Newsletter #4 / Summer 2013

“Welcome to the Summer 2013 issue of our quarterly newsletter, filled with all the news that will help you keep your skin healthy and beautiful on an ongoing basis.”
--Dr. Michele Grodberg

A SECOND LOOK AT SUN PROTECTION

Sunscreen users have younger looking skin! This revelation recently published in the Annals of Internal Medicine was the result of a new study held in Australia (the skin cancer capital). The news was also featured in both the The New York Times and Wall Street Journal in the last few weeks. Here’s the deal: After 4.5 years, daily sunscreen users were 24 percent less likely to show signs of skin aging than were discretionary sunscreen users, a study of adults under the age of 55 disclosed. Pretty powerful stuff! If brown spots, lines, wrinkles and sagging are not enough to get you to smooth on sun protection daily, how about skin cancer as an impetus? Non-melanoma skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), have increased by approximately 300% in the past 20 years. Melanoma percentages are also going up. In fact, a new study revealed that over the past 40 years, rates of this potentially deadly skin cancer grew by 800% among young women, 18 to 39, and 400% among young men of the same age. That’s why it is vital to take a second look at sun protection with five things you can do to minimize your risk of premature aging.

1. Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outside.

It takes that long for its active ingredients to be absorbed into the skin. Reapply product every two hours to prevent burning.

2. Choose a sunscreen that is SPF 30 or higher, water-resistant, and provides broad-spectrum coverage which means it protects from UVA and UVB rays.

My new MGMD® SUN SHIELD SHEER EFFECT CREAM SUNSCREEN SPF 50+, for example, provides a physical barrier, via zinc oxide, to the face so it provides effective broad spectrum (both UVA and UVB) protection and is less likely to irritate skin. And, it contains antioxidants to detoxify damaging free radicals created when skin is exposed to the sun. I also recommend applying MGMD Antioxidant Green Tea Serum or Cream under sunscreen to increase antioxidant action.

3. Select the correct sunscreen for your skin and needs.

Check my blog to help pick the right sunscreen for your specific issues whether its acne prone skin or sensitive children.

4. Skin can become more vulnerable to burning if you use retinoid products, which can remove the skin's top layer.

Apply sunscreen diligently and often. For extra protection, wear a hat outdoors.

5. Don’t rely on the sun to clear acne.

For those with acne, a suntan, while initially may seem like a good thing because it dries skin, can ultimately result in disaster. When the tan fades, clogged pores increase, making acne worse. If you want a bit of color, use a bronzer or self-tanner and don’t forget your sunscreen.

THE BIG DEAL

Remember those lifeguards with white noses back in the day?  That white was zinc oxide – the most effective sunscreen known.  Its drawback has always been the mess.  Now MGMD® brings you mess-free zinc oxide in

MGMD® SUN SHIELD SHEER EFFECT CREAM SUNSCREEN SPF 50+

This chemical-free facial cream, fortified with Resveratrol and other antioxidants, has 13% micronized zinc oxide as its base to shield skin from both UVA and UVB rays. Lightweight and non-greasy, it can be worn alone or under makeup. 2 oz Tube.

Regular Price: $28.00

SUMMER CHECKLIST

√ Add a toner to remove superficial surface oil.

√ Apply sunscreen before going outdoors to all bare skin. Remember those easy-to-forget spots like your ears, the tops of your feet, and the V of your upper chest.

√ Switch to a lighter-weight facial moisturizer, both day and night

√ Increase face and body exfoliation to twice a week.

√ Schedule a body check during the summer (at that time we can also discuss skin rejuvenation techniques for fall).

Also in THE RX: MGMD'S BLOG