Large Pores – Can You Shrink Them?

September 16th, 2010 by askanesthetician

I’ve actually already written about this subject in a previous post, but I thought it was time to revisit the subject again so I could add a few more tips, tricks, and ideas to the mix.

  • Never, ever use a magnifying mirror!  If you have one – hide it!  If you don’t own one – don’t buy one!  Looking in one of those magnifying mirrors just makes you feel worse about your appearance.  Pores that aren’t even large will appear huge in a magnifying mirror.  It really is best just to stay away altogether from those mirrors.

 

  • Determine what causes your pores to be enlarged:

  If it is genetics (you’ve always had large pores and others in your family do as well) there isn’t anything you can do about it except try to minimize the appearance of large pores with make-up.  More tips                                      on how to do that later in the post.

Could you be confusing enlarged pores with something else?  It is actually normal to have sebum (oil), white keratin, and even a minuscule hair inside a pore.  This actually helps the body stop bacteria from entering your pores.  But if your pores appear enlarged because of trapped dead skin cells and oil – blackheads and whiteheads – you can help clean out your pores with salicylic acid products and retinoids.  (See my post How to Get Rid of Blackheads for tips)  Your pores may shrink a little bit once you’ve cleared them of trapped oil and dead skin cells.

Could your pores appear larger because your skin is dry?  By simply moisturizing you can plump up your skin and reduce the appearance of large pores.

Could your pores be dilated because of the aging process and sun damage?  Sun exposure and the aging process erodes our skin’s framework – collagen and elastin.  So as our skin begins to sag and droop our pores appear larger.  You can rebuild collagen with laser treatments, microdermabrasion, retinols, topical Vitamin C, and chemical peels and thus change the appearance of your pores.

 

 

Products that Claim to Shrink Pores

  

Keep in mind that any product that offers immediately change the appearance of your pores is just a temporary fix.  For long-term results you need to determine the reason behind your enlarged or dilated pores and treat accordingly.  Allure tested a few products that claim to shrink pores.  Out of the five products that they tested their favorites were:  Perricone MD Intensive Pore Minimizer and Dr. Brandt Pores No More Anti-Aging Mattifying Lotion.

Make-Up Tips

  

If you’ve tried everything and your pores are still dilated or determined that your pore size is genetic it is time to start playing around with make-up – primer and powder specifically.

I read the following tip in Allure:  after washing your face apply a very light dusting of powder before applying foundation or moisturizer.  Or finish your make-up routine with a dusting of translucent powder.  Try Make Up For Ever HD Microfinish Powder (I can attest from personal experience that it works).

Or try a primer before applying your moisturizer and/or make-up.  Allure recommends Benefit The Porefessional.  Or try Smashbox Photo Finish Targeted Pore and Line Primer.

But first and foremost – throw out that magnifying mirror!

Source and Further Reading

 

 

For more of my posts on all things skincare please visit my blog: http://askanesthetician.wordpress.com

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How to Get Rid of Blackheads

September 7th, 2010 by askanesthetician

Blackheads are a scourge.  I think I’ve had the same blackheads on my nose for the last 20 years; I gently squeeze them out and they come right back.  When I do facials I find that most people, no matter what their age, have blackheads, especially on their noses.  Luckily there are a few different methods for getting rid of blackheads but persistence and patience is needed in order to see results.

  

What Are Blackheads?

 

Simply put blackheads form when sebum (oil) and dead skin cells clog the inside of the sebaceous (oil) glands and form a cyst.  Blackheads are open comedones, the word doctors use for blackheads and whiteheads, which means that the dermis has not covered the clogged pore over, and the comdone oxidizes in the air and turns black.  Just because the comedone is black does not mean that it is dirty or that there is dirt there.  This type of blockage starts deep inside the pore and builds up until it reaches the surface.   Blackheads typically grow to between 2 to 4 millimeters and can remain in place for months and even years. 

What Causes Blackheads?

