Conceal & Treat Featured in August Issue of Details

Shower Shortcuts: Do or Don't?

Morning-time is hectic for anyone, whether you're a parent trying to shoo kids out the door, or get in that morning work out before heading off to work. Trying to fit in everything we want to do makes us take shortcuts on other parts of our morning routine: the shower. Some of them are DOs - like doubling your shaving cream as a facial wash - but some are DON'Ts. 

The biggest offender is using your shampoo to clean your hair, then your body. 

Both products use many of the same types of cleansing ingredients, but they are formulated a little differently. Most shampoos are cleanse a little harshly, as their goal is to strip buildup and oil from the hair. Body washes are supposed to be a little gentler on the skin. If you're, using your shampoo to clean your skin, you're actually stripping away beneficial oils, leaving dry and damaged skin. 

The verdict? Don't use shampoo to clean your body. Do use a moisturizing body wash was specifically designed for skin. 

A Smartphone App to keep you smart about the sun?

Solaveil, a leading UK supplier of active suncare ingredients, has released a new smartphone application that reminds the user to reapply sunscreen or seek shelter from the sun through their phone's alarm system. With summer in full swing, the timing couldn't be better. Our question - is the free app really worth it, or is it easier use your phone's timer?

The app uses GPS to figure out your location and corresponding temperature and UV index. Users simply enter in a few details about themselves, and Solaveil helps select an SPF and frequency of reapplication. It then tells you the level of risk you are at and how soon you will begin to burn at this UV exposure. Eventually, an alarm goes off that tells you to reapply SPF.

The application is a great reminder for you and your family to keep track of your exposure to the sun, and it gives advice about other things you can do (besides apply SPF) to keep your skin protected. And, honestly, we forgot about the timer until it reminded us - fun in the sun is always a distraction from applying more SPF. However, generally practicing sun safety all the time, not just when you're in the sun, will work just as well as the app. Like the disclaimer says on the application when you download it - in the end, the responsibility for sun protection rests with the individual. 

With that in mind, no matter the weather, wear a daily SPF like Moisture Protect SPF 20 and reapply often. Drink plenty of water, and stay out of the sun from 11am - 3pm.

Sun Protection - In Style

A friend was recently diagnosed with melanoma. The location? His scalp. It never occurred to him to wear a hat when out in the sun. We don't see our scalp, and often times, protecting it from the sun can be forgotten. Since it can be a little cumbersome (or gross) to slather our domes with sunscreen, we've come up with five options that make protecting your scalp from the sun rather stylish. 

The Fedora - this conservative, lightweight fedora from Brixton Castor pairs well with jeans and a t-shirt. Avoid topping off your three-piece suit with it, or you'll end up looking like you just walked off set of the newest Gatsby film.

The Lumber Hat - similar to the fedora, this hat by G-star has the perfect sized brim. Not too small, not too large. Keep it cool, not nerdy by adding a vest to your outfit.

The Beanie  - You can't go a day in LA without seeing someone rocking this beanie with a pair of Persol sunglasses. Not just for hipsters, this soft, slouchy cap from All Saints is the perfect headwarmer on a cool evening.

The Baseball Hat  - You can never go wrong with throwing on the ball cap of your favorite athletic team.