beautygrind

Posts Tagged ‘skin care’

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8 Trends And Ingredients You Need To Incorporate Into Your Skincare Now

In skincare on October 16, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Image Courtesy of Cottonbro via Pexels

More often than not, a new skin care ingredient or trend will pop up all over our social media feeds sparking curiosity and prompting a full on investigation. “Do I need it?” “Which celeb and influencer is raving about it?” “Where can I get it?” “How much is it?” “Is it really that good?” You then jump on your laptop (or phone) to research said new ingredients and trends to see what the tea is. After evaluating your current skincare needs and personal inventory, what usually comes next is a trip to your favorite beauty store or website for a purchase.

The following skincare ingredients and trends are no different to the investigative and purchasing process that we often find ourselves in. Keep in mind that many of these ingredients have been around however they are having their time in the spotlight and are getting more attention than before. As science, beauty, skincare and personal awareness continue to intersect, we will see more brands fine tune existing products as well as create more efficacious products to meet consumer need. Continue reading to find out what these ingredients and trends are and if you need to add them to your daily routine.

Niacinamide. Although glycolic acid will always have it’s place in many skincare routines when it comes to treating skin concerns such as acne, oiliness and hyperpigmentation, Niacinamide continues to stake its claim in the skincare space and pique many beauty enthusiasts’ attention. A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide is known for many of it’s reparative and soothing properties. It is water soluble meaning it dissolves in water making it easily absorbed into the skin. It works for most skin types, partners well with other ingredients in your skincare such as AHA/BHA and vitamin C. Niacinamide can help with acne, discoloration and pores and can be used am and pm. It can also help with dehydration because it helps the skin to produce ceramides which is a lipid that guards against moisture loss.

Sunday Riley B3 Nice 10% Niacinamide Serum

Verso Hydration Serum

Allies of Skin Tranexamic and Arbutin Advanced Brightening Serum

Refillable Products/Sustainability. Once upon a time, there wasn’t much thought given to how our favorite beauty products were packaged. We bought what we wanted, used the product and threw out the packaging only to repeat the process over and over again without much thought to how this could negatively impact the environment. These days companies and consumers alike have a greater awareness on how packaging has a major impact on the environment. New/emerging brands are making sustainability part of their mission from the start while brands like Caudalie that have been around for some time are focused on changing/updating ingredients and packaging to be planet safe within a certain timeframe.

Soshe G.L.A.M. Refillable Mascara

Hourglass Curated by Hourglass 5 Pan Palette

By Rosie Jane Leila Lou Everyday Body Wash

Microbiome Skincare. Often referred to when discussing gut health, the microbiome (or skin flora) also relates to skin. What exactly is the microbiome? It is the community, environment or collection of mainly bacteria, viruses and fungi (microbes) that live on the skin. Now before you freak out from the mere thought of these organisms living on your skin, please know that these are the good bacteria you want on your skin to keep it healthy. When your skin barrier becomes compromised, it can lead to a myriad of skin issues including acne, folliculitis, eczema, psoriasis and dandruff. Some things that can compromise the skin microbiome are over-exfoliation, medication, stripping the skin with things like extremely hot showers, as well as lifestyle choices such as poor diet and excessive drinking. Microbiome skincare, which contains pre and pro biotics will help to restore and balance the skin when you need a little extra help.

Paula’s Choice Rescue and Repair Intensive Moisturizer

Galinee Prebiotic Face Oil

The Nue Co Barrier Culture Cleanser

Dark Spot Correctors. Before you consider going under a laser, consider a dark spot corrector. Dark spot correctors are definitely not new however more brands are including these types of product in their lineups. We all know that discoloration can occur after a breakout, injury or inflammation and can be annoying to look at. Dark spot correctors work topically and just beneath the first layer of skin to help hyperpigmentation issues go away. Correctors can take the form of a serum or a toner and can include ingredients such as kojic acid, lactic acid, glycolic acid, azelic acid, and licorice root. To increase the long term benefits of correcting hyperpigmentation, be sure to use sunscreen and don’t pick at blemishes.

SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic

Ole Henriksen Glow 2OH Dark Spot Toner

Faded Brightening & Clearing Gel

Body Care. There has always been a strong focus on facial skin care to address many concerns such as acne, uneven skin tone, and wrinkles. Oftentimes however, the skin below the neck is completely ignored. So much so that one may have amazing skin on their face but from the neck down that skin is looking like a weathered oak tree. And for those who do pay attention to the skin on their body, body care might only include using a body wash that wont strip the skin, occasional moisturizer when time permits and the additional body scrub or exfoliator whenever you think about it. That’s perfectly fine but now body care is becoming just as targeted as facial skincare with serums, masks, sculpting tools and devices that will address aging, loss of elasticity, moisture and discoloration. Focusing on body care also gives you the opportunity to slow down, pamper yourself and to also make sure your skin glows all over. Now just imagine how amazing you will look from head to toe.

Agent Nateur Holi Oil Youth Body Serum

Margaret Dabbs Yellow Leg Masque

Byredo De Los Santos Body Lotion

LED Light Therapy. If you are looking for a way to get high level skincare treatments to zap stubborn discoloration, zits, fine lines and wrinkles without going under a doctor’s knife or laser, consider a LED (light emitting diode) therapy device. At home LED therapy is usually less invasive with little to no downtime and range from full face masks to portable hand held devices. While there are many different light wavelengths that devices can emit, the most common is red and blue light. Red light therapy addresses the outermost layer of the skin and stimulates collagen production which is very important in the structure of the skin as we age. Red also helps to reduces inflammation and hyperpigmentation. Blue light targets acne and the bacteria associated with it. To find out more about the benefits of LED therapy, read this.

NuLife Beauty Ultrasonic Fat & Cellulite Burner

Dr. Dennis Gross DRx Spectralite FaceWare Pro

SolaWave Advanced Skincare Wand with Red Light

Retinol. No matter what new ingredients come on the scene, retinol will always reign supreme. It is the OG, the gold standard in skincare/anti-aging because it will change your skin for the better. A derivative of vitamin A, retinol, which was originally prescribed for acne, actually helps your skin to act and look younger. It helps skin to produce collagen while helping with cell turnover, exfoliation, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration, pores and clarity in the skin. Retinol is also anti-inflammatory. With that said, retinol does have a reputation for causing skin irritation, particularly with new users. Today’s formulations contain ingredients that act as a buffer such as manuka honey to help soothe and comfort the skin. Many of today’s formulas are also time released meaning that the retinol is released in small doses over a longer period of time to help reduce irritation.

