Though it might not feel like it, summer IS coming sooner than we think and you’ll be prepared for it when you know a variety of ways to protect your skin from the hot summer sun. We just spent some time focusing on skin cancer prevention and this blog goes hand in hand with that topic. We’re going to look at ways you can protect yourself and your family since most skin cancer is caused by excessive and unprotected exposure to UV radiation.

1. Sun protection isn’t just for your skin. Don’t forget your lips! Use a lip balm with a sunscreen of at least SPF15. Pick up your complimentary lip balm at Belladerm when you stop in to see us.
2. Watch the clock. Sun exposure is most damaging between 10:00 AM-2:00 PM so do your best to limit sun exposure between those hours.  Use the shadow rule: if your shadow is shorter than you, the sun’s rays are at their strongest, and you should find some shade if you want to be outdoors. Check the forecast so you can quickly learn what the UV index is and stay informed about how harsh the rays will be on any given day. If it creeps up towards 10, use extra caution or stay indoors.
3. When you can, protect your skin with a long-sleeved shirt, long pants, and a hat. Keep in mind that dark clothing with tightly woven fabric blocks more sun than white or loosely woven fabrics. You can also find clothing made with special sun-protective materials.
4. The delicate skin around your eyes is easily affected by the sun’s powerful rays. Always wear sunglasses with 99% to 100% UV absorption to provide optimal protection for the eyes and the surrounding skin.
5. Be aware of how medications affect your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. Examples of some that make you more sensitive: specific types of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, antifungals, blood pressure medications, and chemotherapies.
6. Be beach smart. Water and sand will all intensify the rays hitting your skin and water will wash away your protection. Reapply your sunscreen regularly but even more so when you’re enjoying a beach day!
7. Cloudy days are ALSO sunscreen days. You just won’t feel the heat of the sun as much on those days but please don’t skip your sunscreen. You should choose a broad spectrum, water resistant sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB radiation and has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher.
8. Those of you with little ones will also need to know the importance of protection from early on.  Getting a bad sunburn in childhood increases a person’s risk of developing skin cancer as an adult.
9. Choose wisely. Sunscreen creams are better for dry skin, and gels are better for the scalp or hairy areas. Sunscreen sprays are found everywhere are make application fast and easy, but when possible, avoid using them.  The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is not sure that enough sunscreen makes it onto the skin and is concerned that the spray may be inhaled into the lungs.
10. We are passionate about protecting your skin. Stop in for our current sunscreen special. 10% off all sunscreen products through the end of May including Obaji Sunshield SPF50, Revision Intellishade SPF45, SkinMedica Daily Physical Defense SPF30 and Environmental Defense SPF50.

You may already have heard many of these before but it never hurts to get a refresher before the hot weather arrives. Never underestimate the importance of the protecting your skin from the sultry summer sun!
source: http://www.cancer.net/navigating-cancer-care/prevention-and-healthy-living/protecting-your-skin-sun.

Mid-November hits and it you can almost feel something different in the air. Besides the crisp, cold wind chill, that is! You can feel it when you stroll into your favorite mall or store – a certain energy and urgency is felt everywhere you go. Do you ever get to New Year’s Day and think, “WHAT just happened? It was all a whirlwind!” The holiday season can be so much more enjoyable when you stay focused on taking care of yourself and letting the little things go. Yes, I know these days it is harder than ever to not want to keep up with everyone else and make impressive little custom Pinterest-inspired name placards for the Thanksgiving meal BUT really, wouldn’t you rather be in a better mood for your loved ones? Missing out on some precious sleep to make crafty goodies is something you might want to reconsider. Maybe pick a few special areas in which you will be an overachiever – an amazing Christmas lights display or tree decor, a couple of impressive new recipes at Christmas, extra-special gifts this year – but vow to not run yourself ragged doing it all perfectly.  In the end, the memories with your family are what counts, so stay focused on that!
A couple of tips for the season:

• Keep a bunch of generic but well-loved gifts on hand and stocked up so you don’t have to leave your house at the last minute. There is always someone that slips through the cracks or who you just spontaneously want to thank with a little gift, so this will come in handy!
• Experts suggest taking a time out from the holiday hustle and bustle to enjoy a hot cup of coffee, a steamy cup of soup or a “leisurely”, but healthy meal. This will not only fill you up but boost your energy and your immune system for all you still have to do. We have some fabulous ways to give you a little break from the holiday frenzy. Watch for specials from Belladerm to treat yourself! 
• Don’t cut out exercise during this time. You may need to scale back to fit in all of the things you need to get done right now, but keep up some sort of routine. You’ll need it to deal with the the holiday hoopla you’ll encounter.
• We know you can’t do this every night, but choose one night a week to wind down with a cup of hot chamomile or a hot bath about an hour before you head for bed. This will recharge your batteries.
• Keep eating well and making sure that your body is getting vitamins C & zinc to combat the germs circulating everywhere.
• If holiday weight gain is a worry on your mind, think about keeping a casual log of what you consumed each day. When you are accountable, you can make better choices. Better yet, find a pal or spouse to discuss progress with. And allow yourselves special treats. It is the holidays, after all! Even just focusing on portion control helps a great deal!