How To Take Care Of Your Skin During Summertime Definitive Guide

 We love the summertime. It just makes you want to stay outdoors all day and night. Also, there is so many activities and sports that you can enjoy including planned summer vacations. Before we get outdoors, you want to have the proper knowledge on knowing what to wear and how much coverage you need so you can have smooth summer skin. Here is some information from Web MD you can use so that you can take care of your skin this season.
 

Sun Shields

Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. There's strong evidence that excessive sun exposure raises the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of the disease. According to the American Cancer Society, there will be about 62,000 new cases of melanoma in 2006, and nearly 8,000 will die of the ailment.

Sunscreens. Sunscreen is a highly recommended defense against sunburn and skin cancer. It is now available in lotions, creams, ointments, gels, wax sticks, and spray. Some have glitter and tint, too.

What's the best kind? That depends on you. "It's nice to use a product with a higher SPF, but it's more important you find a sunscreen that you like because you'll use it more," says Andrew Kaufman, MD, a dermasurgeon and a member of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Make sure to apply sunscreen 15 to 30 minutes before you go out. Put on enough so that it takes a full minute to rub in. If at the beach, spread at least 1 ounce -- enough to fill a shot glass -- on your face and entire body. Use more if you need to for good coverage. If you swim, sweat, or are outdoors for a long time, reapply every two hours. Your sunscreen should also have the following qualities:

• It is water resistant. Sweat or water cannot easily remove it.

• It has SPF of 15 or higher. According to The American Academy of Dermatology, sunscreen-SPF rating is calculated by comparing the amount of time needed to produce a sunburn on sunscreen-protected skin to the amount of time needed to cause a sunburn on unprotected skin.

• For example, with an SPF 2 sunscreen a person who normally (without sunscreen) would turn red after 10 minutes of sun exposure would take 20 minutes to turn red. A sunscreen with an SPF of 30 would allow that person to multiply that initial burning time by 30, which means it would take 30 times longer to burn. However, SPF should not be used to determine time in the sun.

• Skin damage can happen even without a burn. Plus, higher SPF numbers do not give proportionate protection. SPF 15 deflects 93% of sun-burning rays, whereas SPF 30 deflects 97%, reports the AAD.

• It provides broad-spectrum protection, which is in sunscreens containing benzophenones (oxybenzone), cinnamates (octylmethyl cinnamate and cinoxate), sulisobenzone, salicylates, titanium oxide, zinc oxide, and avobenzone (Parsol 1789).

Unless it has these agents, the sunscreen may filter only UVB light, the major culprit for sunburn and skin cancer. Yet, protection from UVA is important, too. It is responsible for premature aging and the development of skin cancer.

Clothing and Lip Balms

Clothing

Start with a hat, because those harmful rays reach your scalp and your ears when you leave your noggin unprotected. And remember, baseball caps are not nearly as effective as hats with broad brims, because they leave your ears exposed.

Garments designed to ward off skin-cancer-causing rays are now available in specialty stores. These are given an Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) rating, indicating how much of the sun's rays are absorbed by the fabric. Articles with UPF 30, for example, allow only 1/30 of UV light to penetrate.

These clothes are a foolproof way of shielding against skin damage, says Cyndi Yag-Howard, MD, FAAD, a dermatologist and SPF clothing entrepreneur in Naples, Fla. "They basically act like a really good sunscreen," she says, noting most people don't apply enough sunscreen for it to be effective.

At the same time, there's no need to buy special products for sun protection. Try your closet. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, clothes with certain qualities can prevent harmful rays from reaching the skin.

• Garments made of unbleached cotton, high-luster polyesters, and thin, satiny silk can absorb or reflect UV radiation, preventing damaging rays from reaching the skin.
• Darker materials tend to absorb UV light, keeping it away from your body.
• Clothes with tight weaves or knits prevent penetration of harmful rays.

Lip balm

The lip is a common site for skin and lip cancer, primarily because of extended sun exposure. Cracked, peeling, scaly lips that aren't helped by lip balm or petroleum jelly may be signs of actinic keratoses. The condition can be the earliest stage of the development of skin cancer, and has the potential to progress to deadlier forms of the disease. People either forget to put sunscreen or balm in the area, or lick it off. To fully protect lips:

• Look for lip-specific products that have SPF 15 or higher, recommends Shelton. Use a lip balm with SPF 30 or higher if you have a history of lip and skin cancer.
• Apply lip product every two hours or so, based on the amount of contact with the UV rays.
• While in the sun, stay away from baby oil, petroleum jelly, or high-shine lip gloss.
• If you decide to wear lipstick, try darker shades as they provide more UV defense than sheer, glossy ones.
• Better yet, wear lipstick with SPF, or apply a lip conditioner with SPF and antioxidants under lipstick for extra moisture and protection.