Sunday Riley A+ High Dose Retinol Serum

Kiehl’s Micro Dose Anti-Aging Retinol Serum With Ceramides And Peptides

RoC Retinol Correxion Smoothing Night Serum Capsules

Bakuchiol. Often touted as a natural, less irritating alternative to retinol, bakuchiol can yield similar results to retinol. Found in the seeds and leaves babchi plant (Psoralea Corylifolia), bakuchiol is central to ancient Ayurvedic practices and Chinese skincare. Bakuchiol is vegan and contains antioxidants and can help with discoloration, texture issues and free radical damage. It is more tolerated on various skin types and can be an alternative for pregnant women. In addition, bakuchiol and retinol can be used together.

Herbivore Bakuchiol Retinol Alternative Smoothing Serum

Innbeauty Project Slushy Serum Moisturizer Crush

Whish Beauty Botanical Primer With Bakuchiol

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For business inquiries regarding Beautygrind.com, email me at khalilah@beautygrind.com or info@khalilahneals.com

Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com  and fill out the “work with me” form.

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Your Body Care Routine Is Just As Important As Facial Skin Care Routine

In beauty, skincare on October 2, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Image Courtesy of Sora Shimazaki via Pexels

Does your skin care routine include the skin on your body? If not start with these products.

The skincare category has seen explosive growth over the past few years. This growth will continue as consumers continue to invest in practices and products that promote health, well being and clear, glowing beautiful skin. We spend hours on our favorite social media feeds for advice, tips and tricks from influencers, celebrities, dermatologists and estheticians. Glass skin, slugging, skin cycling – you name it and there is a chance that you or someone you know has given these trends a try. The willingness to invest time and money on products as well as at home treatments and in office procedures will also continue as our favorite brands create products to meet the demand for health, wellbeing and great skin. With that being said, all of the information and products that is out there, chances are that the majority of the focus is for the skin on the face.

But what about the skin on the body – below the neck? With the exception of summer when we tend to show more skin, the skin on the body doesn’t always receive the same amount of care and attention that it deserves. While it might not be as sensitive as the skin face, body skin can still have it’s share of concerns such as dry flaky skin, eczema, hyperpigmentation and acne. And even if those are not your particular concerns, having a simple routine of daily cleansing and moisturizing, with weekly exfoliation is usually enough to ensure that the skin on the body looks smooth, hydrated and healthy.

In addition to body care products, there are tools such as dry brushing and gua sha for the entire body to help with things such circulation and lymphatic drainage. Ingredients such as hyaluronic acid, aha/bha and retinol which was once reserved for the face are now more commonplace in body care washes, creams and serums to address concerns such as dullness, as well as loss of firmness and elasticity.

You might think this is yet another lengthy step to complete among a long list of things to take care but your body care routine doesn’t have to take up a lot of your time. In addition to using the right products to address your body care concerns, there are some daily and weekly steps to take to ensure beautiful skin which include:

  1. Staying hydrated.
  2. Using warm water when showering or bathing.
  3. Using a gentle body wash that will help hydrate not strip the skin.
  4. Exfoliating weekly.
  5. Using a dry brush before showering.

Skinfix Resurface KP + PsO Body Smoothing Treatment

Developed by dermatologists to offer targeted treatment to irritated skin caused by keratosis pilaris and psoriasis. Clean and cruelty free, this body treatment contains glycolic and lactic acids to help with smoothing and chemical exfoliation while urea, allantoin, and a glycerin complex helps to balance and moisturize the skin.

Odele Ultra Sensitive Skin Body Wash

Accepted by the National Eczema Foundation, this body wash is perfect for sensitive, reactive and irritated skin. It is formulated with oats for hydration and gentle exfoliation and is pH balanced to help with the skin’s moisture barrier.

Clarins Contour Body Treatment Oil

Clarins treatment oil is formulated with 100% plant extracts and helps to tone, smooth and firm the skin. A blend of essential oils which includes Sweet Marjoram and Lemon also help to release toxins in the skin.

Augustinus Bader The Body Cream

Shea butter and bisabilol are key ingredients in this body cream which helps to hydrate and calm the skin. The Body Cream helps promote skin barrier function as well as helps to the firm the skin and reduce the appearance of cellulite for a smoother appearance.

Necessaire The Body Retinol

The Body Retinol is formulated with retinol to help with collagen production and repairs and reduces the appearance of crepiness, fine lines, and dark spots. This formulation is packaged in an airless bottle to help preserve the integrity and longevity of the product.

Tree Hut Shea Sugar Scrub

This vegan body exfoliation delivers intense exfoliation for soft, radiant skin. Formulated with natural oils such as coconut, avocado and evening primrose to balance and hydrate. It is also sulfate, alcohol and paraben free.

Dr. Barbara Sturm The Body Brush Soft

Safe for sensitive skin, The Dr. Sturm dry brush will help to lift off dry dead skin as well as help with blood circulation and lymph flow. Use daily on dry skin in small circular motions toward the heart before bathing or showering. Avoid using a dry brush if you have irritated skin.

de la heart The Body Tool

This tool, when used as part of your daily body care routine, will help with with lymphatic drainage and movement as well as help firm, tone and contour the skin. You can also use this tool to help relieve tension and reduce puffiness.

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15 Skincare And Makeup Mistakes To Stop Making Now

In beauty, makeup, skincare on June 27, 2022 at 12:00 pm

From the harshness of unblended highlight and contour to using dirty makeup brushes, chances are you have at some point or are currently making some major beauty faux pas.

Image courtesy of George Milton via Pexels

We all have our go to make up routines which includes our favorite tips, tricks and tools. But it is definitely possible that our go to make up habits could be doing more harm than good to our skin, tools and overall look. That’s ok because below is a list of 15 common beauty blunders that you might not be aware of and the solution to help fix said faux pas.

