ARS.com

You’ve heard of Soy Dream, but have you heard of SoyScreen?  For you "greenies" out there this new soy-based sunscreen technology, is a natural alternative to petroleum-based sunscreens.  The company responsible for the new soy bean screen is iSoy.  No, it’s not sold at your local Apple store; however, the company’s ferulic soy glycerides (FSG33) a new soy-based anti-aging ingredient recently made its debut in New York City marketed by a major cosmetics company.

"When Agricultural Research Service (ARS) chemists Joe Laszlo and Dave Compton originally developed SoyScreen, they envisioned outdoor enthusiasts and other consumers using their invention as an environmentally friendly alternative to petroleum-based sunscreens.

Instead, SoyScreen—and the patented ARS method of producing it—became the technological platform from which iSoy Technologies Corporation of Cary, Ill., began launching a novel class of cosmetic ingredients called "skincare bio-lipid actives."

In February 2007, a variation of SoyScreen formulated by iSoy—ferulic soy glycerides (FSG33)—made its commercial debut as a key active ingredient in a wrinkle-prevention skincare product marketed by a major cosmetics company in New York City.

FSG33’s burgeoning commercial roots began with bio-lipid reaction experiments that Laszlo and Compton conducted in 1998 at ARS’ National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research in Peoria, Ill.  There, they devised an enzyme-based method to make an all-natural sunscreen from soy oil and ferulic acid, a natural antioxidant that filters out UVA and UVB sunlight."  Read More

You know you should avoid it, you know you will regret it, yet your tanning addiction still gets the best of you.  If you can’t get enough of that genuine golden glow at least take proper post-tan action.  There’s tons of data to support why we should stay out of the sun however, cosmetics companies know there are those who just won’t kick the habit.  To cater to the sun worshipers of the world, TANODERM 3 has been introduced to fight aging in sun damaged skin.  I have not tried the product, but I thought it was a great idea.  This product is said to fight aging, extend the life of your existing tan and of course, moisturize.

How does it work?  According to SloarChem Labs, “TANODERM 3 uses 4 state-of-the-art Peptides (tiny protein fragments) to boost your collagen and elastin production minimizing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.  The Tan Extending properties come from the proprietary TANOGEN Complex, clinically proven to extend tan Life by 49.4%. This means you spend less time in the Sun or Tanning Bed but still have the same great glow.”  If your going to tan at least there is now there’s a product specifically for you.  I did not read anywhere about an SPF but I guess that defeats the purpose.

For more info about this product visit Tanoderm.com

[Via PRWeb.com ]

Sephora has launched an exciting summer sun-safety campaign.  With hopes to educate customers about the importance of sun protection and provide skin cancer awareness, they have designed a customized Sun Safety Kit which includes a wide range of travel size sun protection products.  The kit also provides safe sun tips right on the package.  Also, 100% of the net profits will benefit the Skin Cancer Foundation, Sephora will donate a total of up to $182,000.00 before 12/31/2007.

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Sever sunburns are uncomfortable and quite painful.  The National Library of Medicine suggests these simple ways to sooth a sunburn:  Take a cool shower or bath (putting baking soda in the bathwater also can help soothe sunburn), moisten your skin with lotion (applying aloe vera gel can help cool the skin and relieve pain) and adults may also take an over-the-counter pain reliever, like aspirin or ibuprofen to alleviate the pain and reduce swelling.
 

According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, "everyone should see a dermatologist once a year. Spring is a great time to go, to get advice on sun protection and to have your skin examined before the beach weather begins."
These are questions you should ask yourself, and discuss with your physician:

What Is My Skin Type?

Your skin type, which depends on the amount of natural protection your skin provides you, is a key factor when determining your risk of developing skin cancer.  If you don’t know your own skin type, check out [the] skin type guide.

What Is My Risk for Skin Cancer?

Family history, childhood sun exposure, personal skin cancer history and other factors all play a part in determining your overall risk.  If you’re not familiar with your family’s medical history, consider contacting family members to find out if there is a history of melanoma in your family tree.

Do I Need to Examine My Own Skin?

A monthly skin check is a crucial part of skin cancer early detection, although it should not replace a yearly professional skin exam. You want to be as thorough as possible, so follow [this] step-by-step guide.

What Should I Look For?

There are three major types of skin cancer – basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Each has different symptoms, and pose different risks. Recognize warning signs of BCC, SCC and melanoma.

[ Via SkinCancerFoundation.com ] 

Certain medications, including some antibiotics and birth control pills, can increase the likelihood of a sunburn (U.S. National Library of Medicine).  Also, being outside during the sun’s peak hours, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. or being on reflective sand or water can increase the risk of a severe sunburn.  And yes… tanning beds may also cause serious sunburns [and addictions].

Lee needs help: “I am a 22 year old male, fair skinned and have facial Ulerythema on my cheeks, it has very sharp distinctive edges.  What camouflage or products would you recommend for me in order to achieve the best results?  Is the camouflage visible to the eye?”

About Ulerythema: A skin condition that primarily affects your cheeks and eyebrows, and may cause these areas to be red and bumpy.  Although the cause is unknown, the effects are lasting.  Ulerythema may cause damage to the follicle resulting hair loss (most commonly the eyebrow) as well as scarring.  The condition does however, usually improve with age.  Ulerythema is most commonly found within children and young adults.

Treatment: Most medical treatments for this condition have been unrewarding, however products containing salicylic acid or lactic acid may be helpful in providing short term relief.  Sun protection is highly recommended, frequent exposure to UV aggravates the skin’s delicate condition.

Skinplistic focused on three products that would be effective for this type of camouflage, however the techniques and products we discuss will also be relevant to other camo-concerns.

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Summer is coming and we don’t want to blind people our white assets!  So, what’s a girl (or boy) to do?  These days we’ve two options:  Expose yourself to harmful UV rays (which can be addictive), or we can grease ourselves up with those notoriously tricky self-tanning lotions.  For most of us the very thought of orange streaks and brown knees makes the former a better short-term solution, but alas, there’s a solution.  Self tanning towelettes, brilliant!  The individually wrapped towels make it easy for you to travel & tan, without the mess of liquids.

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