layer on the skin's surface, providing immediate protection against UVA and UVB rays. Synthetic sunscreens, on the other hand, are absorbed into the skin and body and take 20-30 minutes to shield skin—and typically less effective against UVB rays...
You may be well aware of what your moisturizer or body wash contains, but other personal care items tend to get overlooked. Like your toothpaste.
Have you picked up the toothpaste on your bathroom counter and looked at the ingredient listing? Do you see Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS)? How about Propylene Glycol? Fluoride? And just because the label says it is "natural" does not mean it is necessarily safe. Even some natural toothpastes contain harmful ingredients...
We've had many people ask us about the Environmental Working Group. We strongly support and commend the Environmental Working Group on their efforts to create awareness around skin care ingredients and lobby for change. We believe this effort is much needed here in the US to help women and men become more aware of what ingredients are going into their bodies....
Keratosis pilaris is a common genetic skin condition which appears as rough, bumpy, sometimes red skin most often found on upper arms, thighs, and cheeks. These bumps are due to a buildup of keratin, a hard protective protein found in skin, hair, and nails. This built up keratin forms a plug which blocks the opening of hair follicles. When these plugs, or bumps, become irritated it causes redness.
Keratosis pilaris usually presents in childhood, often at its worst during puberty, but can continue into adulthood. The condition usually improves in warmer weather, while dry weather seems to exacerbate symptoms.
There is no known cure for Keratosis pilaris, though steps can be taken to keep minimize bumps and redness.
Winter presents new issues for our skin. Dry, cold air and indoor heating can quickly parch skin of necessary moisture, resulting in a dry, flaky, sallow complexion. This flakiness can also lead to breakouts.
To keep skin happy and healthy this season, rely on these three simple steps: Drink lots of water, remove makeup each night, and protect and moisturize.
Ok, the first step is a no-brainer. Drinking plenty of water hydrates the body from the inside out, keeping skin supple and glowing. And while water is essential to healthy skin and body, taking good care of your skin is key in warding off dryness and blemishes...
The throat and chest area, décolleté, is one of the first places a woman will notice signs of aging. The skin here is thinner and prone to wrinkling and uneven pigmentation. Following a regular skincare regimen will keep the décolleté looking its best.
Lavera Solution line contains a wealth of powerful anti-agers to smooth skin, minimize appearance of wrinkles and sagging skin on neck, and increase overall luminosity. The main cause of premature aging of the skin is free radical damage. Free radicals break down collagen and elastin, proteins that give skin support and elasticity...
Conventional sunscreens were created to do one thing and one thing only, protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Over time, extended use of conventional sunscreens formulated with harsh chemicals may have an entirely different effect not only on your skin but also on natural plant and aquatic life living in our oceans, rivers and lakes. On the contrary, sunscreens formulated with entirely natural, chemical-free substances utilizing mineral-based ingredients are completely safe for the environment as well as gentle on skin.
Most sunscreens offer little to no protection against UVA rays. That SPF number you see on the bottle only tells you the UVB protection factor. While UVB rays are responsible for sunburn, UVA rays penetrate to the deeper layers of skin, and is a major factor in premature aging and skin cancer. Clearly, protection from UVA rays is a serious factor to consider when purchasing sunscreen...
According to the Environmental Working Group more than a million cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the US each year. And malignant melanoma is on the rise.
This is due in large part to ineffective sunscreen products. Higher SPFs may tempt people to stay out in the sun longer, believing that they are protected. But these products often do little to protect from harmful UVA rays and offer no more protection than that of a product with lower SPF.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays emitted by the sun deliver ionizing radiation which cause chemical reactions in our bodies. The two types of rays that reach the earth are UVA and UVB. The third type of UV ray emitted by the sun is UVC. These rays are highly hazardous, but are completely absorbed by the ozone layer and never reach the earth.
Scientific studies by Switzerland’s of Pharmacology and Toxicology conducted in 2001 prove chemical sunscreens have detrimental consequences. Chemical compounds in sunscreens can accumulate in body fats and in mother’s breast milk. These chemicals mimic estrogen and can cause hormonal changes within the body such as increasing the size of the uterus...
Happy official summer! With the sun out in full force, it's especially important to remember to protect your skin from harmful sun-rays during time outside. It is also crucial to be aware of what type of sunscreen you and your family are using, as studies show that chemical sunscreens contain harmful ingredients that can have undesirable side-effects.


