Did you know? Frequent use of a cellphone can cause rashes on the jawline and cheeks. Try using antibacterial wipes to help keep your skin clean and keep your phone clean. You can stop scars from getting darker from sun exposure by applying a thick layer of sunscreen to those areas… The best wrinkle erasers have topical retinoids in them.  They improve the skin’s texture and the appearance of fine lines. Honey works great for dry and chapped lips. The best defense against dry skin is to apply moisturizer right after you bathe to seal in the moisture. Residue from hair products often end up on the face.  Cover your face with a clean towel before spraying hair products and wear a sweatband to prevent sweat from dripping down while in the gym. Squinting in the sun can actually contribute to crow’s feet. People who use sunscreen daily have the best skin when it comes to aging. Using Coconut Oil for Skin Care

• Great body moisturizer – apply after bathing.
• Use for a facial moisturizer – apply a light layer.
• Tanning Oil – put it in a spray bottle and take it to the beach.  Spray on as a skin moisturizer.
• Dry feet treatment – mix with salt to form a foot scrub.
• Elbow rub – helps manage dry skin on elbows.
• Stretch mark preventer during pregnancy – a safe and healthy choice.  Apply often each day to keep stretching skin moisturized.
• Fade age spots – rub on hands or other areas daily.
• Sunburn care – a great moisturizer after too much sun.
• Homemade lip balm or lip gloss – apply often.
• Makeup remover – healthier, stronger eye lashes are a bonus from this use.
• Body scrub – combine with sugar and create a great exfoliator.
• Shaving lotion – get a closer shave with a moisturizer at the same time.
• Cheekbone highlighter – apply a small amount on cheekbones over makeup.
• Nipple cream during breastfeeding – a popular choice that is a natural safe product.

2013 Sunscreen Skin Care News Vitamin A in sunscreen A U.S. government study suggest that retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A may speed the development of skin tumors and lesions when applied in the presence of sunlight. Currently the sunscreen industry adds vitamin A to more than 25 per cent of the beach and sport sunscreens, daily face sunscreens and SPF – rate makeup products. To be safe it is advisable to avoid sunscreen products containing vitamin A, retinyl palmitate and retinol. Spray Sunscreens While these aerosolized sunscreens are convenient it’s difficult to apply evenly and they pose serious inhalation risks. High SPFs Products with very high SPFs may protect against sunburn yet they could leave your skin exposed to damaging UVA rays. SPF (sun protection factor” refers only to protection against UVB radiation, which burns the skin and has nothing to do with the sun’s UVA rays.  UVA rays penetrate deep into the skin and suppress the immune system accelerating skin aging and may cause cancer. Oxybenzone in Sunscreen This chemical ingredient is present in nearly half of all beach and sport sunscreens in this year’s guide.  Once it penetrates the skin it enters the bloodstream and acts like estrogen in the body and it may trigger allergic reactions. One study linked Oxybenzone to endometriosis in older women; another study found that women with higher levels of Oxybenzone during pregnancy had lower birth weight daughters. Loose Powder Sunscreens Loose powder sunscreens often contain tiny particles of zinc and titanium since they offer strong UV protection if enough sticks to the skin.  These particles can end up in the lungs each time applied to the skin it could be carcinogenic.  Be safe avoid powders and opt for creams. Combined Sunscreen with Bug Repellents These products should be avoided. Bugs aren’t usually a problem when the UV rays are peaked.  Repellents should not be used on the face.  Sunscreens need to be reapplied and combined products would increase skin absorption of the repellent. Sunscreen Towelettes You cannot ensure the correct amount of sunscreen with towelettes.   In 2011 the FDA ended the sale of these products but there are a few smaller companies who were granted another year before removing their product lines.  Avoid buying these. Tanning Oils with Sunscreen Using these products often results in skin damage and an increased risk of skin cancer.  The amount of sunscreen used is usually very low and protection is dangerously compromised. Home Remedies for Perfect Skin Soften your body Blend ½ cup pineapple chunks ¼ cup coconut 1 cup sugar Mix the first three ingredients in a processor then hand mix in the sugar.  Place in a reclosable container.  Massage a dollop as you shower, rinse and pat dry.  It’s great for elbows, knees and feet.  You can store the remainder in the refrigerator for up to 1 month. Brighten your skin Vitamin C in kiwi rejuvenates skin cells and helps exfoliate dry skin. Blend ½ peeled kiwi in a processor with 1 Tablespoon of Sunflower oil Hand mix in 1 tablespoon of cornmeal Massage this scrub over freshly washed face, rinse and pat dry. *yields 1 treatment Erase wrinkles Peel and cube ¼ papaya Add to blender with: ¼ cup Greek yogurt 1 teaspoon honey 2 tablespoons almond oil Apply mask to a clean face and neck.  Rinse and pat dry. *yields 1 treatment The enzyme, papain, gently removes layers of dead skin cells while smoothing out fine lines.  A safe alternative to a chemical peel. Skin Talk with Sandi Q:  I have rosacea; can I have a chemical peel? A:  Chemical peels are not recommended for rosacea.  They may cause increased redness that does not fade and elevated sensitivity. Q:  I use a scrub on my face twice a day and the acne never seems to improve. What can I do? A:  Facial scrubs should not be used more than once a week with acne since the exfoliation may be more damaging to the skin then beneficial. Gently washing is a better choice. Q:  My face seems to be greasier as the warmer weather makes me really hot. What can I do to stop the shine? A:  Try a toner that contains watermelon. The astringent properties will help to unclog your pores while the vitamin A will help to control the oil production.  Your skin will look fresh and your pores will appear smaller. Puree 1 cup seedless watermelon 2 tablespoons lemon witch hazel 2 tablespoons of water Dab this toner on with a cotton pad over a freshly washed face *keeps for 1 month in refrigerator Q:  My heels are rough and dry. What is a good solution to do at home? A:  Soak your feet in warm water and a skin softening product. Exfoliate then apply a foot repair balm. Look for one with tea tree oil, aloe vera and chamomile. Q:  What is the one product that I can use that will help me as my skin ages? A:  This is a question that estheticians get asked frequently.  The answer is without a doubt sunscreen.]]>