Wednesday, June 2, 2010

Wear Sunscreen!



Mind and body self-care is a life-long journey that I started when I was around 12. I made it a daily habit, and at nearly 47, I´m still at it. Aside from great genes and a positive outlook, I´m pretty sure this is the reason for having good skin and feeling good in it. It´s not a question of being a slave to beauty treatments, or spending more on creams than your rent is worth, just as having healthy teeth does not require a lot more than brushing and flossing – every single day of your life, though.

The biggest skin-saver, no matter what your age, is sunscreen. I did my share of tanning-booth craziness when I was in my 20´s and worked as a fitness instructor. But it is never too late to save face. Since I moved to Florida six years ago, I don´t step out the door without sunblock. Daily cleansing and moisturizing (in the morning and before going to bed) are another non-negotiable part of my daily routine.

I´ve used ridiculously expensive creams, the cheapest and everything in between, and I´ve found that as long as you´re consistent, practically anything will do the trick. I´m excited though, to share with you my favorite ultra-affordable products that I use every day.

Cetaphil skin cleanser is only around $10 and it lasts a couple of months. If you want to exfoliate, you can mix it with a bit of baking soda at night and wash your face with that. For the day, Cetaphil UVA/UVB Defense SPF 50 is great at around $13 for a 50ml tube. Another option is Eucerin Daily protection cream with 30 SPF for $9 (100 ml). Underneath that, I´ve been using Porcelana skin lightening cream (to eliminate blotches and sun spots), Day and Night. At $5 per jar you can´t beat the price. You need to use very little though and wait at least 3 months to see visible results. If you can spend a bit more money, then Neostrata Bionic Skin Lightening Cream (around $38 per tube) also provides the results it advertises (evening out skin tone and moisturizing). Both Porcelana and the latter have 2% hydroquinone, which is no longer thought to be harmful for your health, as it was a few years ago.

I´m very excited about my latest find: Physician Formula´s Healthy Wear tinted moisturizer with SPF 50! At $14, it looks like regular make-up, providing a natural finish plus great sun protection! I got it in the darkest shade even though I´m relatively fair, because I didn’t want to look like a ghost in the middle of summer. It looks and feels very natural! For touch-ups, I carry the same product but in the compact version. I also use it on my kids.

If you use it daily, any body lotion will work, but I´ve been using Ocean Potion Ever Glow Daily Moisturizer (with skin darkener) for a few years now, that is a steal at under $5 for a 20.5 FL oz bottle and it provides a healthier alternative to a tan. Ocean Potion 50 SPF sunscreen is also my friend (around $8), or Hawaiian Tropic sheer touch lotion sunscreen with 50 SPF.

When you look good, you feel good, no matter what your age!

I hope you enjoy the video too!

http://www.lorrainecladish.com/

2 comments:

  1. That's a lot of information. You have blotches?
    You look perfect.
    High school graduation goes a long way. My grad song was from the movie, "Goodbye Mr. Chips". The song might be called "In The Morning of My Life" My son's grad valedictorian speech was about Dr. Seuss' book "Oh, the Places You'll Go". I don't have the book, but this might do http://www.teamhope.com/seuss.htm

    Have a good day and don't forget the sunsreen.

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  2. Well, hello-o. I don´t have blotches because of all the reasons listed above, lol.
    Thanks, Matt.

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