 

There are few different contributing factors to the formation of blackheads.  One is that your body is producing excessive amounts of sebum or oil and that oil does not exit the pore properly.  Another contributing factor are dead skin cells that also do not exit the pore properly – rather they stick together and get stuck in your pores.  This, by the way, can be a genetic condition.  Certain make-up and skincare products can contain ingredients that can contribute to clogged pores.  Not removing all your make-up at night certainly doesn’t help to keep your pores clear of debris.

How Can You Get Rid of Blackheads?

 

Two things are important to remember about blackheads when you go to treat them.  One is that the oil and dead skin cells that are blocking your pore and have lead to the formation of a blackhead have accumulated deep inside your pore so you need pretty powerful ingredients that penetrate deeply into pores in order to dislodge the stuck debris.  Simply cleaning your face with a scrub or rubbing away at your blackheads will not help dislodge them since the debris is stuck deep down in your pore.  Secondly, as I wrote above blackheads can stick around for months or even years which means that you need patience and persistence when you want to remove them.

The two best ingredients for getting rid of blackheads are salicylic acid and retinoids.  Salicylic acid is oil soluble which means it can penetrate into your clogged pore and help to dissolve the oil trapped in the pore.  Retinoids help to regulate skin cell turnover and prevent the dead skin cells from sticking together and staying in your pores.  Many people might find it too strong to use products simultaneously with those ingredients so I would choose one or the other ingredient.   But be sure to be patient!  The blackheads formed over time and it will take time to remove them.  (For more information and product recommendations please see my earlier posts Ingredient Spotlight: Salicylic Acid and All About Retinol).

Should You Squeeze Your Blackheads?

 

It is extremely tempting to squeeze your blackheads, but if done improperly you can actually cause quite a bit of damage to your skin.  Ideally if you want to get rid of blackheads go get a facial.  During a facial the esthetician properly prepares your skin for extractions and then knows how much to squeeze and for how long.  For instance, don’t go squeezing your skin for more than 10 minutes since that will just end up causing trauma to the skin in the end.  If you insist of doing your own extractions at home I suggest doing them immediately after getting out of the shower and after having washed your face.  Make sure your hands are cleans and wrap your fingers in clean tissues.  Squeeze gently and don’t keep poking at your face for more than 10 minutes.  If you can’t dislodge the contents of a clogged pore easily leave it alone!  Pushing and pushing will just damage your skin.  Finish your extractions by wiping your face with toner or witch hazel oil. 

Sources and Further Reading

 

 

For even more of my posts on skincare issues please visit my blog: http://askanesthetician.wordpress.com

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Dehydrated Skin Or Debunking the Myth That You Can Drink Your Way to Perfect Skin

August 19th, 2010 by askanesthetician

One thing I’ve noticed again and again when doing a skin analysis on my clients during facials is that almost everyone has dehydrated skin.  Dry skin and dehydrated skin are two very different issues in skincare.  Dry skin lacks oil; dehydrated skin lacks water.  So even if your skin is oily it can be dehydrated, and surprisingly restoring the water balance to your skin actually has nothing to do with drinking enough water.

 

Why Doesn’t Drinking Water Treat Dehydrated Skin?

Or

I Drink Enough Water – Why Isn’t My Skin Perfect?

 

Simply put your skin is dehydrated when your skin barrier is damaged or compromised and no amount of water that you drink will repair that damage.  The water that we drink first goes to our hearts, brain, liver, and kidneys before it ever reaches our skin.  So all those celebrities who credit their flawless skin to drinking water?  Chalk that up to yet another Hollywood PR myth.

Dr. Leslie Baumann explains in her book The Skin Type Solution that (pages 313-314):

Poor hydration is due to damage to the skin barrier, and drinking water makes no difference.  Cells on the surface of the skin line up to form what is called the skin barrier.  These cells look something like a row of bricks in a wall held together by mortar.  When the mortar breaks down and weakens, the wall cannot hold, and the skin cells (acting like bricks) move and leave gaps.  As a result, skin cannot hold water in the skin to maintain the skin’s cellular integrity.