  1. Using Makeup Wipes To Clean Your Face. I’m not sure when using wipes as the only way to sufficiently cleanse your face became ok but stop it. So you’ve had a long night out and you are too inebriated and too tired to actually cleanse your face – a makeup wipe can help you out until you get yourself together. But please don’t make this a habit – the most a makeup cleansing wipe can do for you is superficially wipe the day off of your face. It will not ever deep clean the surface of your skin let alone get deep down into your pores after a day of wearing sunscreen and makeup and being exposed to the environmental aggressors of dirt, debris and smog. Do your current and your future skin a favor and use a cleansing balm or oil followed by an actual cleanser for your skin type. If you prefer using a makeup wipe, use it a part of your pre-cleanse.
  2. Tugging On The Eye Area To Remove/Apply Eye Makeup And Skincare. We’ve all been there: you stretch/pull at the corner of your your eyes to apply your eye liner, roughly rub your eyes to take off your eye makeup or pull and rub on your under eye area to apply eye cream or concealer. Stop it! The under eye area is the most delicate area of the face. Think of it like this: your face is like construction paper and your under eye area is delicate like tissue paper. The under eye area shows the first signs of aging and rough and tumble pulling and tugging can help accelerate the process. When it comes to removing eye makeup, use a cotton round with a makeup remover. Apply to the eye area and hold for about 10 seconds to loosen any eye makeup and gently swipe away. When it comes to applying eye liner, apply in sections across the lid and be sure to use a formula that glides on smoothly. Don’t pull on the corner of your eyes. When applying under eye concealer and eye cream, use a brush and/or your ring finger and gently press/tap into the skin.
  3. Not Treating The Under Eye Area With Eye Cream/Serum Before Concealer. At this point, eye creams/serums should be a part of your skin care routine. If not, no judgement. Just start now. By prepping with skin care, you will find that your concealer will lay better on your skin. It also prevents your makeup from looking dry and cakey and you won’t have to apply tons to look even and highlighted under the eyes.
  4. Not Using Color Corrector. Have you ever applied under eye concealer or even foundation and found that the shade and tone wasn’t sufficient? As a matter of fact, some areas looked gray? That’s because you most likely need to color correct first. Color correcting helps to neutralize blue, purple and brown undertones in the skin so that your actual complexion product will read more accurately. It all goes back to understanding color theory where opposite colors on the color wheel are not only complementary but those same complementary colors also cancel each other out. For instance, if you are experiencing redness, you would use green to color correct before applying your concealer or foundation. If you have blue tones under your eyes, you would use a corrector in the pink/peach/apricot spectrum, depending on your complexion range, to neutralize those tones before applying concealer or foundation.
  5. Not Cleaning Makeup Brushes Regularly. Have you ever gone so long with not cleaning your brushes that your brushes feel hard and somewhat stiff? When your brushes are dirty they don’t even perform the same and your make up doesn’t look as good as it could. More importantly, not cleaning your brushes is a great way to spread bacteria on the face. Can we say pimples? Anyway, using a brush cleaner like this one or this one not only cleans your brushes but helps to keep the bristles conditioned and is oftentimes anti-bacterial.
  6. Putting On Concealer Before Foundation. Foundation is just that – foundation. A base. It’s the building block for all of the other makeup you put on your face – well aside from good skin care. When you apply concealer first, as you apply the actual foundation, you actually wipe concealer away from the very place you were trying to conceal. Instead, apply foundation first then stipple/bounce concealer on top wherever the discoloration is. You may also find that you won’t need as much concealer when you apply foundation first. When it comes to the under eye, this can be particularly helpful as applying foundation first can help balance and perhaps color correct tones before you apply concealer.
  7. Not Blending Your Harsh Highlight And Contour. Chances are you aren’t on stage but in real life – at work, school or the grocery store. The somewhat extreme highlighting and contouring that we see on our social media feeds works better for stage and maybe television with various lighting conditions but those harsh, unblended lines of demarcation can be quite unappealing in real life. Consider blending more thoroughly for a softer, more complementary look.
  8. Using Too Much Product To Mark Out Highlight And Contour. Or using too much foundation in general. Bottom line – it’s TOO MUCH PRODUCT and takes unnecessary amounts off time and effort to blend. Instead of plastering your face with foundation, highlight and contour shades in intricate designs, try applying your foundation first. Then apply your highlight color (1-2 shades lighter, maybe 3 shades if you know how to blend) in the right undertone then blend. Then go in with your contour color and blend. Apply an illuminator/highlighter if you so choose. Blend that as well. Then take a brush and lightly blend the entire face. This way you will look soft, blended and radiant. Not a colorful ashy mess. *note* Applying your highlight first will actually expose the areas that naturally recede for contour. It is also easier to blend a contour (darker color) into a highlight as opposed to the other way around.
  9. Not Using A Moisturizer Because You Are Oily. Not using at lease an oil free (controls oil production) or mattifying (prevents appearance of oil, makes skin more matte) moisturizer is actually making you more oily. That is your skin overcompensating for the lack of actual moisture in the skin. The oil in the skin is not a moisturizer and the skin becomes more unbalanced when you don’t use a moisturizer to balance and protect your moisture barrier.
  10. Over-Washing Your Face. It is quite tempting to want to wash your face multiple times a day especially when you are oily and/or acne prone. However, just like not using a moisturizer when you are oily can have an adverse affect on your skin, over-washing your face can strip your skin, causing it to be dry, flaky and painfully irritated. You might also find that acne can get worse. When washing your face twice a day, consider using a mild low lather or creamy/oil cleanser like this or this for the morning and a cleanser for deeper cleanse for the evening to wash the day away like this one.
  11. Keeping Expired Makeup. Sure you may love the many items in your make up collection but it is very important to make sure that what you are putting on your face is not expired. Not paying attention to expiration dates can not only cause lack of performance of your favorite items but can also be a breeding ground for skin irritation and possible infection. Learn more about makeup shelf life and expiration dates here.
  12. Over-Filling Your Eyebrows. Good eyebrows are one of the most important features in giving good face. Well groomed brows bring shape and structure to the face. When you have neatly and beautifully shaped brows, you don’t necessarily need too much of anything else to look polished. It is recommended that you seek a professional too groom your brows. It’s one thing to have a natural full brow however filling in the brow too dark and over the natural shape can spell disaster. When filling in your brows, be sure to follow the natural shape of the brow and fill in only the sparse areas.
  13. Not Adjusting Your Foundation As You Age. It’s no secret that your body changes as you get older. This includes changes to your skin. What worked for you in your 20’s (i.e. powder foundation) may not work for you as you get older. Consider using liquid or serum based formulations that address dullness, fine lines, wrinkles, discoloration and dryness.
  14. Putting Makeup On Dry Skin. Not prepping the skin before makeup application. Your makeup reflects back to you what is going with your skin. If your skin is dry, your makeup will look dry and cakey. You will also find that your makeup doesn’t glide and apply very smoothly to your skin. Be sure to prep with a good moisturizer and hydrating primer before applying your foundation.
  15. Putting Too Much Emphasis On Both Eyes And Lips. How you choose to wear your makeup is entirely up to you. However, consider focusing on one feature such as the eyes and let your other features play a supporting role with complementary tones, textures and finishes. Doing so prevents your look from becoming too under or overwhelming. It also brings balance to the features.

