TenThera - T35 - Will it save the future of Tanning Beds?

Tanned bodies appear more slender, more defined, and healthier in all the right places. Yes, tanned bodies look better than pale ones, but, is it worth the risk? "In July 2009, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), part of the World Health Organization, classified UV radiation-emitting tanning devices as carcinogenic to humans, the highest classification, along with asbestos and tobacco."

Health authorities are trying to get the attention of 'tanorexics' who throw caution to the wind for the sake of a tan. They warn that tanning bed enthusiasts receive 5 - 12 times the dose of UV radiation in the midday sun. The penalty? Other than dramatically increasing the potential for melanoma (the rarest and most deadly form of skin cancer and the most common form of cancer for 15 - 30 year olds) research has also shown those using tanning beds are 2.5 times more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma and 1.5 times more likely to develop basal cell carcinoma.

Is the future of tanning beds over or is there a glimmer of hope on the horizon? TanThera-T35 may be able to change the safety ratings of tanning beds with a "state-of-the-art tanning device that incorporates UVA1 LEDs optimized for tanning without producing the UVC, UVB, or UVA2 spectral lines emitted by mercury-vapor tanning lamps commonly used in other tanning devices." Although it received FDA approval last year it is not yet widely available. Doctors say it will still be awhile before it is commercially availably as more studies are needed to determine long term effects, but at least they are on the right path.

JAN MARINI - Bioglycolic Sunless Self-Tanner

Jan Marini's self-tanner is a pleasant, fast drying product with a creamy texture that is easy to apply. This self-tanning cream is a natural and personalized self-tan color that appears faster and lasts longer. Excellent.

Squalene not only keeps the skin soft and protected, but along with vitamin C and E, this product offers great anti-oxidant properties. The dimethicone gives a silky feel to this face and body self-tanner making it a good choice for all skin types, including oily. As the saying goes, "exfoliate, hydrate and your tan will look great."

Cellex-C Bio-tan Sunless Tanning Gel

This oil-free, peach colored gel has the benefits of DHA and erythrulose . . . the winning combination for a self-tanning product. These two self-tanning ingredients react with the keratin in the stratum corneum to form brown polymers called melanoids. DHA works a little faster than the erythrulose. This particular combination of ingredients promote a more long lasting, natural tan color that is less likely to streak. Say good-bye to the unmistakable orange glow of a bad self-tanning product.

Dihydroxyacetone can be dehydrating, but erythrulose helps to solve the problem. It is highly recommended to keep the skin hydrated to slow down the sloughing off of the dead skin cells and maintain a good tan. The hyaluronic acid in this product helps to boost the hydration of the skin. The lecithin functions as an anti-oxidant and helps to protect and keep the skin soft.

This is an incredible self-tanner, but there is a little more to the application than other self-tanning products. The gel is applied, left to dry on the skin for about twenty minutes, and then worked into the rest of the skin. After three or four hours a moistened cloth can be used to remove the excess product, eliminating the potential for color to transfer to your clothing. It might seem a little finicky, but the results will definitely hit the wow factor.

Sothys - Face and Body Self Tanner

Sothys France launched a great new sun line last summer, including this incredible self tanner. The combination of two self tanning ingredients, DHA (from canola) and erythrulose (from sugar), gives an impressive, longer-lasting color. Erythrulose minimizes the dehydrating effects DHA can have on the skin, slowing desquamation while keeping the color longer. The polyphenols of jasmine contribute to the pleasant, soft fragrance of the product, but also increases antioxidants in the skin.

The velvety texture of this product provides great speadability. Follow the guidelines to get long lasting results . . . exfoliate, hydrate, then apply. A beautiful tan and a sunny glow is yours without exposure to the sun. If a darker tan is required, simply apply a few days in a row. This product gives incredible results on the face as well although iit will not last as long on your face as it will on your legs. You glow girl!

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - HELP YOURSELF SPA WEEKEND

Help Yourself Spa Weekend Getaway
Enter by August 8th
Grand Prize: One winner and guest will receive a trip to the Sanctuary Camelback Mountain Resort and Spa in Paradise Valley, AZ; roundtrip coach airfare; ground transportation to/from hotel; 2 nights standard hotel accommodations; 2 half-day spa treatments; and 2 personal training sessions. Approximate Retail Value (ARV) of the prize is $3,200

Self Tanning

The myth that a self-tanning product will offer some UV protection, much like that from a UV induced tan, is simply not so. Self-tanning products do not induce a melanin response in the skin, do not offer any UV protection, and do not offer SPF unless specified. They simply oxidize proteins in the surface layers of the skin producing the tanned color. This is why it is always a great idea to exfoliate and hydrate before each application. Exfoliation makes the application easier and more even. It will also ensure that drier areas like the elbows and knees will not absorb more product (which result in more color) and offer a longer lasting color. Perfect.

