Saturday, April 3, 2010
Moving Back the Hands of Time
In December 2008, I wrote about different treatment options to improve the appearance of aging hands. As you age, the fat under the skin in the hands begins to diminish, making the veins prominent-looking. A family friend named Pat recently underwent one of the procedures I profiled, and it was televised on the local news channel. She had filler (something similar to Restylane) injected under her skin in an effort to plump up the area and minimize some prominent veins. I think the results are quite impressive and Pat is very satisfied with the improvement. Click HERE to watch the video.
Read More
Monday, January 25, 2010
First Semester Ruminations
It has been several months since my last post, and many apologies for the delay. I started school in September and needed all that time to adjust to my new schedule. The first semester was a great success and I truly love the field of nutrition. It's an interesting, relevant subject matter and for future posts, I will try to write about how it relates to skin health.
So, what did I learn from my first semester? What are the keys to true physical health and general well-being?
#1: Compromised health = compromised you. Be selfish about your health and realize that it's a priority. Without it, you can never really be 100% present for yourself and your loved ones. If I can't sell you on that argument, think about it like this: it's cheaper to be healthier in the long-term.
#2: Eat whole foods. What are whole foods? Foods that are in their most natural state, foods that came straight from the farm to the grocery store shelves. If your diet mostly consists of food that doesn't come out of a box or can, your body will thank you and reward you in time.
#3: Eat a variety of whole foods. That means eating fruits and veggies that are different colors and textures, and also eating different meats. To make sure I get this variety, I employ a simple rotation diet. For dinner on day 1 on the "diet", I'll prepare 1.25 lbs of grass-fed ground beef with 1 red pepper, 1 tomato, 1/2 an onion, 2 cloves of garlic and various spices, and I'll pair it with a simple green salad or sauteed spinach with minced garlic, onion and red pepper flakes. It's simple, fast, delicious. This is enough food for my boyfriend and me to have dinner, breakfast and lunch the next day. The following day I will make some roasted chicken, the next will be pork chops or lean sausage and the fourth day will be some sort of fish. Depending on availability at the store, I will make sauteed kale, sweet potatoes, spinach or salad on those nights. At first, it is a little strange to eat leftovers for breakfast and lunch, but after a week or so, it becomes very routine, satisfying and extremely cost-effective! Even if you can't commit to this type of eating, eat different foods everyday whenever you can!
#4: Eat organic when possible, and even if you can't, keep eat non-organic foods anyways! We all know the studies---organic foods have less chemical residue than non-organic foods. Sometimes the organic varieties are unavailable or too expensive. Don't stop eating healthy fruits and vegetables just because they're not organic! If you have to prioritize, try and spend your money on antibiotic/hormone-free, free-range meats and dairy products since these foods are higher on the food chain and toxins tend to accumulate in the fats of animals. For non-organic fruits and vegetables, wash them thoroughly to remove as many chemicals off the surface as possible.
#5: Cut back on sugar and think about cutting out wheat. Aside from instant gratification and immediate energy, sugar really has no benefit for the body. Don't totally deprive yourself, but if you cut back on it, your body will respond by dropping weight and craving it less. You might also derive the same benefit from cutting out wheat from the diet. The few people who I have put on wheat-free diets (and this means no bread, pasta, cookies, cakes---unless you get the gluten-free kinds) have experienced weight loss, energy boosts and being freed of their wheat cravings. This may not happen with all people, but it's worth a shot if you're trying to get rid of your belly paunch. Yes, these foods are comforting, but they're extremely addictive. Why let these comfort food cause so much discomfort by eating them regularly? Make them a special treat instead of a daily habit.
#6: Drink plenty of water. Water is vital for strong, healthy blood circulation and is even associated with a reduced risk of kidney and bladder cancer.
#7: Exercise regularly and however you can. Even if it means parking far away from a store entrance or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, don't forget to exercise. The human body moved to evolve and evolved to move! Movement supports bone and muscle strength, which helps your body stay younger longer and gives you energy. It also favors development of muscle, a tissue that is more active and burns more energy (i.e., calories) than fat tissue.
#8: Get to bed early, by 11 at the latest. It makes a difference.