Have you made any of the mistakes listed above or do you make mistakes that weren’t even listed above? Leave a comment down below.

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For business inquiries regarding Beautygrind.com, email me at khalilah@beautygrind.com

Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com  and fill out the “work with me” form.

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Should You Apply Face Oil Before Or After Your Moisturizer?

In beauty, skincare on February 2, 2022 at 12:00 pm

If you know anything about skin care then you have most likely have heard about facial oils. While they are not a new concept, incorporating facial oils into one’s skin care has become more mainstream over the past few years. Facial oils have many benefits and can be a great way to treat various skin concerns based on the oil you choose. In addition, these oils can be used by themselves as well as with other skincare and makeup products (like foundation) and can also help give your skin that much sought after glow.

So now that your interest has been piqued and you’re thinking about incorporating a facial oil into your skin care routine, where do you start? Because oils, like serums, can address multiple concerns, you will first have to decide what your concern is and what ingredients you prefer and need. Do you want something to help with anti-aging, redness, irritation, oiliness or hydration? You would then, of course, select your formula accordingly.

About That Hydration Thing…

Keep in mind that oils should not replace your moisturizer. Technically, oils don’t replenish and bind moisture to the various layers of skin like moisturizers do. As a matter of fact, oils don’t penetrate the skin and should be the last step in your routine – applied on top of your moisturizer.

But Wait…

If a facial oil has several ingredients for multiple benefits such as hydration, wouldn’t you want some of those ingredients closer to your skin? So then what part of your routine should your oil go – before or after your moisturizer?

There are different thoughts on this topic. The leading thought is that, as previously stated, oils should be the last step in one’s routine – they go on top of moisturizer to seal everything in. This is because oils are an occlusive and they lock everything in. But what about all of the beneficial ingredients that many of these oils have? Perhaps you would want some of those ingredients in more direct contact with your skin to at least do some topical reparative work. If that’s the case, layer or mix (cocktail) your oils with your serum and/or moisturizer to boost the effectiveness of those products. Otherwise put your oil on last.

How Often Should You Use A Facial Oil?

Oils don’t have to be used daily and can be used on an as needed basis. With oils that address specific concerns, you may find that you only need to apply to certain areas. Daytime use of an oil with sunscreen however can break down the effectiveness of the sunscreen so be mindful when adding oil to daytime skin care.

To Press Or Rub – The Million Dollar Question

There is some debate as to whether you should press or rub oils (or any skin care for that matter) into the skin. The general rule of thumb for oils is that you warm them up in your hands and and press into the skin. You can also use a facial roller when applying oils and serums to the skin. Pressing oils and serums into the skin does lend itself to better absorption. Regardless of whether you press or rub, be gentle with your skin and follow the directions on the bottle.

Reminder – When applying creams to the eye area, always pat product in using the ring finger. The skin under the eye is extremely delicate and the ring finger does the least amount of tugging which can help accelerate the aging process in the undereye area.

Biossance 100% Sugarcane Squalane Oil $32. Lightweight and multitasking, this oil can be used anywhere on the body including hair. It is perfect for mixing into foundation or skincare as well as under and on top of your moisturizer.

Farmacy Honey Grail Ultra Hydrating Facial Oil $48. Buckwheat Honey and Sea Buckthorn Oil are the key ingredients in this facial oil to help with concerns of fine lines, wrinkles and dryness. It is non-comedogenic and perfect for wearing alone or mixing with your moisturizer or foundation.

Vitner’s Daughter Active Botanical Serum $195. This exquisite face oil contains a blend of nutritive botanicals, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and omegas to balance and strengthen the skin. Perfect for all skin types including acne prone and mature.

Herbivore Orchid Antioxidant Beauty Face Oil $66. A lightweight, floral scented oil that has antioxidant properties to protect against the signs of aging. Key ingredients include squalane (protects moisture barrier), camelia oil (omega 3 & 6) and jasmine sambac oil (elasticity)to hydrate and give skin a glow.

Darphin Niaouli Essential Oil $75. This oil is perfect for those with oily combo skin as it helps to purify and detoxify while balancing the skin.

Verso Super Facial Oil With Retinol 8 $125. Rejuvenating and nourishing, this facial oil is quick absorbing and helps with firming and tightening gives the skin a healthy glow.

Sunday Riley Juno Antioxidant + Superfood Face Oil $36-$72. Power-packed with antioxidants and omega fatty acids 6 and 9, this vegan, cruelty free facial oil helps with dullness and uneven texture while boosting radiance. Vitamins A and C help to strengthen and brighten the skin.

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Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

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Musings Of The Decolletage

In beauty, skincare on August 5, 2020 at 10:52 am

“I think that each woman, whatever age, needs to recognize something good in her body.  Someone has beautiful legs, someone has beautiful hair, someone else has beautiful decolletage or a beautiful waist or beautiful hands.  Everyone has something great.”  Carine Roitfeld.

 

Many of us know the importance of taking care of our skin.  And for those of us who have a serious skin care routine in place, we usually don’t spare any expense to ensure our skin is radiant, smooth and blemish free.

With that being said, have you ever stopped to consider all of the places you actually apply said skincare?  I mean we apply our various beauty potions on our face and even have a cream or two for the delicate eye area but did you know that you should bring all of  your skincare down to your nipples?  Yes.  Your nipples.  You see, our face actually starts (or stops- however you choose to look at it) at our nipples and skincare should include the area between the bust area all the way up to your hairline.  According to some, the décolletage technically starts at the bottom of your earlobes right down to the areola.

For Mature Audiences Only

Conversations about décolletage can conjure many different emotions.  For some, it is seen as sexy and beautiful – something to be shown off and admired.  For others, it can be seen as something shameful or something to be covered.  Boys drool over it and girls imagine their best lives with it.  Whatever your thoughts are about it – whether it’s something to see or not see – that isn’t the point of this particular discussion.  The point is the decolletage area is skin that should be cared for.