Sunglasses and Cosmetics

Sunglasses

 Oversized sunglasses are in again this year, with the likes of Lindsay Lohan and Paris Hilton sporting their large shades. Even aviator styles for men are rounder and bigger.

The trends have no better fan than Neil Hodur, OD, professor of optometry at the Illinois College of Optometry. "The more of the eye you can cover, the less the intensity of light ... to reach the back part of the eye," he says.

Prolonged UV exposure can redden the whites of eyes, just as the sun can burn skin. Over time, this can cause eye problems, such as cataracts and macular degeneration. To prevent eye damage, choose sunglasses with the following qualities:

• UV 400 protection. It blocks up to 400 nanometers of UV light.
• Impact resistant. The shades can possibly withstand active lifestyles or an accident.
• The right color. Translucent-colored sunglasses are hot, but to ward against distortion of colors, stick to gray and brown shades.
• The right price. Effective eye defense can fit any budget, from $10 to $1,000.

Cosmetics:

Can makeup protect against the sun's harmful rays? The answer is a qualified "yes." While any kind of coating on your face can help block UV light, cosmetics by themselves do not have enough protection to prevent sunburn or skin cancer.

Mineral makeup, darker foundations, powders, and eye shadows do have better sun-protective qualities than other cosmetics. Yet makeup can be applied unevenly and wiped off during the course of the day, losing its ability to effectively block UV light. For surefire protection, Shelton recommends wearing sunscreen first, and then applying makeup on top.

Makeup that contains broad-spectrum SPF has UV-filtering qualities as well. However, Shelton says that makeup with SPF is not as effective as sunscreen by itself. Makeup doesn't bind to the skin as well as sunscreen. Plus, when you combine sunscreen with something else, he says it often does not retain all of its UV-filtering properties.

The Young and the Vulnerable
Think children are immune to the ravages of the sun? They are actually more susceptible. The AAD estimates that kids get 80% of their total lifetime sun exposure by the time they turn 18. If a blistering sunburn is a part of that childhood, the risk of deadly skin cancer doubles later in life.

In general, it's a good idea for both you and your kids to stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To shield children from UV damage, the basic rules of using sunscreen, wearing sun-protective clothing, lip protection, and sunglasses apply. But there are some exceptions and additions to the rules.

Babies younger than 6 months should be kept out of the sun. If they are outdoors, a wide-brimmed hat, protective clothing, and sunglasses are recommended. Be sure to ask the pediatrician before using sunscreen on an infant, as the products have not yet been tested on them.

Kids over 6 months should always wear sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher. SPF 30 or higher is suggested for kids who spend a lot of time outdoors, and who have fair skin, light-colored eyes and hair. Ask camp counselors or guardians to reapply sunscreens for children after active play or swim.

Teenagers who spend a lot of time working and/or playing outdoors can be at special risk for sun damage. All the basics of sun protection apply to this group as well.

Sunless Tanning

Forget dangerous sun worshipping and tanning booths. Sunless tanning products are better than ever with streak-proof varieties. They come in lotion, cream, gel, and spray form. With the active ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA), dead skin cells are safely coated with color. The tint disappears when the cells are either washed off or sloughed off. Some cautions:

• Find the right sunless tanning product for you. Since some self-tanners can turn some skin orange, test the product first in a small area of your body.
• Self-tanning preparations do not necessarily contain sunscreen.
• Read labels carefully. The FDA requires tanning products without sunscreen to contain a warning statement indicating it does not protect against sunburn.
• Stay way from "tanning pills." They are not approved by the FDA and may cause unwanted side effects such as eye discoloration.

Smooth, Radiant Summer Skin

Which skin care products work best? It depends on your skin type, says Leslie Baumann, MD, a cosmetic dermatologist, and author of The Skin Type Solution. In her book, she classifies skin as dry or oily, sensitive or resistant, pigmented or nonpigmented, and wrinkled or tight. Mixing up the four options yields 16 different combinations such as the dry, resistant, pigmented, wrinkled type (DRPW), and the dry, sensitive, pigmented, wrinkled type (DSPW). Different skin types call for different treatments.