Furthermore, Dr. Ellen Marmur points out in her book Simple Skin Beauty (pages 41-42):

Water has always been thought to provide benefits for the skin, but drinking huge amounts of it isn’t going to make you look even better.  The body will simply eliminate the excess through urination.  …  Water is essential to the skin’s metabolism and regeneration (actions such as producing new skin cells and growing new hair in follicles).  The highways bringing nutrients to your skin and taking metabolic debris away are the blood vessels.  Water moves blood flow along smoothly and washes away toxic by-products (enzymes, amino acids, salts) from chemical reactions.  The visible brightening effect that you see on your skin has to do with the that robust circulation.  It also increases the extracellular water in your facial tissues, so you may get a slight plumping effect.  But refuting these facts, researchers at the University of Pennsylvania recently found no clinical evidence that water consumption is essential to helping the kidneys filer toxins more efficiently.  Their findings also included this: drinking water can’t actually hydrate the skin from the inside out.  With all this contradictory information, how much water do you need to benefit the skin?  Since the liquid you drink won’t reach the stratum corneum, you’re better off alleviating dry skin topically with a moisturizer that prevents water loss from the surface.  Even though there may be no direct correlation between drinking water and plumping or moisturizing your skin, sufficient hydration is essential to keeping the body – and the skin – healthy.  Ultimately, adequate water consumption (this means not drinking to excess but avoiding dehydration) is like eating a balanced diet: it’s good for your body as a whole, your complexion included.

 

Too Much Water Can Hurt Your Skin

 

Ever notice how the skin on your fingers will pucker and prune if you take a long bath?  It turns out that prolonged water exposure either via long baths, swimming, or snorkeling/scuba diving can actually harm your skin.  Hot water, hard water (tap water with a high level of calcium), and chlorinated water all dehydrate the skin if you spend a long time in the water since soaking or spending a long time in water will actually harm your skin’s ability to retain water.  So as wonderful as soaking in a hot bath can feel keep those kinds of baths brief. 

How to Treat Dehydrated Skin

 

One of the main reasons so many people have dehydrated skin is the shifts in the weather and drying effects of going from either a cold environment to a warm one (in the winter) or from a hot, humid environment to an air conditioned one (in the summer).  This constant change in temperature doesn’t help our skin hold onto moisture.  Furthermore, if you are exposed to harsh chemicals, too strong skincare products (from your cleanser and/or exfoliant for example), or prolonged sun exposure without proper protection you can suck the moisture out of your skin.

So how do you get that moisture back into your skin?  You need to restore your skin barrier so that it can help retain moisture again.  Look for moisturizers with ingredients like ceramides, fatty acids, and glycerin.  Consider spritzing your face with a facial water (see my earlier post for more information about facial waters and for product recommendations) and immediately applying a moisturizer in order to lock in more moisture for your skin.

 Sources and Further Reading

 

 

For more information on staying proper hydrated read:

 

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Facial Waters – What Are They?

August 13th, 2010 by askanesthetician

 

I must admit that until very recently I was a bit confused and skeptical about the concept of facial waters.  I wondered if they were just an overpriced, bogus product promoted by skincare and beauty companies to make money off of suckers.  Ok – so I was more than a bit confused and skeptical about this product.

Recently I finished reading Leslie Baumann’s book The Skin Type Solution and while I wasn’t the biggest fan of her book (see my review) I did learn a few new things including what exactly facial waters are and how they benefit the skin.  I have to say that I was intrigued.  Facial waters can definitely be of benefit for those with dry skin or as a temporary solution for when you are in a low-humidity environment like an airplane (see my earlier post Airplane Travel and Your Skin for more skincare travel tips).

 

What Are Facial Waters and How Do They Benefit The Skin?