#9: Manage your stress. Everyone has it, but how do you respond to it? Do you lash out at loved ones? Experience crying fits? Feel you have no control over your life? Unfortunately, our bodies haven't evolved to successfully manage chronic stress, so we need to help it by finding an activity or exercise to relieve it. Letting chronic stress rule your life can result in a bevy of ailments---why don't you conquer your stress instead of letting it conquer you?
#10: Get some perspective. Why are we always finding something wrong in our lives? Why does it usually take some sort of tragedy to remind us of what's important? When you die, you're not taking anything tangible with you. The people you leave behind are your true legacy and the true measure of your success, so why not spend your energy cultivating relationships that matter instead of worrying about things you don't or can't have? Participate in activities that make you feel valued, productive and alive, and remember that our time on this earth is limited. Spend it loving and being loved.
This post is related to a previous post, but the lessons here only reinforce what I've said in the past. If you care about your inside, your outside will reflect that investment.
Read More
So, what did I learn from my first semester? What are the keys to true physical health and general well-being?
#1: Compromised health = compromised you. Be selfish about your health and realize that it's a priority. Without it, you can never really be 100% present for yourself and your loved ones. If I can't sell you on that argument, think about it like this: it's cheaper to be healthier in the long-term.
#2: Eat whole foods. What are whole foods? Foods that are in their most natural state, foods that came straight from the farm to the grocery store shelves. If your diet mostly consists of food that doesn't come out of a box or can, your body will thank you and reward you in time.
#3: Eat a variety of whole foods. That means eating fruits and veggies that are different colors and textures, and also eating different meats. To make sure I get this variety, I employ a simple rotation diet. For dinner on day 1 on the "diet", I'll prepare 1.25 lbs of grass-fed ground beef with 1 red pepper, 1 tomato, 1/2 an onion, 2 cloves of garlic and various spices, and I'll pair it with a simple green salad or sauteed spinach with minced garlic, onion and red pepper flakes. It's simple, fast, delicious. This is enough food for my boyfriend and me to have dinner, breakfast and lunch the next day. The following day I will make some roasted chicken, the next will be pork chops or lean sausage and the fourth day will be some sort of fish. Depending on availability at the store, I will make sauteed kale, sweet potatoes, spinach or salad on those nights. At first, it is a little strange to eat leftovers for breakfast and lunch, but after a week or so, it becomes very routine, satisfying and extremely cost-effective! Even if you can't commit to this type of eating, eat different foods everyday whenever you can!
#4: Eat organic when possible, and even if you can't, keep eat non-organic foods anyways! We all know the studies---organic foods have less chemical residue than non-organic foods. Sometimes the organic varieties are unavailable or too expensive. Don't stop eating healthy fruits and vegetables just because they're not organic! If you have to prioritize, try and spend your money on antibiotic/hormone-free, free-range meats and dairy products since these foods are higher on the food chain and toxins tend to accumulate in the fats of animals. For non-organic fruits and vegetables, wash them thoroughly to remove as many chemicals off the surface as possible.
#5: Cut back on sugar and think about cutting out wheat. Aside from instant gratification and immediate energy, sugar really has no benefit for the body. Don't totally deprive yourself, but if you cut back on it, your body will respond by dropping weight and craving it less. You might also derive the same benefit from cutting out wheat from the diet. The few people who I have put on wheat-free diets (and this means no bread, pasta, cookies, cakes---unless you get the gluten-free kinds) have experienced weight loss, energy boosts and being freed of their wheat cravings. This may not happen with all people, but it's worth a shot if you're trying to get rid of your belly paunch. Yes, these foods are comforting, but they're extremely addictive. Why let these comfort food cause so much discomfort by eating them regularly? Make them a special treat instead of a daily habit.
#6: Drink plenty of water. Water is vital for strong, healthy blood circulation and is even associated with a reduced risk of kidney and bladder cancer.
#7: Exercise regularly and however you can. Even if it means parking far away from a store entrance or taking the stairs instead of the elevator, don't forget to exercise. The human body moved to evolve and evolved to move! Movement supports bone and muscle strength, which helps your body stay younger longer and gives you energy. It also favors development of muscle, a tissue that is more active and burns more energy (i.e., calories) than fat tissue.