Exfoliate, hydrate, apply the self-tanner before you go to bed and wake up looking like you have spent a week at the beach. If you want more color apply the self tanner a couple if nights in a row. Remember . . . whenever you apply a self tan product you MUST wash your hands well after applying otherwise your stained hands will give away the secret of your gorgeous tan. If you have your legs waxed, wait at least a day before applying a self tanner as it will sit in the pores where the hair was removed and give you an awkward 'speckled' look.

The easier route? Find a spa that offers a “buff and tan” service. They will exfoliate, hydrate, and apply your self-tan for you. This is an 'all over' experience and will get areas you cannot reach yourself. Or, if you want to walk out the door with a tan that very minute . . . request a spray tan. You could even ask for body contouring . . . six-pack anyone? No matter which method you choose, make sure to use a body lotion to keep the skin hydrated. A good lotion will not only make your skin look great, it will keep your color longer. Which self tanner should you try? Stay tuned.

Self Tanning Products - Intro

Self-tanning products have come along way from the "oh-so-orange" body parts, the "yikes" dark streaks, or the tell-tale stains in between the fingers. And, who can forget about the unmistakable odor that came with the color? Honestly, that smell was enough to send everyone screaming back to their old sun worshipping ways or 'do the horizontal' in the tanning bed tombs. Ah, . . . but that was then. Now there are newer versions of self tanning products that have not only improved in composition, but have made the application much easier.

There are spray applicators, creams, lotions, even aerosol foams. Some lines offer a few choices in color tones, some give instant color with the application, and by the time it washes off, the self-tanner has done its work. Magic. The instant color type is popular as it shows where the product has been applied. These products work great especially when you want to hide some tan lines or simply colorize yourself. The down side is that the instant color may transfer onto areas where clothing rubs, but hey, nothing is perfect.

Why risk baking in the sun when you don't have to? Although the sun provides a myriad of healthy benefits, both physically and emotionally, too much of a good thing is never a good thing at all! But then, we all know this. Stay tuned, we are going to spend a little time looking at some great products on the market that will make your world a whole lot more rosy.

Sunscreens: Top Ten Facts

10 Important Sunscreen Facts
1. Modest sun exposure has positive benefits. UVB rays help the body produce Vitamin D to build healthy bones, boost immune function, help fight prostate cancer, assist in premenstrual syndrome, and provide a healthy outlook on life. A study in 2003 reported most Americans are undernourished in Vitamin D. An 8 oz. serving of milk provides 100 IU of vitamin D.

2. The Academy of Dermatology states a sunscreen should be at least an SPF 15. The SPF number system is easy to figure out. Example: Rose feels a burning sensation without wearing sun protection after 10 minutes of sun exposure, her minimum erythemic dose. A sunscreen with an SPF15 will give her 150 minutes of expected protection (SPF15 x10 minutes = 150 minutes) providing she is not swimming and drying off the protection, or working out and sweating off the protection. The maximum exposure is 32 times your minimum erythemic dose, meaning that Rose needs to cover up or get out of the sun after 320 minutes, and stay out of the sun for at least 24 hours.

3. Sunscreens come in a variety of topical creams, gels, lotions, sprays, and sticks for hard to get at places, lips, eyes, nose.

4. SPF only indicates UVB protection, not UVA. UVB rays cause sunburns. UVA rays are the most deceiving. They are not responsible for a sunburn but are the sun's most destructive rays causing skin cancer, and the dreaded wrinkles . . . collagen beware!

5. Most sunscreens are synthesized and are not all compatible with each other, or with other ingredients in the product, so blending is a challenge. These organic, or chemical filters, act by absorbing the UVB and/or UVA energy and the higher concentrations needed to reach higher SPF can make them unacceptable by the skin.

6. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide (preferred) are the most commonly used physical sun blocks that block and reflect UVA and UVB. The challenge with these inorganic blocks is to keep the product from being occlusive (too heavy) on the skin. Chemical sunscreens, on the other hand, may contain benzophenone or oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) and prevent sunburn by absorbing the ultraviolet UV rays.

7. A water-resistant product really suggests you could swim for 20 minutes and still have 50% of the claimed SPF protection. No matter what it says, or means, you need to reapply.

8. Sunscreen is the last product applied - always over a moisturizer, not under. The secret to layer applications is to wait a minute between layers, if you are working with good product you should never feel the build up on the skin.

9. Expiry dates must be followed as the chemicals do break down. Sunscreens are usually kept in warm places during the course of a day causing an acceleration in deterioration.

10. Sunscreen should be used 365 days a year in all weather related activities. It is a fact that snow has a reflection of up to 80% of the sun's rays. Always bear in mind, your skin has a perfect memory. Accumulative exposure adds up to a lifetime of damage if you aren't careful.