Your décolletage is actually more delicate than the skin on your face.  It contains no follicles or sweat glands.  And  like your hands, your décolletage, which includes the neck and chest area, usually shows the first signs of aging.  Lifestyle habits whether good or not so good – impact what any of our delicate skin looks like as well.  Other factors that affect what our decolletage and the rest of our skin looks like are:

  • Aging.  What else is there to say?  It is the process of life and our bodies go through many changes as we age.  Fortunately, there are many products (and procedures) available to help us age gracefully instead of looking like we have crashed and burned.
  • UV Rays.  UV rays, in addition to the natural aging process, ultraviolet rays cause collagen and elastin to break down causing us to experience an increase in wrinkles and loss of firmness.  Long term exposure to UV rays – childhood through early adulthood  –  also helps to accelerate the aging process.
  • Diet.  Not being the food police here  – eat whatever you want and enjoy.  The fact still remains that what we put in our bodies will show up on the outside of our bodies and on our skin – whether good or not so good.
  • Gravity.  Like aging, gravity is a mutha.  It can really be a drag so it is important to re-evaluate your beauty and lifestyle routine as you progress in age.

So what do you need to do to ensure that your deocolletage gets the care and attention it deserves?  Treat this area the same way you would your face.  After all, we spend a lot of time and money on our faces.  We don’t want our décolletage to look 30 years older than the rest of us.

  • Cleanse.  Since this area is more delicate use a gentle cleanser.  A cleanser with brightening or treatment ingredients are also options if you have specific concerns about this particular area.  Rinse and pat dry.
  • Exfoliate.  Once or twice a week, use a gentle exfoliator or buffing cream to slough  off dead skin cells.  You can also choose to use a device such as a Clarisonic that has  the attachment for body or buffing gloves that will cleanse and smooth the area as well.
  • Treat/Firm.  Those same treatment/firming serums and oils you use for your face, bring them down to the neck and chest area.  Gently massage the product into your skin.
  • Moisturize.  Never forget this step which will help keep this area soft and supple.  Remember there are no sebaceous glands so this area can tend to be more dry.
  • Sunscreen.  Just like we use sunscreen for all of  the other areas of our bodies, it’s important to use sun protection in this area, especially when that area is exposed.  Remember that prolonged exposure to UV rays accelerates the aging process which leads to wrinkles.
  • Sleep.  Sleep has regenerative properties not only for our brains and physical body but also for our skin.  Lack of sleep ages the skin therefore making our skin more lackluster and vulnerable to aging.  And when you do sleep, try doing so on your back which can help prevent wrinkles and creasing on your face and chest area.  Sleep wrinkles really are a thing.
  • Posture.  Many of us find ourselves slumped over desks, laptops, and cell phones which compromises good posture.  Remember to sit and stand with shoulders back and our heads up like we are balancing a stack of books.  Walking should take on a similar fashion, as if there is a gentle wind in the small of our backs.  Sure it feels strange and uncomfortable initially but it will help you in so many ways in the long run.
  • Glow.  This is of the utmost importance, especially when wearing low cut to lower plunging necklines.  We love our bronzer and highlight on our faces – it’s equally important to not forget the decolletage.
  • Lift The Girls Up.  With a good  bra (or good underwear for that matter) you can conquer the world.  A proper fitting bra will  help with posture, make your clothes look better and help the girls to sit up nicely, reducing pressure off your back and possibly help the skin not to sag as much.

Products to consider adding to your décolletage skincare repertoire:

 

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14 Products To Help You Get Rid Of Dark Spots

In beauty, skincare on July 31, 2020 at 10:12 am

I believe it is safe to say that anyone’s skin goal is to have clear, blemish free, glowing skin.  And while many of us may have a good skincare routine in place to support those goals, there are certain times in our lives where annoying discoloration rears its ugly head – better known as hyperpigmentation.

What exactly is hyperpigmentation?

Hyperpigmentation is the general term for the types of discoloration that show up on the skin and is caused (in simple terms) by the overproduction of or excess melanin production.  It can appear as pink or red spots/scarring in fair skin tones and as brown/black spots/scarring in deeper skin tones.  There are various causes (or results) of hyperpigmentation, the most common being melasma, sun exposure and post inflammatory.  Melasma is thought to be caused by (but not limited to) hormonal fluctuations, particularly from pregnancy or oral contraception use.  Sun exposure can cause discoloration from overexposure to tanning beds or lack of using a sunscreen.  Post inflammatory hyperpigmentation is very common and can come from various skin trauma such as acne, eczema and other skin rashes.  Whatever the case, this type of persistent discoloration can cause a lot of frustration and your self confidence can suffer.

There are many solutions to treating hyperpigmentation.  One of many is in the doctor’s office with the use of lasers, peels, microdermabrasion or other procedures.  These can have various recovery times and result rates as well as the occasional higher price tag that may not fit in one’s budget.  Depending on the severity and depth of discoloration however, a trip to the doctor’s office may be the better option.

For cases that are mild to moderate,  there are many over the counter (OTC) solutions that can yield the results you may be looking for.  These solutions include serums, creams, toners, gels, peels and moisturizers.  When shopping for products, these are some key ingredients to look for:

  • Kojic Acid.  Derived from mushrooms.  Inhibits pigment production.
  • Arbutin.  Derived from bearberry.  It is a natural derivative of hydroquinone which is considered to be the gold standard in skin lightening.  Arbutin, aka alpha arbutin, is a pigment inhibitor and permits the slow release of actives, making it great for sensitive skin.
  • Glycolic Acid.  A well known AHA, glycolic acid is derived from sugar cane and provides chemical exfoliation of the uppermost layers of dead skin cells which helps to fade discoloration.  Glycolic acid helps with smoother skin texture as well as helps to promote even skin tone and clarity as well as helps with signs of aging.
  • Lactic Acid.  An AHA derived from milk, lactic acid works in a way similar to glycolic acid.  It is thought to be more gentle and helps to exfoliate and brighten dark spots.
  • Retinol.  A derivative of vitamin A, retinol helps skin cells to regenerate more quickly, revealing smoother, brighter, more clear skin and addresses the signs of aging (fine lines, wrinkles, collagen production, elasticity, dullness).  It is also an anti-inflammatory and can help clear skin and prevent acne.
  • Niacinamide.  A form of vitamin B3, niacinamide, which is easily absorbed into the skin, is also an anti-inflammatory.  It helps to unclog pores, reducing the blemishes which can eventually lead to dark spots.  Niacinamide also helps with oil production and helps to treat redness.
  • Vitamin C.  Derived from citrus fruit, vitamin C inhibits melanin production which can help keep new dark spots from occurring.  It is also a chemical exfoliant so it sloughs off dead skin cells.
  • Willowbark.  This ingredient can come from either the white or black willow bark tree.  It is a natural form of salicylic acid, a BHA that is used to treat acne and remove dead skin cells which leads to the eventual fading of dark spots.
  • Licorice Root.  Beyond the candy that you may have loved or hated as a child, licorice root hinders free radical production and excessive melanin production, both of which can lead to hyperpigmentation.
  • Hydroquinone.  Hydroquinone is a popular skin lightening agent found in many products that are created to address concerns of  discoloration.  It is a compound that works to block/hinder an enzyme in melanin production.