According to Dr. Baumann (pages 198,199, and 216 of her book):

Facial waters come from thermal springs.  They do not contain chemicals such as chlorine that are added to our tap water to keep it free from algae and other organisms.   The constituents of the water vary according to the source.  Vichy water contains sulfur, while La Roche-Posay water contains selenium and has been shown to be effective in treating eczema.  Both selenium and sulfur can be anti-inflammatory.

Spray facial water on your face just before applying eye cream and moisturizer.  The moisturizer and eye cream will help trap the water on the skin, giving the skin a reservoir to pull water from.  This is particularly beneficial in low-humidity environments such as the dry winter air, on airplanes, in air-conditioning, or in windy locales.

 

Essentially facial waters deposit much needed water and soothing ingredients onto the skin.  I like the idea of using a facial water in combination with a traditional moisturizer.  If you find that your regular moisturizer isn’t doing the job consider adding a facial water to your regime before throwing away or switching your product altogether.  Perhaps the solutions to your dry skin is only a spray away.

Products to Try

  

 

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The Only Way to Tan – Fake It

August 8th, 2010 by askanesthetician

As you already know there is no such thing as a safe tan.  When your skin changes color as a result of sun exposure that is actually a sign that your skin has been damaged.  Our skin protects itself from the sun by darkening its color, and of course, sun exposure leads to skin cancer, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation.  But not everyone wants to go around with a pale complexion.  Luckily there are numerous options for creating a healthy tan.

Use make-up to fake a tan: You can use powder bronzer, lotions that dye the very top layer of your skin a deeper color (essentially the dead skin cells on top of your skin), or body make-up that gives you a tan.  Choose a product that works best with your lifestyle.

Get a spray tan:   You can either get a spray tan from a trained technician or use a spray tan booth.  I’ve gotten spray tans from technicians in the past and liked the results (which last about 5 days or so).  The color of your tan is customized.

I think the most confusing part of faking a tan is choosing the product that you want to use.  If in doubt I say go for the spray tan done by a technician. 

Further Reading and Tips, Tips, Tips

 

And if you need another reminder of why you should never, ever use a tanning bed read this brief article from Redbook – 5 Scary Facts About Tanning Beds.

For more of my posts on all sort of skincare issues please visit my blog: http://askanesthetician.wordpress.com

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Shine Free: Part II – For Men

July 27th, 2010 by askanesthetician

Recently I wrote a post about how to deal with excessively oily or shiny skin - a problem numerous people experience.  I have to admit that the advice I gave in the post was really directed at women and not men.  So I was pleased to see the following article in The New York Times (yes, readers I am once again mentioning an article from The New York Times.  What can I say?  I love reading The New York Times):  Seeking to Shine (Not to Be Shiny).  The article is all about how men also suffer from oily and shiny skin and what they can do to combat the problem.  It turns out that:

Although many men prefer not to use moisturizer — or, at least, prefer not to admit that they do — enough have embraced anti-shine products to make the category blossom. Mintel, the market research firm, predicts that there will be 36 new “mattifying moisturizers” for men in 2010, a 56 percent increase over the number introduced in 2008.

The overall market for men’s grooming products has flourished. Retail sales reached $5.6 billion in 2009, up from $3.8 billion in 2004, an increase of 46 percent, according to Packaged Facts, a market research firm.

 

So good news – men now have as many product options as women when it comes to combatting shiny and oily skin, and they do not need to use products marketed towards women.  I guess this is a bit of sexual equality in reverse.

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Bodywash that Gives Sun Protection

July 21st, 2010 by askanesthetician

In my opinion one of the more intriguing sun protection products on the market is bodywash that leaves behind sunscreen on your body even after you wash off the product.

The wash-on sunscreen works thusly:  the sunscreen is actually magnetically attracted to your skin.  The sunscreen is positively charged and your skin in negatively charged so the active ingredients in the bodywash actually cling to your skin and stay there after you shower. 