#8: Get to bed early, by 11 at the latest. It makes a difference.
#9: Manage your stress. Everyone has it, but how do you respond to it? Do you lash out at loved ones? Experience crying fits? Feel you have no control over your life? Unfortunately, our bodies haven't evolved to successfully manage chronic stress, so we need to help it by finding an activity or exercise to relieve it. Letting chronic stress rule your life can result in a bevy of ailments---why don't you conquer your stress instead of letting it conquer you?
#10: Get some perspective. Why are we always finding something wrong in our lives? Why does it usually take some sort of tragedy to remind us of what's important? When you die, you're not taking anything tangible with you. The people you leave behind are your true legacy and the true measure of your success, so why not spend your energy cultivating relationships that matter instead of worrying about things you don't or can't have? Participate in activities that make you feel valued, productive and alive, and remember that our time on this earth is limited. Spend it loving and being loved.
This post is related to a previous post, but the lessons here only reinforce what I've said in the past. If you care about your inside, your outside will reflect that investment.
Read More
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tan People Get Skin Cancer, Too
Did you know Bob Marley died of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer? You may find this surprising because of his darker skin color. Don't only Caucasians get skin cancer? The answer is no.
I'm a proud Mexican-American who has taken care of her skin since age 12, partly out of vanity and partly out of concern for cancer. My non-Hispanic friends have always asked, "Why are you worried skin cancer? Your skin type can handle the sun." While it is true that my olive skin can usually handle limited sun exposure, I've been a victim of sunburn twice in my life (see previous post) and have several freckles and some small sunspots on my face as a result of sun damage (even after years of using sunscreen!). Clearly, I'm not immune to the sun's damaging rays, despite my tan skin. And we all know that just five sunburns can double your risk of skin cancer, which means I've raised my risk for the disease substantially with just those two burns!
According to an article by the Skin Cancer Foundation, many ethnic people and dermatologists often overlook the skin cancer risk in this group of people. While skin cancers rates are quite low among ethnic people, the rates are rising each year, especially in sunny areas. Also, non-Caucasians have disproportionately higher mortality rates because of delayed cancer screenings and treatments due to the perceived notion that it is a Caucasian phenomenon. Considering that by 2050 the US Census Bureau predicts that 50% of the US population will be Asian, African-American or Hispanic, it is especially critical to raise skin cancer awareness among non-Caucasians and have these groups adopt better skin practices.
I advise ALL PEOPLE to follow a healthy skin regimen that includes sunscreen, sunglasses, protective clothing/accessories, a nutritious diet and lots of hydration.
Consult the table below to see where certain skin cancers tend to appear among ethnic people. Click on this link for the full Skin Cancer Foundation article.
Read More
I'm a proud Mexican-American who has taken care of her skin since age 12, partly out of vanity and partly out of concern for cancer. My non-Hispanic friends have always asked, "Why are you worried skin cancer? Your skin type can handle the sun." While it is true that my olive skin can usually handle limited sun exposure, I've been a victim of sunburn twice in my life (see previous post) and have several freckles and some small sunspots on my face as a result of sun damage (even after years of using sunscreen!). Clearly, I'm not immune to the sun's damaging rays, despite my tan skin. And we all know that just five sunburns can double your risk of skin cancer, which means I've raised my risk for the disease substantially with just those two burns!
According to an article by the Skin Cancer Foundation, many ethnic people and dermatologists often overlook the skin cancer risk in this group of people. While skin cancers rates are quite low among ethnic people, the rates are rising each year, especially in sunny areas. Also, non-Caucasians have disproportionately higher mortality rates because of delayed cancer screenings and treatments due to the perceived notion that it is a Caucasian phenomenon. Considering that by 2050 the US Census Bureau predicts that 50% of the US population will be Asian, African-American or Hispanic, it is especially critical to raise skin cancer awareness among non-Caucasians and have these groups adopt better skin practices.
I advise ALL PEOPLE to follow a healthy skin regimen that includes sunscreen, sunglasses, protective clothing/accessories, a nutritious diet and lots of hydration.
Consult the table below to see where certain skin cancers tend to appear among ethnic people. Click on this link for the full Skin Cancer Foundation article.