Before you head to the doctor’s office for a procedure, consider trying one of the following products first.  If you don’t see the results you are looking for then make an appointment at your doctor’s office:

  • Dr Murad Rapid Age Spot And Pigment Lightening Serum. $72.  Created with 2% hydroquinone (clinically proven to fade dark spots), glycolic (exfoliation) and a hexapeptide (skin brightening), this serum includes the ingredients to get you the results you are looking for.  It is intended to be applied all over but can also be  used as a spot treatment.
  • Ambi Fade Cream For Normal Skin $6.49  This cream also contains hydroquinone,  as well as alpha hydroxy acids and vitamin E to help even and hydrate the skin.
  • Sunday Riley Good Genes $85   Good Genes can be used either day or night.  It helps to plump fine lines and wrinkles, boosts radiance and smooths texture.  Good Genes also tackles uneven skin tone with lactic acid and licorice root extract.
  • Neutrogena Rapid Tone Repair Dark Spot Corrector $22   The key ingredients of retinol and vitamin C create a gentle yet effective formula for getting rid of dark spots.
  • Ole Henriksen Glow2OH Dark Spot Toner $29 –    The high concentration of actives (glycolic and lactic acid as well as witch hazel water) allows you to swipe away dull skin, discoloration and even target fine lines and wrinkles.  Ingredients such as  chamomile helps to sooth the skin, making this toner gentle enough for daily use.
  • Cane + Austin Miracle +30% Glycolic Acid Peel Pad $88   These pre-medicated 30% glycolic acid pads allow you to swipe away dull skin, treat acne (including hormonal) and help target signs of aging.  Continual use can help with dark spots  and can be used daily – even on sensitive skin.
  • Good Molecules Discoloration Correcting Serum $12  For just $12 this lightweight serum that can be used day and night contains tranexamic (specifically targets dark spots) and 4% niacinamide.  This serum also targets age spots and sun damage.
  • Dr Dennis Gross Clinical Grade IPL Dark Spot Correcting Serum $92   This serum contains powerful ingredients to deliver office procedure level results.  Key ingredients of kojic, lactic and L-ascorbic acid as well as arbutin help to resurface the skin and not only targets post acne scarring and sun damage but also the signs of aging in just weeks.
  • Renee Rouleau Advanced Resurfacing Serum $86.50   This retinol cream is actually safe for sensitive skin and those who have not been able to tolerate other retinol  products.  Because it is a retinol, you will get the added benefit of targeting deeper signs of aging such as loss of collagen production and elasticity.
  • Beauty Counter Overnight Resurfacing Peel $63  Contains a mix of powerful AHA/BHA as well as arginine and essential fatty acids to help with smoother texture as well as brighter, more clear skin.
  • Slurp Niacid 50ml $42   Like other effective products, Slurp Niacid contains niacinamide and transexamic.  However, the added benefit is that this particular product also helps to raise indentations (pitting) that can be caused by severe acne.
  • PCA Skin Pigment Gel $64  The key ingredient of this gel is 2% hydroquinone and is effective on all skin types and all types of discoloration including hormonal and  sun damage
  • Clinique Even Better Clinical Radical Dark Spot Corrector + Interrupter $52.50    A brightening serum that helps with the discoloration of today with ingredients such as salicylic acid and glucosamine, but also helps to interrupt discoloration of the future with ingredients such as gyokuro and mulberry root.  Patented CL302 Equalizer Technology (damage eraser) penetrates up to 21 layers of  the skin.
  • Kiehl’s Clearly Corrective Dark Spot Solution $54   This dark spot solution can be used as a spot treatment or all over the face (am and pm).  It contains 3 potent ingredients: Activated C (vitamin C) for clarity and even skin tone, white birch extract for hydration and nutrients and peony extract for prevention of oxidative damage.

Regardless of whatever skincare products you are using, be sure to use a sunscreen with at least a 30 SPF.

Do you struggle with  hyperpigmentation?  If so, what has been your go-to product to help clear up your skin?

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Need one on one consulting, customization or updates for your beauty and fashion questions and concerns, visit khalilahneals.com.

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The Rise Of Single Ingredient Skin Care: Does your skin care have to be complex to be effective?

In skincare on December 9, 2019 at 5:15 pm

Simple, effective, and customizable describes the new trend disrupting the skin care industry.

As more people begin to understand the importance of taking care of their skin, many are starting to invest more time and money in pursuit of products to support their skincare goals.  For some that may mean actually putting a routine in place where there was none.  For others, that may mean an upgrade to a moisturizer they’ve used for years or adding a sunscreen or eye cream.  If you are a more advanced skincare user, you might also be one to use an essence, serum, peel, mask and an oil.  And, if you are really fancy pants, you might be a jade rolling, micro needling aficionado who has monthly appointments with your facialist.  All in the pursuit of beautiful skin.

That might seem like a of products (or steps) for someone to use on their face.  In some instances it is which is why it’s important to assess what your skin really needs.  Within the various product categories, most, if not all of the skin care products one uses on their skin has multiple benefits because of the many ingredients they are created with.  Nothing is wrong with that if you are getting the results you desire. Many of our favorite skincare brands spend years in research and development to create products that deliver first in class, highly efficacious products.