This is a great way to get moderate sun protection (the products have a spf of 15) with no hassle.  The bodywash won’t leave behind a sticky or greasy residue or feeling.  Since it is only a spf of 15 this is not adequate protection for a long day outdoors or a day at the beach.  But if you are only walking from your house, to your car, and going to work this will give you enough protection.

Product to try:   Solise

If anyone knows of any other bodywash products with spf please let me know.

Source and further reading:  Simple Skin Beauty by Ellen Marmur, MD, page 84

For more of my posts about all things skincare please visit my blog:  http://askanesthetician.wordpress.com

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Organic Skincare: Is There a Game Changer on the Horizon?

July 15th, 2010 by askanesthetician

I’ve devoted a previous post to the issue of organic, natural, and green skincare  in which I highlighted the fact that the terms “organic”, “natural”, and “green” on skincare labels are unregulated by any government agency so if you want to buy such products the issue really comes down to buyer beware.  Basically you can slap the words “organic”, “natural”, and “green” on the label of your skincare product even if there is next to no organic ingredients in your product.  And using the term “green” is just a joke.  (See my earlier post The Natural, Green, Organic Skincare Fallacy for more details about this issue.)

I was super interested when I saw this article online – Well, Is It Organic or Not? –  in The New York Times this morning about the organic skincare issue and Whole Foods .  It turns out that Whole Foods is going change its policy on which skincare and beauty products they stock vis-a-via the whole organic issue.  Since Whole Foods is such a big player in the field of organic food and products, organic skincare advocates are hoping that this change in policy will have a positive affect on the whole murky issue as a whole.  

Let me point out a few important issues.  In regards to organic skincare products the article points out:

… when it comes to personal care items like toothpaste and body lotion, claims like “made with organic ingredients” or “authentically organic” can flummox even the greenest consumer. No federal agency polices organic claims for personal care items — at least not yet — so manufacturers have been able to use these customer-pleasing terms loosely and liberally. …  

The Agriculture Department has been enforcing organic claims on food sold in the United States since 2002, but does not do the same for other items. The agency does invite manufacturers of personal care products to apply for its National Organic Program label, but it does not go after them if they make unsubstantiated claims.

Just who should be in charge of enforcing those claims has been the topic of some debate and at least one lawsuit. A spokeswoman for the Food and Drug Administration said that her agency and the Agriculture Department were working together to develop labeling standards, but that there was no projected due date.

So what would Whole Foods new policy look like?

As of next June, the retailer will require all health and beauty products making organic claims to be certified by one of two sources: either the Agriculture Department’s National Organic Program, which sets standards for food; or NSF International, a nonprofit based in Ann Arbor, Mich., that issues its own certification mark.As of June 1, 2011, any products that make organic claims and don’t get the certification will be removed from the shelves of Whole Foods stores. (The company will continue to carry nonorganic products as long as they don’t make organic claims.)

“We’re trying to make it so that our customers don’t have to switch standards and expectations when they cross from grocery into the body care aisle,” said Joe Dickson, the Whole Foods quality standards coordinator.

I have to say that I was excited to read about Whole Foods new policy.  I am glad that a company with real national influence is taking on this issue, and I hope it makes a significant impact in the way that companies label and formulate their organic skincare products.   It is extremely frustrating as a consumer to realize that you’ve been basically duped when it comes to an issue that is important to you.  In my opinion it is also good to see the private sector taking a stand on this issue.  I hope skincare companies will take notice and really do the right thing when it comes to this issue.  No more greenwashing please!

For even more of my posts on all things skincare please visit my blog:  http://askanesthetician.wordpress.com

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How To Deal with Oily and Shiny Skin

July 1st, 2010 by askanesthetician

I know I am not the only person who suffers from the following affliction: the heat and humidity rises and after 5 minutes outside your face is an oil slick.  Or you look at a photo of yourself and it is just shine, shine, and more shine.  Some people have this problem year round, others only during the summer.  It might seem that our faces produce more oil during the summer, but we actually don’t.  The heat and especially the added humidity during the summer just make our faces appear more shiny or feel more oily.