Oily skin. You don't have to use a cream or moisturizer, says Baumann. In fact, she recommends products with salicylic acid such as Neutrogena Oil-Free Acne Wash or Skin Medica Acne Toner with Tea Tree Oil and Salicylic Acid. Benzoyl peroxide is also ideal for people with sensitive and acne-prone skin. Recommended products include PanOxyl Bar 5% and Proactiv Repairing Solution.

Dry skin. Look for barrier repair creams or moisturizers that contain cholesterol, ceramides, and fatty acids. Examples include Dove Sensitive Essentials, CeraVe, and Atopalm. Avoid foaming detergents and soaps as they can strip your skin of necessary lipids.

Sensitive skin. Anti-inflammatory ingredients work best for you. Try chamomile, the licorice extract licochalcone (Eucerin Redness Relief products), cucumber, feverfew (Aveeno Ultra Calming line), quadrinone (Cutanix), salicylic acid, and selenium (Thermal Spring Water).

Resistant skin. You can apply any kind of skin care products without trouble since your skin has a solid skin barrier that protects deeper skin layers from allergens and irritating substances. However, many products may not work as well because they are not able to penetrate your skin.

Pigmented skin. Solutions that contain hydroquinone (EpiQuin Micro or Tri-Luma), kojic acid (Kojic), arbutin (PCA Skin pHaze 23 A &C Synergy Serum), Tyrostat, and mulberry extract (DDF Intensive Holistic Lightener) can improve dark spots. Vitamin C and retinoids work, too, particularly if you are also the oily/dry, resistant, pigmented, and wrinkled type.

Wrinkled skin. Use prescription retinoid and antioxidants such as idebenone (Prevage), ferulic acid (SkinCeuticals CE Ferulic), and vitamin C (Active C). Oral antioxidants such as Polypodium leucotomosextract (Heliocare) and pomegranate (Murad Pomphenol Sunguard Supplement) are also recommended.

When putting it all together, a dry, resistant, pigmented, wrinkled type (DRPW) and an oily, resistant, pigmented, wrinkled type (ORPW) would thrive with high concentrations of retinoids, which will improve pigments and wrinkles. However, the dry skin type would need a barrier-repair moisturizer, while the oily skin type would do well with salicylic acid.

Confused?

All the fancy, futuristic-sounding skin care ingredients have you scratching your face instead of admiring it? It's no wonder. With the cosmetics and toiletry industry a $45 billion business, there are hundreds of products vying for customer attention.

So-called cosmeceuticals claim anything from removing wrinkles to firming up skin. Many of the claims are based on preliminary scientific research, but there is no evidence that they will deliver, says Kaufman. To figure out what product is right for your skin's needs, he recommends a visit with a skin care doctor.

This definitive guide should assist you in knowing what you need to do to enjoy the summer and keep your skin looking good and feeling healthy.  If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email.

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team

New Spa Trends 2013

What is  the new Spa Trends? That is one of the major questions asked about the industry year after year. It is important that you learn and even explore these trends. That is only way we know what we like to obtain the ultimate Spa experience. Through our research, here are some new Spa trends that you can expect in the coming year.

Focus on men: In its list of 2013 predictions, industry organization Spafinder predicts that more spas will offer services just for men. We’re way ahead of the curve, knowing that men have specific needs in terms of spas, beauty, and fitness. Our men’s menu is a good example of what we expect to see more of, from facials tailored to the guys in your life to manicures and pedicures that focus on relaxation and nail health. Some services, like our ever popular deep tissue massages, have devotees among both men and women!

Increasing innovation in anti-aging products: We’re just beginning to crest the wave of baby boomers crossing into retirement, and our age conscious population is beginning an anti-aging regimen before they’re out of high school. We predict that 2013 will continue to be the year that sees red hot developments in the anti-aging space. Companies like Hydropeptides are on the cutting edge of the science that keeps us looking young – from antioxidant facials to a whole host of products for daily use. Watch for everything from new developments in peels and dermabrasian resurfacing to treatments that fight aging hands for use during manicures.



Spa treatments that improve health: This goes hand and hand with aging to a certain extent, but on the whole our focus as an culture is more and more on improving our health. A number of spa treatments have dramatic health implications. Massage does more than just de-stress you – just look at the benefits of prenatal massage for mom and baby. Pedicures can play a crucial role in foot health for people that spend a lot of time on their feet – what better way to show your feet that you care than a relaxing pedicure? Deep cleansing facials can prevent skin inflammation and scarring from conditions like acne. Watch for spas and consumers to become more active in wanting to understand the health benefits of the various treatments they get at the spa.