But then attached to this multi-step, muti-product routine is the all too familiar hefty price tag.  And the fact that you can still be confused about what may or not work best for your particular skin concerns – even after going to a skincare expert, reading multiple articles and reviews or watching YouTube videos.  To ease the pain of the sometimes exorbitant price tag, there is always the option of going to the local drug store to purchase your skin care.  But have you noticed that even drugstore brands are becoming more advanced, complex and expensive?

With that being said, many people are not opposed to using a $200 serum if it really works.  But what if there is a single ingredient product that gets right down to the heart of your skincare needs?  And what if that single (or fewer) ingredient item costs significantly less than its counterpart where a particular hero ingredient shares space with other active ingredients that your skin may not need at the moment?

Welcome to the trend of what has been considered fast skincare.  Fast skincare usually features a single or hero ingredient and a focus on customization without the hefty price tag.  With customization as one of the key components of this newer trend in skincare, customers know what they are purchasing, are able to target a specific concern and can use in addition to the products they are already using – thus allowing one to address their skin’s ever changing needs without the high price.  Why is this trend considered fast skincare?  Because there are shorter R & D times.  With shorter R & D times, the average product turnaround, from concept to production to market is about 18 weeks vs 18 months – a concept similar to fast fashion.  That, in addition to leveraging the power of social media and using simplistic packaging that’s still Instagram worthy allows brands to come to market faster and get in the hands of consumers ASAP.  Below are 4 brands that fall into the category of fast or less expensive targeted skincare with a single/hero ingredient.

The Ordinary.  Just a few years old, The Ordinary, which falls under the Deciem umbrella, focuses on “clinical formulations with integrity”.   This results driven skin care line is very affordable with prices starting at $6 and is free of parabens, sulfates and mineral oils.  It is still important to know your ingredients – the varying percentages and various ingredients can leave one confused.  It’s almost like staring at a chemistry exam.

Versed Skincare.  Versed Skincare is Who What Wear‘s sister brand and has 19 essential products under $20 that cleanse, seal, boost or treat.  There is a line up of serums, oils, cleansers and peels, all of which are vegan and cruelty free – products are only tested on humans.  The simplistic packaging features pastel colors with symbols that speak to the function or focus of the product:  hourglass – aging, bulls eye – target, sun-dullness and is definitely Instagram worthy.

Good Molecules.  Good Molecules is created by Beautylish as a budget friendly brand.  Products are fuss free and start at $6.  Rest assured that the ingredients are up to standard as this product line was created by beauty industry veterans.  They have worked directly with top labs to create products that address texture, acne, dryness and hyperpigmentation with easy to understand terms.

The Inkey List.  UK based brand The Inkey List focuses on 15 hero ingredients – all $15 and under.  Created by former Boots branding and product development team Colette Newberry and Mark Curry, their focus is on simplifying popular skin care terms.  The Inkey List includes skincare heavy hitters such as retinol, salicylic acid and vitamin C and is cruelty free.  They do not work with suppliers who animal test and they do not enter into any test market where there is no alternative to animal testing.  They also have an environmental and sustainability policy  and are making an effort to source ingredients from sustainable sources.

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8 Eye Creams To Help You Look Brighter, Smoother, and More Awake

In skincare on August 22, 2018 at 11:00 am

It’s no secret that everyone wants to look younger and more awake, especially when it comes to the under eye area.  Lots of time and money is spent looking for makeup, concealer in particular, to hide a multitude of concerns such as lack of sleep, puffiness, fine lines, wrinkles, and darkness.  The secret is not always in the makeup but in your skin care routine in the form of an eye cream.

If you use some form of moisturizer for your face, you might be the type to use that same product under your eye, if you even pay attention to that area.  The truth is, the skin around your eyes is the most delicate and sensitive of all the areas of your face (think tissue paper vs construction paper) so what you use should be specifically formulated for that area.  The under eye is also thinner and has no oil glands to replenish the delicate under eye skin so it is prone to show the first signs of aging.  Other contributing factors to under eye aging include improper removal of eye make up, rubbing, squinting and other environmental aggressors.  A good eye cream and healthy life style choices can help.

When shopping for an eye cream, look for those formulas that contain peptides, hyaluronic acid, retinoids, anti oxidants and optical diffusers.  Your eye cream should have a consistency you like, preferably be fragrance free (avoids invitation) and have good absorption.  Formulas that come in pumps are best as there is less exposure to air and light which degrades the product.  If the product does come in a jar, be sure to use clean hands or spatula to apply product.

SkinCeuticals Eye Balm With Triple Age Defense $82.  This rich emollient cream is great for those with mature or aging skin around the eyes.  Contains vitamin A & E and helps with collagen production, lipid replacement, and hydration.  Dimethicone helps to smooths under eye skin and makes for smoother concealer application.

First Aid Beauty Eye Duty Triple Remedy AM. Gel Cream $36.  This cooling eye cream is perfect for revitalizing eyes first thing in the morning.  It addresses the concerns of firming and hydration and also targets the upper eyelid.  Key ingredients include red algae for hydration and anti-aging as well as peptides for plumping.

Drunk Elephant Shaba Complex Eye Serum $60.  This powerhouse eye serum addresses multiple concerns of the eye area.  Powerhouse ingredients of copper and black tea ferment create a smoother, radiant appearance under the eye while the Shaba Complex of niacinamide and edelweiss stem cells diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  COQ10 provides anti-oxidant protection.

PCA Skin Ideal Complex Restorative Eye Cream $87.  Target multiple signs of eye aging with this scientifically backed eye cream.  Optical diffusers instantly brighten while peptides help to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and niacinamide helps with tone and strength of the skin.

Murad Retinol Youth Renewal Eye Serum $88.  This fast absorbing formula contains 3 forms of retinol which helps to stimulate collagen production and strengthens the eye area, creating a firmer, more toned look to the eye area.  Marine kelp extract brightens the eye area.

Mario Badescu Hyaluronic Eye Cream $18.  Lightweight and fast absorbing, this eye cream contains the key ingredient of hyaluronic acid which is highly effective at moisturizing and smoothing.  Aloe vera helps to calm and sooth the delicate eye area, making this eye cream perfect for daily use and prep for concealer application.

Neutrogena Hydro Boost Eye Gel-Cream $19.99.  A gel-cream hybrid, this eye cream is cooling, hydrating and fragrance free.  Key ingredient hyaluronic acid boosts moisture and locks it in all day.  It also smooths the skin under the eye without leaving an oily residue behind.