So what’s a lady(or a gent) to do?  Don’t panic – there are plenty of solutions that can work for different types of skin and all kinds of lifestyles.

The Basics

First and foremost be sure to properly cleanse your face every evening in order to remove excess oil.  It is great idea to have a salicylic acid cleanser, toner, or lotion on hand to use when you feel most oily.  Salicylic acid is oil soluble so it penetrates deep into pores and helps to keep them clean of excess oil and debris.  But be sure not to over cleanse.  Look for balance.  That is why I like to have salicylic acid products available for use but don’t always use them everyday.  Be sure to have a gentle cleanser on hand (Cetaphil is fine).  For salicylic acid product recommendations see my post about salicylic acid.

It is fine to use a moisturizer if you feel dry, but it isn’t a necessity.  Only use a moisturizer if you really feel you need one.  Look for lightweight, water based moisturizers that are lotions and gels not creams.   Be sure the product says “will not clog pores” or “oil free” or “noncomedogenic”.

 

The Retinol Solution

 

Topical retinoids and retinols, prescription or OTC versions, can help shrink oil glands over time and decrease oil production.  The added bonus of using retinol is that it helps with hyperpigmentation and prevents fine lines in addition to helping control oil production. 

You could use a moisturizer with retinol in it, get a prescription retinoid from your doctor, or use a OTC retinol serum.  For more information about retinol, including product recommendations, see my previous post:  All About Retinol.

Masks:  A Quick Fix

 

Right before a big event or before being photographed you can use a mask in order to temporarily decrease facial oiliness.  Or use a mask once a week when your skin feels its oiliest.  Look for masks with clay in them since clay absorbs oil.

Suggested products:  Paula’s Choice Skin Balancing Carbon Mask , Skinceuticals Clarifying Clay Mask, and Peter Thomas Roth Sulfur Cooling Masque.

 

Ingredients to Avoid

 

If you have oily skin or find that your skin gets shiny throughout the day be sure to avoid the following ingredients in your skincare products:

  • Mineral Oil
  • Petrolatum
  • Shea Butter
  • Lanolin
  • Paraffin
  • Beeswax
  • Squalene
  • Borage Seed Oil
  • Sunflower Oil

 

Choose Your Sunscreen Wisely

 

Be sure to stay away from cream sunscreens just as you would heavy moisturizers.  Look instead of lightweight and gel sunscreen formulations. 

Recommendation:  La Roche-Posay Anthelios 45 Ultra-Light Fluid for Face

 

Powder Sunscreen is Your Friend

 

So you’ve followed my above advice and your face still gets shiny during the day.  I hear you.  That’s what happens to me, especially during the summer.  I think one of the best solutions in that case is to carry powder sunscreen around with you.  Not only will the powder cut down on the shine you’ll get needed sun protection as well.  It’s a win-win situation.

Recommended Products:

 

The Make-Up Solution:  So Many Products, So Little Time

 

I’ve actually been thinking about this post for a long time and trying to find the perfect products to recommend to my readers.  It hasn’t been easy.  I’ve tried to do some research about products, and by research I mean looking at the online reviews at Sephora.com.  Here’s the problem with the reviews on Sephora.com (or on any website for that matter) – someone always loves the product and someone always hates the product.  In the end you’ve just got to bite the bullet and give a product a try which is what I did in the end (more on that later).

There are so many different ways that your make-up can help you out with your shiny skin issue.

Look for the look “matte” or “mattifying” when buying foundation, powder, primer, etc.  Those words signify that the product is meant to keep shine under control throughout the day.

Use a primer before applying your make-up that says it will control shine and oil.  Try:  Jane Iredale Absence Oil Control Primer – spf 15 or Smashbox Photo Finish Foundation Primer Light.