Earthy organics: We expect to see more earth conscious treatments and organic and wellness products in spas. For example,  Re>Fresh pedicure is a waterless pedicure that’s earth friendly and uses steamy towels instead of water to relax your feet. Brands like OPI’s Avoplex line integrates the healing powers of avocado oil into their nail oil products, and Cuccio’s natural bath salts and lotions are just amazing. They carry both these brands in our spas and love them. Watch for some great new products in 2013.

Color: 2012 was the year of nail art, and we think that trend will continue into 2013. We expect the color palette to keep expanding, and more innovation on the 3D nail art front. People will be having fun with color in their manis and pedis. The nail art will move away from crazy bling and into the beautifully detailed and freehand design space that we’ve been seeing for some time. We’ll keep you posted on the biggest trends we’re seeing as the year unfolds!

There you have it. Look for these coming trends in 2013. We would like to thank inspa.com for their useful insights concerning this subject.  If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email.

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team

Valentines Day Spa Treatments

Valentines Day is rapidly approaching. So,  maybe you can plan something special for yourself or have a spa treatment done with someone that you love. Spa treatments especially massage is a great way to relax and prepare you for that special day that celebrates love. Here is some Valentines Day treatment ideas that you can use.

SpaFinder.com's picks

Dolce Valentine's Package

Silverado Resort and Spa in Napa, California
Looking for a Valentine's Day getaway for you and your honey? Check out this package, offered through Feb. 29. Want to know what you'll get? Sure you do! The package includes an in-room bottle of Domaine St. Michelle Brut Champagne, chocolate covered strawberries for two and breakfast for two in The Grill at Silverado.
The cost? You can book the package for $279 with the following booking code: CLB1.

Balanced Romance Package for Two

Mirbeau Inn & Spa in Skaneateles, New York
Rekindle your romance this February with the Balanced Romance Package for Two. Couples can relax in the spa's steam and sauna facilities, soak in the heated outdoor Aqua Terrace and reconnect during a stress-relieving, side-by-side massage. You can then shower, dress and walk upstairs where a candlelit table will be waiting for you as you choose from an array of possibilities for your three-course dinner while sipping wine and reconnecting with each other.
The cost? The package includes one 50-minute Couples Treatment, one three-course dinner for two and all taxes and gratuities. Contact the spa for pricing.

Lisa's Salon & Day Spa

Lombard, Illinois
Want to save 10 percent on Valentine's Day treatments? Check out Lisa's Salon & Day Spa. Couples can enjoy a custom facial or Swedish massage paired with a spa manicure and pedicure with their choice of Champagne or sparkling juice and a box of fine chocolates.
The cost? A mere $120!

SheKnows' picks

The Just for Us Package

The Ritz-Carlton Spa Dove Mountain in Marana, Arizona
It doesn't get much better than the Ritz, which is why we had to give a shoutout to this romantic Valentine's Day package. The "Just for Us" couples' experience is available throughout the month of February and features a rose petal bath, a 50-minute Ritz-Carlton Together Massage and Champagne and strawberries for both guests.
The cost? You'll get 80 minutes of couple's bliss for $385.

Diamonds are Forever Package

Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spas (check website for availability)
This all-inclusive, luxurious VIP couples' spa package will leave you totally relaxed and rejuvenated! You and your honey will enjoy two Ultimate Arden Facials, two therapeutic Desert Hot Stone Massages, two Signature Manicures, two Signature Pedicures and a Spa Lunch to enjoy in between your services.
The cost? Diamonds are priceless, but you'll enjoy this luxurious package for $1,688.

Chocolate and Cherry Facial at The Ritz-Carlton, Buckhead

The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Buckhead in Atlanta, Georgia
We love the sound of chocolate and cherry, and we're really wishing we lived in Atlanta right about now so we could try this special facial, available during the month of February. This delicious treat begins with a cherry wine peel to exfoliate and firm, and then is followed by a chocolate wasabi mask to stimulate circulation and boost collagen.
The cost? Get this delicious 50-minute treat -- and the dewy and toned complexion that follows -- for $155.

These are some great ways that you can enjoy this holiday. A big thanks to spafinder.com for these ideas. You can also use their website to check for local deals in your area.  If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email.