Dr Brandt No More Baggage Eye De-puffing Gel $42.  Banish the look of puffy, tired, aging looking eyes with this advanced de-puffing eye gel.  Quick acting, apply this in the morning to smooth and depuff.  The apricot color provides brightening to help you look well rested, caffeine helps to tighten and the peptides will plump and hydrate.

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These Peels, Scrubs, And Exfoliators Will Keep Your Skin Glowing All Year Long.

In skincare on August 15, 2018 at 11:00 am

Caution:  Increased use will make your skincare absorb better into your skin, making you even more amazing….

We are constantly bombarded with images of our favorite celebrities and their beautiful, glowing skin.  Sure, this look is achieved with the help of their go-to makeup artist and their arsenal of glow inducing products.  But before the makeup is applied, much attention is given to a celebrity’s skincare routine, whether it is in the form of trips to their favorite skincare professional with state of the art tools or the use of at home treatments.

Then there is you.  Wondering if your skin can be that amazing- especially if you have some skin care concerns.  The truth is yes your skin can be that amazing and there is easy access to great products.  When you feel like your skin needs a daily glow, the enviable radiance before a big event, or you just need to banish uneven texture, dark marks, red spots and hormonal breakouts, you can still head over to your dermatologist’s office for treatments which may include post procedure down time. The other option is reaching for at home solutions in the form of peels, scrubs, and exfoliators  to deliver amazing results.  Whatever you choose, be sure to be consistent, follow the directions and use your sunscreen.

Cane & Austin 30% Miracle Pads $88.  These peel pads are ideal for turning up the cell renewal process.  Key ingredients include glycolic acid (resurfacing), vitamins A, C, E, (lighten, brighten, tightening) and salicylic acid (clears pores) which work together to banish breakouts, reduce the appearance of age spots and hyperpigmentation and refine the look of pores.  COQ10 provides powerful anti aging protection.

Algenist Multi-Perfecting Detoxifying Exfoliator $38.  This oil free, clay based exfoliator will help improve texture, tone and clarity, making your skin soft and luminous with salicylic acid and oligosaccharides (moisturize, resurface).

Philosophy The Microdelivery Exfoliating Facial Wash $8-$60. More like a mini peel, this facial wash is perfect if you want to cleanse and treat in one step.  Gentle enough for daily use.

Juice Beauty Green Apple Peel Sensitive Exfoliating Mask $42. Great for all skin types except sensitive, the organic fruit hydroxy acids and raw cane sugar will help to get rid of discoloration and makes the skin smoother and brighter.

Mario Badescu Almond And Honey Non Abrasive Face Scrub $15.  This super gentle facial scrub contains finely ground almonds and honey and sweet almond oil to gently buff away dead skin cells and nourish and hydrate your skin.

Tatcha Polished Gentle Rice Enzyme Powder $65.  This water activated enzyme powder turns into a creamy foam, gently buffing away dull, pore clogging dirt to reveal smooth glowing skin.  Key ingredients include Tatcha’s proprietary Hadesi 3 complex of antioxidant green tea which aids in skin detox, red algae which plumps and moisturizes and rice which exfoliates.

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Don’t Forget These 7 Places When Applying Your Sunscreen

In beauty, lifestyle, skincare on August 13, 2018 at 11:00 am

Remember back in the day when wearing sunscreen on a regular basis wasn’t really part of your skin care routine?  No one concerned themselves with the dangers of bathing in the sun for hours, and slathered in baby oil at that.  And if you had a deeper complexion, you thought you were immune to the effects of sun damage because of the depth of your built in melanin.

Fast forward to today where people are more educated about the dangers of UVA and UVB rays.  There is now a lot more information available about the various forms of skin cancer, how they develop, as well as the steps you can take to protect you and your loved ones.  Startling statistics show that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States (1).  In addition, skin cancer in people of color is usually detected in later stages when it is more difficult to treat (2).  The key is understanding that absolutely no one is immune to this disease, which, in most cases, if detected early can be cured.

Now you may be thinking to yourself that because your makeup has SPF or because you don’t spend your days outside in the sun, that all is well.  Not so fast.  SPF in makeup is insufficient because it (SPF) should be reapplied every 2 hours and most people don’t even apply enough of said makeup to get enough protection in the first place. Furthermore, ultraviolet light penetrates windows and clothes so you still need a sunscreen.

With that said, although people are actually taking the time to apply sunscreen before leaving home, there are still sensitive areas of the body that are often overlooked and are some of the places people wouldn’t necessarily consider developing skin cancer:

Lips. Fresh Sugar Sport Treatment Sunscreen SPF 30.  This targeted, nourishing formula is water resistant and perfect for the lip, eye and face area.

Ears/Nose.  Algenist Sublime Defense Ultra Lightweight UV Defense Fluid SPF 50.  This lightweight, oil free sunscreen is fast absorbing and contains anti-oxidants that help delay the aging process.  Sublime Defense does not leave a gray cast on deep skin tones.

Eyelids.  Shiseido Sun Protection Eye Cream Broad Spectrum SPF 34.  Gentle and non-irritating is the way to go when it comes to applying anything to the eye area.  Anything you apply in that area should also treat.  This sunscreen eye cream is fast absorbing, lightweight, hydrating and makes the eye area appear brighter.

Scalp.  Coola Organic Scalp & Hair Mist SPF 30.  Even though your hair may be covering your scalp, both are at risk for sun damage.  Good for all hair types including tightly coiled, Coola Organic Scalp & Hair Mist keeps hair moisturized, manageable, protects color.  Contains monoi oil and panthenol and is vegan, cruelty free, and non-gmo.

Feet/Hands.  MD Solar Sciences 40 SPF Quick Dry Body Spray.  Oil free and water resistant, this sunscreen is great for those who live an active lifestyle and is safe enough to use on children 6 months and older.

The great thing about these sunscreens and many others is that they come in various forms like finishing sprays, primers and balms, making it easier to choose a formulation that fits your preference and lifestyle.  And remember, sunscreen (between 30 and 50 SPF) isn’t just for the bright sunny days of summer.  It is to be used every day of the year.

(1) https://www.cdc.gov/cancer/skin/statistics/index.htm

(2) https://www.aad.org/media/stats/conditions/skin-cancer

UVA rays are associated with aging the skin.

UVB rays are responsible for burning the skin which can lead to cancer.

Find out more about blue light skin aging (HEV) here.