Read More
Badger to the Test
While on a recent 5-day trip to a beach location, I got my first chance to really put the all-natural Badger SPF 30 sunscreen to the test. On the first morning of my trip, I slathered on the cream and ended up looking a little like a Casper-version of myself until the sunscreen absorbed after 15 minutes or so. At the beach, I spent about 20 minutes in the water before coming out and covering myself with my sun hat and Linda parasol. I made the mistake of not reapplying because I was covered up by my hat and parasol, and it was starting to look like rain and we were going to leave. I also figured there was still some juice left in the sunscreen, which promises 40 minutes of safe wear in the water (I had only been in the water for half that time). I'm usually a fervent re-applier, but I was lazy with the Badger because it took a considerable time to apply it and you definitely need a second person to help you out your back. I have unusually long arms and with normal, spreadable sunscreen, I can get to the difficult spots on my back with some effort. With Badger, the cream was so thick it would travel only a few inches before proving unyielding to anymore spreading. The end result of my first day of use: a moderate sunburn on my shoulders. I've burned only one other time in my life (at a practice for high school graduation) and to repeat it again on a vacation was not pleasant. I can't completely blame the burn on my sunscreen because I should have reapplied, but had it been an easier cream to spread, I would have been more likely to do this.
I would also like to note that I DO NOT recommend this sunscreen for use on your face. One of the ingredients in it is olive oil and that this doesn't strike me as non-commodogenic. I did put a little sunscreen on my forehead to test it out, and while I'm not sure if it was a coincidence or the fault of the sunscreen, three tiny pimples sprouted on my forehead. I will stick to my EltaMD for my face.
So, what is the verdict on the Badger sunscreen? It's fine for everyday use on your chest, arms and legs, but it wouldn't be my first choice for the beach or any other situation that requires complete reapplication. Perhaps the cream would spread more easily if you leave it in a warm place to soften, but I'll go back to using some Neutrogena sunscreens (especially the sprays!) in conjunction with the Badger for future beach use.
On a positive note, I did try Badger's sunscreen lip balm and loved it. I wouldn't use it as my everyday lip balm because it leaves a noticeable white layer on your lips, but for the beach or the water, it was great. It had a pleasant taste and eventually absorbed, leaving it only slightly noticeable. Read More
I would also like to note that I DO NOT recommend this sunscreen for use on your face. One of the ingredients in it is olive oil and that this doesn't strike me as non-commodogenic. I did put a little sunscreen on my forehead to test it out, and while I'm not sure if it was a coincidence or the fault of the sunscreen, three tiny pimples sprouted on my forehead. I will stick to my EltaMD for my face.
So, what is the verdict on the Badger sunscreen? It's fine for everyday use on your chest, arms and legs, but it wouldn't be my first choice for the beach or any other situation that requires complete reapplication. Perhaps the cream would spread more easily if you leave it in a warm place to soften, but I'll go back to using some Neutrogena sunscreens (especially the sprays!) in conjunction with the Badger for future beach use.
On a positive note, I did try Badger's sunscreen lip balm and loved it. I wouldn't use it as my everyday lip balm because it leaves a noticeable white layer on your lips, but for the beach or the water, it was great. It had a pleasant taste and eventually absorbed, leaving it only slightly noticeable. Read More
Monday, April 20, 2009
The Fight Over Vitamin D: AIM vs. SCF
There has been lots of controversy surrounding vitamin D in the medical world. This nutrient is necessary for the absorption of calcium (needed for healthy bones and teeth), and for maintaining normal blood levels of the minerals calcium and phosphorus. Without vitamin D, your bones can weaken, thus leading to possible fractures and even osteoporosis.
A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (AIM) found that 3 out of 4 Americans suffer from Vitamin D deficiencies, and a 2008 AIM study showed that participants with the lowest levels of Vitamin D had double the risk of dying from heart disease. Vitamin D may also help prevent certain cancers, such as colon, breast and prostate cancer.
How much vitamin D is necessary? The government recommends 200 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D per day up to age 50, 400 IUs to age 70, and 600 IUs over 70. Many experts think these amounts are too low and they recommend exposure to short-term sunlight in the summer, in addition too "supplementation in the winter of about 2,000 IUs [of vitamin D] per day."