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team

How to Choose Spa Treatments

That picture looks real relaxing. We want to have a relaxing and wonderful time at the spa. So your choices in spa treatments is important so you can choose exactly what you want and not have a disappointing visit. How do you choose the spa treatment right for you? You need information on all of the general spa treatments that is available to make an informed decision. So, we found just that.


Spa Facial Treatments
Facials are designed to clean and moisturize your skin. In addition, facials also remove the rough, dead skin that is on the surface of your face. The result is a soft, glowing appearance.
At its simplest, a facial consists of cleansing the skin, a steam bath and a facial massage. The next step up would be to use hypoallergenic moisturizers on your skin.
From here, spa facial treatments can get more interesting. You can choose from paraffin facials, where a paraffin mask is applied to your face to help seal in special treatments such as rejuvenating creams. In addition, the paraffin itself helps to soften your skin. An aromatherapy facial uses special oils to heal the skin, promote skin growth and relax you at the same time. A collagen facial includes applying a masque over freeze dried collagen to protect your face against harmful environmental factors and the aging process.


Spa Skin Treatments
Skin treatments can make your body glow. One type of skin treatment is a body scrub. Body scrubs, using gentle abrasives such as salt, remove the dead surface skin, resulting in a softer body with increased circulation. The salt may include other ingredients such as rosemary, seaweed or lavender.
Another skin treatment option is body wraps. Your body will be slathered with mud, creams or liquids and then you will be wrapped tightly in a blanket for a period of time that averages between 20 and 40 minutes.


Other Spa Beauty Treatments
One of the most popular treatments at spas is a massage. You have several types of massages from which to choose. Swedish massage techniques include massaging muscles against underlying muscles and bones. In addition, the masseuse applies pressure in the direction that your blood flows to your heart. The result is an increased flow of oxygen.

Massage: This can include Swedish Massage and Deep Tissue and everything in between. This is done with an assortment of oils for different effects. In addition aromatherapy is often combined with good spa treatments. Many resorts will have their own "signature" massages.

Hot Stone Therapy: The use of hot stones for massage and acupressure has become a staple on nearly every spa menu throughout the world.

Facials: This can be as uninvasive as through gentle cleansers and massage, or through botox. There are as many variations of facials as there are massage.

Body Wraps: Most Body Wraps include herbal remedies such as with clay, muds or even seaweed and paraffin. The ideas is to cleanse the skin and weight reduction.

Salt Scrubs and Glows: This is a remedy that is used for deep exfoliation of dried or dead skin cells. It is primarily done through brushing of salts on the body [often from the Dead Sea for their super high mineral content], or through certain herbal scrub remedies such as with almonds or walnut paste.

Acupuncture/Acupressure: These remedies have been proven to alleviate all sorts of maladies and disorders, not just of the skin.

Colonics: Though this may not seem the most pleasant and perhaps is not, it is however one of the more effective methods for removing toxins from the human body. Usually performed in a series of 6 or more sessions. High on the list at most Wellness Clinics and Medical Tourism destinations.

Ayurveda: Using a holistic philosophy dating around 5,000 years ago, it uses natural remedies and time-tested practices. Ayurveda has become a recognized treatment option for medical issues, as well as a relaxing spa favorite.

Aromatherapy: The basic term refers to the therapeutic use of essential oils—based on the specific healing property of each oil—in such treatments as massage, diffusions, body wraps and soaks.

Paraffin: Paraffin is a a soft, liquid wax—plain, or juiced-up with essential oils.Because of its heat-conducting and moisture-retaining properties, the ingredient is most commonly used to hydrate, soften and relax dry skin, or prep hands and feet pre-mani or pedicure. The result is soft, moisturized skin devoid of cracks or dry patches.

Reiki: Reiki is a Japanese technique for healing and stress relief based on the movement of energy—and the practice is steadily growing in popularity in US spas.

Shiatsu: It’s on pretty much every massage menu, right there between Hot Stone and Swedish Massage. At its core, the technique emphasizes a combination of diagnosis and therapy. Using just their palms and fingers—in particular the thumb—trained practitioners are able to identify trouble spots on the client, including blocked toxins and muscle distress.

This should help you have a better understanding of treatments so that you are armed with the information to make the best choice for you when you visit the spa. A thank you goes out to wikihow and life123.com for their spa insights. If you would like to contact us with any questions or feedback, you can reach us by email.

Thanks for Visiting!

Joseph A. Jones & The WellLife Team