Set your make-up with loose powder or just dust your face with loose powder if you don’t wear make-up  in order to control shine and oiliness.  Carry a compact with you for touch-ups during the day.  Try:  Urban Decay De-Slick Mattifying Powder.

Carry blotting papers with you.  In a pinch you can use a paper towel, napkin, or even toilet paper.  Try:  e.l.f. Shine Eraser and Sephora Collection Matte Blotting Papers.

Use a mattifying lotion or gel either under, over, and mixed in with your make-up or sunscreen.  Try:

  

Personal Experience

  

After viewing a photo of myself where my face looks like I dunked my head in a container of Crisco I decided that I needed more help than just my powder sunscreen in order to control my shiny skin.  I decided to buy Smashbox’s Anti-Shine (I bought the tube but there is a portable version as well)  and was very excited when the product arrived.  I tried using it under my sunscreen, over my sunscreen, and even over my loose powder.  The results were fine but not as spectacular as I had hoped.  Then my July issue of Allure arrived with a fabulous tip (page 39):

Trick:  How to Fight Shine

Powder is a sticky mess in the summer, and blotting papers only work if you remember to tuck them in your purse.  A better idea from makeup artist Dick Page, artistic director for Shiseido:  Mix a drop of mattifying gel into your foundation.  “My favorites are men’s formulas, because they’re made for us greasy bastards,” says Page… .

 

Since I don’t wear foundation I tried Page’s tip by mixing Anti-Shine with my sunscreen.  I got great results.

Tip:  I’m a big fan of Smashbox make-up.  If you are too and know exactly what product you want to order from them be sure to make your purchase online on Tuesdays between 9 am and 2 pm.  Shipping is always free when you order online (no minimums) and if you order Tuesdays between 9 am and 2 pm you’ll receive a full-size product for free in addition to free samples.  You can’t choose the product, but who cares?   I got a bronzer for free when I ordered my Anti-Shine.

One Last Idea

  

If none of the above ideas have worked for you consider using Paula Begoun’s idea:

If your oily skin is still driving you nuts, my favorite trick is to use Milk of Magnesia and apply an extremely thin layer of it over the most oily areas. Let it dry, and then apply your foundation over top.

Personally I would try a mattifying gel or lotion (as mentioned above) before the milk of magnesia idea, but to each her own.

Sources and Further Reading

 

 

For more of my posts on all kinds of skincare issues please visit my blog: http://askanesthetician.wordpress.com

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Sun Protection for Your Lips

June 29th, 2010 by askanesthetician

Back in February I wrote a post about how your lips needs sun protection just as much as the rest of your body.  Now that it is summer I thought it would be a good idea to mention that fact again.  Luckily it is very easy to find lip products with spf in them, and even better there are products for every price range and every lip product preference.

 

Why Your Lips Need Sun Protection

 

Our lips need sun protection because they are exposed to the sun 365 days a year, the skin on the lips is thinner than the skin on the rest of your body, and the lips have no melanin.  No melanin equals no sun protection.  Over time sun exposure destroys collagen and that is why our lips thin as we age.  So using a broad spectrum (protects from UVA and UVB rays) helps to both protect our lips from skin cancer and from sagging and aging in the future. 

Keep one more thing in mind – lipstick and lip gloss do not provide sun protection unless they have an added spf in them.  Be sure to see if your favorite lip product with spf provides both UVA and UVB protection.  Shiny lip gloss actually attracts light to the lips and increases your risk of skin cancer.

Lip Products with spf

 

The following list of products is not meant as an endorsement but rather as a guide.  I haven’t tried every product myself and truthfully haven’t researched them extensively to know if they provide enough UVA and UVB protection.  In my opinion using a lip product with spf year round is extremely important so if your favorite lip product provides UVB protection but not UVA than that is a good start in my opinion.

 

If you have a favorite lip product with spf in it please share!

Source:  Simple Skin Beauty by Ellen Marmur, MD – Page 134

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