Beauty411

Sun protection: 6 sunscreens to try!

One of the easiest things you can do on a daily basis to prevent premature aging is to wear sunscreen. The May issue of Allure magazine has an excellent article that discusses the "safe tanning" myth and explores the reasons why otherwise health-conscious women continue to tan.  One of the experts interviewed for the article states that "using wrinkle treatments and tanning is three steps forward, two steps back".  That's so true!

In recognition of May being National Skin Care Awareness Month, here are six of my recent sunscreen finds that I think are especially good:

Dermalogica Dynamic Skin Recovery with SPF 30 - This medium-weight lotion is a sunscreen with serious skin care, as you'd expect from Dermalogica.  There are peptides to firm and protect, glucosamine to inhibit melanin formation--essential to preventing age spots, a chemical sunscreen to protect against UVA/UVB rays, white tea and other anti-oxidants for firmness and to stimulate collagen production.  Comes in an easy to use pump.  Available at Planet Beauty.  $61.00

Colorscience Sunforgettable Brush SPF 30 - This clear, mineral powder sunscreen is so versatile.  You can apply it before or after being in the sun, or brush it on after applying makeup.  I love that!  This broad spectrum sunscreen protects agains UVA/UVB rays and is very water resistant.  It comes in a swivel-up brush and cannister, so it's convenient to take along in a purse or to slip into a beach bag. Sunforgettable SPF 30 has received the FDA Seal of Approval and the Seal of Recommendation from the Skin Cancer Foundation of America.  Available at Dermstore. $50.00

Bioelements Vitalization Body Creme

Bioelements Vitalization is a body creme that goes beyond your basic after-shower creme, both in terms of technology, ingredients and benefits.  Technology in a body creme?  Seriously.  Most body cremes don't include peptides and antioxidants usually reserved for anti-aging treatments used on your face.  Bioelements Vitalization is a light, perfect-for-summer body creme that restores radiance, firms and smooths away rough skin.  All that, plus the fresh fragrance of pure botanical oils.  I replaced my usual winter body creme with the Vitalization and what I've noticed is that even hours after applying it, my skin still feels hydrated and supple.

Bioelements products can be found in Bioelements spas nationwide or online at SpaLook.com or DermStore.com.

BioElements Sleepwear Cream

BioElements Sleepwear is an innovative night cream that uses natural ingredients to repair your skin. The ingredients in this anti-aging cream are impressive: topical calcium, time-released retinol, cranberry seed oil and protein peptides.  While you're sleeping, this combination works to rebuild collagen, improve moisture retention, strengthen the skins outer layer and replenish antioxidants. You wake up with skin that is moisturized and rejuvenated.   BioElements Sleepwear Cream has a nice texture to it and is a cream that feels good when you apply it after cleansing. When you apply Sleepwear to your skin, you should lightly warm the cream first, to release it's active ingredients. This is one of my "standby" products that I go back to because it works. If you're looking for a no-nonsense mid-priced anti-aging night cream, consider BioElements Sleepwear Cream.  There is also an Oil Control Sleepwear Cream available.

BioElements Sleepwear Cream is available online at Spalook and DermStore.  In addition, the BioElements line is carried at select salons and spas; for availability check here.