According to the 2008 AIM study, during the winter "it's impossible to produce vitamin D from the sun if you live north of Atlanta because the sun never gets high enough in the sky for its ultraviolet B rays to penetrate the atmosphere." However, it is possible to accumulate enough vitamin D in the summer months, which will last you throughout the winter. If you are light-skinned, experts recommend 10 minutes of outdoor sun exposure in shorts and a tank top with no sunscreen, which will yield about 10,000 IUs of vitamin D. People with darker skin and the elderly produce less vitamin D, which may mean you need more sun exposure and/or additional vitamin supplementation from sources like fortified milk* (if your body can handle it!) and fatty fish.
This is where the controversy begins. Clearly the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) is in the business of promoting limited exposure to the sun for fear you may develop skin cancer. Despite the studies' results, the Skin Cancer Foundation maintains its firm stance against all unprotected sun exposure. The SCF feels the studies supporting claims that some unprotected sun exposure is needed for sufficient vitamin D production "cannot directly correlate disease with individual sun exposure, and 'cannot establish that solar exposure decreases incidence or mortality from these cancers.'" The SCF claims that "when you wear sunscreen, some UV reaches the skin, and this may be plenty, at least for fair-skinned individuals." This type of "incidental protected exposure…to minimal UVB radiation three times weekly generates adequate vitamin D levels by classic criteria. Greater exposure adds nothing to vitamin D stores, while increasing DNA damage", thus increasing your chances for skin cancer. (Click HERE for the SCF's rebuttal.)
So, what is the average person supposed to make of all this information? Do we have to choose between risking skin cancer or risking heart and bone disease? I recommend MODERATION and a proper diet. A friend in medical school once told me that all you need to do is expose the back of your hand (with no sunscreen) to the sun for 5 minutes, and that will give you enough Vitamin D for about six months. I'm no expert, but it seems to me that everyone needs a little sunshine here and there, not only for some vitamin D, but getting out and taking in some fresh air is good for the soul. While this certainly isn't a license to go out and bake under the sun, I think most of us (not all) can handle a little bit of sunshine without risking too much. I still recommend using sunscreen all over your body and covering up at least your face, neck and shoulders. Unless you are head-to-toe in UV shielding armor, there is no way to 100% avoid UV rays. Incidentally, you will get some vitamin D production, perhaps not the recommended daily dosage, but that's where a proper diet comes in.**
Consult the table below for food sources providing vitamin D.
Table from the National Health Institute: Selected Food Sources of Vitamin D
*More from the National Institute of Health: "In supplements and fortified foods, vitamin D is available in two forms, D2...and D3. The two forms have traditionally been regarded as equivalent based on their ability to cure rickets, but evidence has been offered that they are metabolized differently. Vitamin D3 could be more than three times as effective as vitamin D2 in raising serum 25(OH)D concentrations and maintaining those levels for a longer time, and its metabolites have superior affinity for vitamin D-binding proteins in plasma [6,32,33]. [Further] research is needed on the comparative physiological effects of both forms. Many supplements are being reformulated to contain vitamin D3 instead of vitamin D2 [33]. Both forms (as well as vitamin D in foods and from [sun exposure]) effectively raise serum 25(OH)D levels [6].
**From the National Institute of Health: "Sunscreens with a sun protection factor of 8 or more appear to block vitamin D-producing UV rays, although in practice people generally do not apply sufficient amounts, cover all sun-exposed skin, or reapply sunscreen regularly [31]. Skin likely synthesizes some vitamin D even when it is protected by sunscreen as typically applied."
Read More
A recent study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine (AIM) found that 3 out of 4 Americans suffer from Vitamin D deficiencies, and a 2008 AIM study showed that participants with the lowest levels of Vitamin D had double the risk of dying from heart disease. Vitamin D may also help prevent certain cancers, such as colon, breast and prostate cancer.
How much vitamin D is necessary? The government recommends 200 International Units (IUs) of vitamin D per day up to age 50, 400 IUs to age 70, and 600 IUs over 70. Many experts think these amounts are too low and they recommend exposure to short-term sunlight in the summer, in addition too "supplementation in the winter of about 2,000 IUs [of vitamin D] per day."
