Polish your skin

Polish your skin
Smooth skin all winter long!

Monday, June 28, 2010

Q. What hairstyles are popular this summer? I feel like I need something new.

A. Hairstyles are part of the fashion industry and are therefore always posting new trends. Last summer the hottest trends in hair were the pony tail and the precision (sharp edged and angled) cuts. This year the pony tail returns; big and fluffy with a top bump-up in the crown or sleek and tight to the head with a straight ponytail. The bob is still popular but the blunt, angular precision cut version has given way to a more easy-care version. This year the asymmetric bob is popular, with one side longer than the other. The bob also is going softer with more gradual lengths being cut in to add volume. The fringe or bangs are wispier and the whole look is more relaxed. Fringe (bangs) are hot hot hot this year. Long side swept bangs, short baby bangs, and wispy chopped fringe are all making the fashion cat walks. Layers are also popular on the model circuit this season. The look is layers and textures with a natural almost unstyled feel that’s free and full of movement. Pay attention to all the stars and shows this summer and you’ll also find that short hair is everywhere. There will always be long hair and thus the continued popularity of the pony tail but short hair is really in this summer. For awhile all the celebs were growing out their hair or opting for hair extensions to get instant length but not this summer. This summer all those long tresses are being cut short. You’ll see short hair on magazine covers and on many of your favorite actresses. Color trends have changed for this season as well. Wild hard edge color has given way to softer and more traditional color options. Blonde and golden brown highlights as well as soft strawberry reds are the trendy choices. The possible exception to this trend is platinum. This white blonde color is everywhere and is one of the most popular with summer short cuts. Remaining in style is the color combination of blonder or lighter on the top and darker or browner around the base line of the hair. Overall, the word for the summer of 2010 is, “easy”. The look is carefree and easy with softer edges, softer color and more free-form cuts. Personally, I think taking it easy for the summer is a great trend. I plan to embrace it.

Monday, June 21, 2010

Q. What is the best way to keep my child from getting sunburned?

A. The best way is to keep your child out of the sun but that is certainly not the most practical. If you can have your child avoid the harshest times of day, 10am to 4pm for direct sun exposure that is very beneficial. Use a broad spectrum, UV A and UV B protection, sunscreen daily. According to an article by Pediatrician Dr. Iannelli, M.D. children are still getting sunburned and suntanned with the primary cause not being that parents forget to put on sunscreen but that many don’t put it on correctly. It only takes a few minuets to put sunscreen on properly. It should be applied 30 minuets prior to sun exposure because it takes time for sunscreen to work. If you apply the protection prior to your child going outside you can do it before they even get dressed. Dr. Iannelli suggests you follow the same routine each time you apply sunscreen. You’ll develop a consistent way of application and won’t forget places on your child’s body and your child will get use the routine. Apply sunscreen generously. Most parents don’t apply enough. The amount of sunscreen that could fill up your child’s hand is usually enough. Larger children have larger hands so this is a good measure. Use whatever form of sunscreen you and your child tolerate best, lotion, gel, or spray. Start with one area of the body, like an arm, and apply a thick layer. Rub it in or spray it on completely before moving on the next area. Go from area to area and take special care not to miss spots like the back of the neck, ears, feet, the backs of arms and legs. Dr. Iannelli also suggests you save the face for last. Children tend to dislike this application the most and it’s best left for last. Use a sunscreen with at least SPF of 15 or 30 and re-apply every two hours. Be sure not to use sunscreen on babies under the age of 6 months. Many companies have sunscreens designed for kids. They are usually more hypoallergenic and easy on children’s sensitive skin. While you are taking care of the kids don’t forget about yourself. Have a fun summer!

Monday, June 14, 2010

Sunscreen and breakouts

Q. I have not been able to use sunscreen because it breaks me out. What do you suggest?

A. As I mentioned in last week’s column, I am often asked about how to navigate the summer and protect your skin. I am devoting several weeks of the column to these types of questions. One question I do get asked frequently is the question about skin that reacts to sunscreen. Many people have sensitivity to popular sun protection products. The most common allergic reaction to sunscreens is a reaction to papra-aminobenzoic acid or PABA. This is an active ingredient in many products. Fortunately, with the increased awareness of the dangers of over exposure to the sun the market place has responded and many choices of PABA free sunscreens are available. Preservatives, perfumes and alcohol can also provide problems for some people. The choices are not as vast when you are looking for preservative free products or fragrance free products but they are out there. You will most likely have to pay a little extra for these products but the benefit is worth the price. If you can’t find a product that works for you over the counter, ask your dermatologist to prescribe a sun protection cream for you. There are many options available. Wearing protective clothing and avoiding the worst times of day, 10am to 4pm are additional ways you can protect your skin. It’s worth repeating some of the tips I gave about sunscreens in last week’s column. Adults should use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, with 30 being more preferable. If you have dry skin, opt for a cream or lotion. If you have oily skin, try a gel product or an oil free lotion. If you are going to have long exposure time in the sun or are out during the most dangerous times of day then consider using a complete sun block like zinc oxide. It will stop all sunlight from reaching your skin. Think about the white sun block you see on the nose and shoulders of lifeguards. Apply all your sun protection 30 mins. prior to going in the sun and reapply every 2 hours. If you are perspiring or are in the water, reapply more often. Children under the age of 6 months should not use sunscreens without the advice of their doctor. These young children need to be covered and kept out of the direct sun. Next week I am going to deal with a question about protecting children from the sun so look for this information then. Summer time is about having fun in the great outdoors. Take the time to protect yourself and your family and enjoy.