SPA SWEEPSTAKES - AVEDA AUSTRIAN GET-A-WAY

Aveda Hair Color – Austrian Spa Get-A-Way Sweepstakes
Enter by July 31st
Grand Prize: Prize: One winner will receive a trip for two to Austria. Trip package includes roundtrip, coach-class air transportation for two to Vienna, Austria; three nights accommodations at the Loisium Wine and Spa Resort Hotel; a $750 USD Spa credit to be used during hotel stay; ground transportation to and from airport and hotel; and $1,500 USD spending money. Approximate Retail Value (“ARV”): $5,945 USD

2010 FiFi Awards - The World of Fragrance

*"The ‘FiFi’® Awards, known as the ‘Oscars’ of the fragrance industry, is the ultimate symbol of excellence and recognition in the fragrance world. The Perfume Extraordinaire of the Year Award is the only FiFi® given to a Fragrance House and their perfumer in recognition of an extraordinary fragrance creation and the olfactive vision of the perfumer. The award is about craftsmanship and measures the aesthetic beauty of a fragrance for signature, creativity and quality."

And the winners are . . .
Harry Fremont for his collaboration with Tom Ford Beauty on Tom Ford Vetiver.
Hall of Fame: Michael Kors
Fragrance Hall of Fame: CKone, Calvin Klein Cosmetics/Coty Prestige
Women's Luxe: Lola Marc Jacobs, Coty Prestige
Unique Boutique: Tom Ford Private Blend White Suede, Estee Lauder Companies
Women's Nouveau Niche: Bond No. 9 Astor Place, Bond No. 9 New York
Women's Popular Appeal: Halle by Halle Berry, Coty
Perfume Extraordinaire: Firmenich
Women's Private Label: Love Rocks, Victoria's Secret

*as quoted in the Fifi Awards Blog

Attention: Bathing Beauties

On June 16th we reposted our opinion on Sunscreens and SPF ratings: "Consumers were misled into believing that the higher the SPF (Sun Protection Factor) the greater the protection, and of course, prolonged exposure. The truth? The higher the SPF does not necessarily mean improved, prolonged protection. In fact, there is not much difference in the protection of a SPF of 15 which blocks 93.33%, a SPF of 25 that blocks 95 %, or a SPF 30 at 98.6%. And, while it is important to ensure adequate UVA and UVB protection, there is no point to a SPF higher than 30."

Then, we read an article showcasing new sunscreen products lining the shelves boasting SPF ratings all the way up to 110. Oh my! Dermatologists and other skin care professionals, including the Editors at Beauty Editor Post, agree that SPF ratings this high are completely unnecessary. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends an SPF of 30 and reminds sunbathers that sunscreen needs to be reapplied every few hours. Remember, SPF ratings only protect your skin from 95% of UVA rays (the ultraviolet light responsible for skin cancer and the formation of wrinkles) and only 5% of UVB rays, which causes a sunburn. The SPF rating is only indicative of the UVB, not the UVA protection. Confused? Let's make this easy. Invest in a good sunscreen with a SPF rating of 30, apply lots of it every few hours, and be sensible about sun exposure. Moderation is the key. Sense and sensitivity prevail.

Vanity Taxes - Botox vs Tanning

Last year, eyebrows were raised over the government's attempt to impose a 5% tax on cosmetic surgery, including botox injections, breast augmentations and other elective surgeries. This tax was projected to raise an estimated $5.8 billion dollars to help fund the new $940 billion health care bill. Botox escaped the "botax" and remains tax exempt since it is classified as a prescription drug used to treat TMJ, joint disorders, and a host of other medical conditions.

The new target? Tanning. A 10% tanning tax went into effect on July 1st and is expected to bring in $2.7 billion in the next ten years. The American Academy of Dermatology is thrilled since indoor tanning poses a potential health risk. Not surprisingly, tanning salons and tanning enthusiasts are outraged. This tax applies to any electronic products designed for tanning that use one or more ultraviolet lamps with wavelengths between 200 - 400 nanometers. Spray tans, tanning lotion, and sunless tanning products are not included in the tax.

MYTH INFORMED - Skin Care - The Price of Progress

"The more you pay, the better the cream."
Just because you pay a lot of money for a cream does not mean the cream will be the best one for you. It is true that a good anti-age cream is more expensive than a basic hydrating cream, but if you are in your twenties, there is no need to buy a cream formulated to address age related concerns. If you are in your 40s, well, that's another issue. What is most important are the ingredients in the cream, . . . the ones needed for your particular skin type. A good skin analysis and determination of the correct approach to care for your skin will give a better guideline for choosing ingredients and products that will deliver results.

Having said that, new research is offering specific ingredients with new delivery systems that are making ingredients more targeted and precise. These ingredients produce greater results because they are more easily assimilated and have a much better affinity with the skin. All of the new research, new ingredients and new technology costs more. It is simple math. There is a definite price to pay for progress.