According to the 2008 AIM study, during the winter "it's impossible to produce vitamin D from the sun if you live north of Atlanta because the sun never gets high enough in the sky for its ultraviolet B rays to penetrate the atmosphere." However, it is possible to accumulate enough vitamin D in the summer months, which will last you throughout the winter. If you are light-skinned, experts recommend 10 minutes of outdoor sun exposure in shorts and a tank top with no sunscreen, which will yield about 10,000 IUs of vitamin D. People with darker skin and the elderly produce less vitamin D, which may mean you need more sun exposure and/or additional vitamin supplementation from sources like fortified milk* (if your body can handle it!) and fatty fish.
This is where the controversy begins. Clearly the Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) is in the business of promoting limited exposure to the sun for fear you may develop skin cancer. Despite the studies' results, the Skin Cancer Foundation maintains its firm stance against all unprotected sun exposure. The SCF feels the studies supporting claims that some unprotected sun exposure is needed for sufficient vitamin D production "cannot directly correlate disease with individual sun exposure, and 'cannot establish that solar exposure decreases incidence or mortality from these cancers.'" The SCF claims that "when you wear sunscreen, some UV reaches the skin, and this may be plenty, at least for fair-skinned individuals." This type of "incidental protected exposure…to minimal UVB radiation three times weekly generates adequate vitamin D levels by classic criteria. Greater exposure adds nothing to vitamin D stores, while increasing DNA damage", thus increasing your chances for skin cancer. (Click HERE for the SCF's rebuttal.)
So, what is the average person supposed to make of all this information? Do we have to choose between risking skin cancer or risking heart and bone disease? I recommend MODERATION and a proper diet. A friend in medical school once told me that all you need to do is expose the back of your hand (with no sunscreen) to the sun for 5 minutes, and that will give you enough Vitamin D for about six months. I'm no expert, but it seems to me that everyone needs a little sunshine here and there, not only for some vitamin D, but getting out and taking in some fresh air is good for the soul. While this certainly isn't a license to go out and bake under the sun, I think most of us (not all) can handle a little bit of sunshine without risking too much. I still recommend using sunscreen all over your body and covering up at least your face, neck and shoulders. Unless you are head-to-toe in UV shielding armor, there is no way to 100% avoid UV rays. Incidentally, you will get some vitamin D production, perhaps not the recommended daily dosage, but that's where a proper diet comes in.**
Consult the table below for food sources providing vitamin D.
Table from the National Health Institute: Selected Food Sources of Vitamin D
| Food | IUs per serving | Percent Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Cod liver oil, 1 tablespoon | 1,360 | 340 |
| Salmon, cooked, 3.5 ounces | 360 | 90 |
| Mackerel, cooked, 3.5 ounces | 345 | 90 |
| Tuna fish, canned in oil, 3 ounces | 200 | 50 |
| Sardines, canned in oil, drained, 1.75 ounces | 250 | 70 |
| Milk, nonfat, reduced fat, and whole, vitamin D-fortified, 1 cup | 98 | 25 |
| Margarine, fortified, 1 tablespoon | 60 | 15 |
| Ready-to-eat cereal, fortified with 10% of the DV for vitamin D, 0.75-1 cup (more heavily fortified cereals might provide more of the DV) | 40 | 10 |
| Egg, 1 whole (vitamin D is found in yolk) | 20 | 6 |
| Liver, beef, cooked, 3.5 ounces | 15 | 4 |
| Cheese, Swiss, 1 ounce | 12 | 4 |
*More from the National Institute of Health: "In supplements and fortified foods, vitamin D is available in two forms, D2...and D3. The two forms have traditionally been regarded as equivalent based on their ability to cure rickets, but evidence has been offered that they are metabolized differently. Vitamin D3 could be more than three times as effective as vitamin D2 in raising serum 25(OH)D concentrations and maintaining those levels for a longer time, and its metabolites have superior affinity for vitamin D-binding proteins in plasma [6,32,33]. [Further] research is needed on the comparative physiological effects of both forms. Many supplements are being reformulated to contain vitamin D3 instead of vitamin D2 [33]. Both forms (as well as vitamin D in foods and from [sun exposure]) effectively raise serum 25(OH)D levels [6].
**From the National Institute of Health: "Sunscreens with a sun protection factor of 8 or more appear to block vitamin D-producing UV rays, although in practice people generally do not apply sufficient amounts, cover all sun-exposed skin, or reapply sunscreen regularly [31]. Skin likely synthesizes some vitamin D even when it is protected by sunscreen as typically applied."
Read More
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Badger me, please!
I gave a short review of Badger Balm Face & Body Sunblock in my first post, but felt it deserved a separate and complete review. I discovered this sunscreen after spending a day last October researching various sunscreens and their effectiveness.Let's start with the economics. Badger Balm Face & Body Sunblock in SPF 30 comes in a 2.9 ounce tube that will cost you around $16. This is quite expensive for such a small amount of sunscreen, which isn't a cost effective option for daily, all-over use. I keep Badger in my purse and use it on my hands, arms and chest. If you are planning to use this sunscreen everyday and on your whole body, be prepared to pay a pretty penny for the replenishment of this product. I would recommend using the sunscreen for extended sun exposure at the beach or pool because Badger really does deliver reliable, long-lasting protection. I have yet to find a daily, all-over sunscreen that is all-natural and cost effective, although I have been meaning to try Mexitan sunblock (5.4 oz, $19), which seems to have all these traits.
The first thing you notice with the Badger sunscreen is the rather strong lavender scent. This does not bother me, but I can see it being a bother to some. One Amazon reviewer called the scent "medicinal." It just smells like strong lavender to me.
The main active ingredient in Badger sunscreen is 20.5% micronized zinc oxide, a mineral that provides safe and effective protection against UVA and UVB rays. This high concentration of zinc oxide makes for a serious UV shield on your skin. The problem with zinc oxide is it tends to leave behind a white residue if you're not careful to sufficiently rub in the sunscreen. This will happen with Badger, so make sure to rub, rub, rub! You still might be left with a very faint, whitish tint, which I certainly don't mind. It also takes some time for the cream to absorb, depending on the amount that you use. Even if it doesn't fully absorb, you get the feeling that you are extremely protected from those harmful UV rays. This sunscreen will also keep you protected in the water and while you sweat for 40 minutes!
The lotion itself is a bit thick and has a grainy texture. The graininess disappears once you rub in the cream. Badger doesn't spread easily once you have it more or less rubbed in, so before you start rubbing in the sunscreen, make sure to dab sunscreen in different parts of the area you are trying to cover, then rub.
The sunscreen also serves as a moisturizer, and to this end, the company has added olive oil, beeswax, jojoba oil, cocoa butter, and Wild African Shea Butter, all certified organic ingredients. Safe, effective AND hydrating!
If you don't mind the relative high cost and potential white residue issues, then I highly recommend this sunscreen, at least for use on your hands, arms and chest. Click HERE to read reviews on Amazon. Most complaints are about the cost and white residue. Read More
Monday, March 30, 2009
Caffeine makes you skin cancer-free?
The Journal of Investigative Dermatology recently published a study that believes caffeine intake may be linked to a decrease in skin cancer. The Skin Cancer Foundation (SCF) contests this study, stating there is "no definitive link between the two"---yet.
"While this is an interesting concept that has been explored before, it will take years of extensive testing to determine whether this will be a worthwhile prevention method," said Dr. Albert Lefkovits, a spokesman for the SCF.
According to Lefkovits, the study does not address how much caffeine intake is needed to prevent skin cancer, and there are many people who drink large amounts of coffee and still get skin cancer. The only way to avoid it is the old-fashioned way---protective measures and yearly skin examinations by your dermatologist.
Click here for the SCF's official statement. Read More
"While this is an interesting concept that has been explored before, it will take years of extensive testing to determine whether this will be a worthwhile prevention method," said Dr. Albert Lefkovits, a spokesman for the SCF.
According to Lefkovits, the study does not address how much caffeine intake is needed to prevent skin cancer, and there are many people who drink large amounts of coffee and still get skin cancer. The only way to avoid it is the old-fashioned way---protective measures and yearly skin examinations by your dermatologist.
Click here for the SCF's official statement. Read More
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