We are so fortunate to have so many outdoor activities available in our area all year long, but before you grab your sunglasses and head outside, don’t forget to protect your skin.

If you go to the drug store or supermarket you need to be prepared to face the wall of sun protection products that are available.  How can you decide which one is best?

The sun gives off two kinds of rays:  UVA and UVB rays.  Dermatologist believe these rays cause wrinkles, tissue damage and skin cancer.  UVB rays affect the top layers of the skin and are responsible for sunburn.  UVA rays affect the lower layers of the skin and are considered responsible for aging.  UV rays can penetrate through almost anything (even glass!) so protection is important throughout the year, not just during the summer.  You can be exposed to the sun’s harmful rays in any temperature and even on a cloudy day.  UV rays also reflect off surfaces such as water, pavement, sand, and snow.  The sun is strongest between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and this is when sun protection is strongly advised.

When buying sun protection there are a few things you should consider.

The SUN PROTECTION FACTOR (SPF) number indicates the length of time you can stay in the sun without burning.  The higher the SPF the more your skin is protected from the sun.  Look for something with an SPF of 15 or higher.

ACTIVE INGREDIENTS are what prevent UV rays from harming your skin.  There are two types of ingredients you will find in sun protection, chemical and physical blockers.  But not all ingredients are safe to slather on your delicate skin.  Many people are sensitive to chemical sunscreens and even have allergic reactions.  New research looking into the link between the rise in skin cancer and the use of chemical sunscreens is even more troubling.  (However, the studies themselves are unclear as to whether the products themselves are the culprit or the extended period of time exposed to the sun while wearing sunscreen may be what leads to the higher rate of cancer.)  Physical sun block does not break down with UV radiation, therefore provides a more stabilized form of protection.

An EXPIRATION DATE should also be printed somewhere on the bottle.  If you’ve had the same bottle in your beach bag for years, it’s time to get a fresh one.

SUN BLOCK vs. SUNSCREEN:

Though sun block and sunscreen are marketed similarly, the terms are not interchangeable and they perform different tasks.

SUNBLOCK contains ingredients that physically reflect and scatter the UV light and act as a wall between your skin and the sun.  Remember the lifeguard at the pool with the white gunk on his nose?  Same idea.  Zinc oxide and titanium dioxide are minerals found in clay used to block the sun’s harmful rays.  Lucky for us these minerals have been micronized so we don’t have to tolerate the whitening effect of these minerals like years ago.

Sun blocks are a better choice for anyone with sensitive skin since the ingredients used are less irritating than the ingredients found in sunscreen and sit on the surface of the skin to block the rays instead of absorbing.

SUNSCREEN contains chemical ingredients that protect your skin by absorbing and reflecting UV rays and allowing a certain range of UV light to be absorbed into the skin.

Sunscreen will protect skin from sunburn and is also the easiest to find in the stores.  The downside to this poolside favorite is that the active ingredients are chemical based and need to absorb into the skin to be effective.  Most active ingredients also breakdown when exposed to sunlight, causing them to become less effective the longer you are in the sun.

Researchers encourage consumers to read the labels on sun care products before applying to the skin.  If the product contains any of the following chemical ingredients, discretion should be used:

*Oxybenzone (considered a hormone disruptor)

*Para-Aminobenzoic Acid (PABA)

*Benzophenones

*Cinnamates

*Salicylates

*Dibenzoylmethanes

*Octocrylene

*Avobenzone

*Mineral Oil

*Petroleum

*Propylene Glycol

*Paraben (methylparaben, proplyparaben, butylparaben, etc.

More and more it seems that the safer alternatives are natural mineral sun blocks that contain selective blocking ingredients such as titanium dioxide and zinc oxide that protect against both UVA and UVB rays, and do not irritate the skin.

Start out with the most natural sun protection-hat, sunglasses, and a long-sleeved shirt.  Keep out of the sun during peak hours and take care of your skin if you do get burned.

Here at Advanced Skin Care Center and Spa, we carry a line of all natural sun care products from Mexitan, rated #1 by the Environmental Working Group, which also boasts super ingredients like green tea and vitamin E.

Stop by and see us at Advanced Skin Care Center and Spa and let’s talk about your skin protection needs!  Enjoy the early spring!

~Carrie

Did someone say GIRL’S NIGHT?      

Join Crystal at Advanced Skin Care  Center and Spa

Tuesday, January 7th for a

Special 30~30~30 evening!  

How does it work?

~30 dollars reserves your personal makeup session

YOU RECEIVE…

~30 minutes for your dedicated makeup lesson

PLUS

~30 Dollars toward your Jane Iredale purchase!

*Please call us at 356-7070 to reserve your spot with Crystal!  

Also…while you are visiting with us on Tuesday night, check in with  our in house numerologist, Kelley Simpson, and see what 2012 looks like for YOU!

Thanks for checking in to see what’s up at Advanced Skin Care, you are always welcome here!  Come…be YOU!

~Carrie

here’s our Makeup Guru Crystal working her magic with Jane Iredale’s latest!

ALOE MASSAGE WITH DRY BRUSHING   

This powerful combo will detoxify, hydrate, soothe, and refresh not only your skin (the largest organ) but your entire being.  Dry brushing will promote a healthier you by stimulating and increasing skin cell production, increase blood flow and circulation, and enhance detoxification through the skin.  The highest quality aloe vera will be used for the massage to enhance the purification process.

TANDEM MASSAGE

The ultimate spa experience with two massage therapists massaging YOU in synchronized harmony for deep relation, total tension release, and rebalancing.  This seamless flow will delight your senses and allow your mind to completely let go.  This decadent 4 handed massage will balance both sides of the brain, deeply relax the body and nervous system, and create complete rejuvenation.  We invite you to indulge and celebrate with our specialty Tandem Massage.

Whether a long time client or it’s your first visit, thank you for visiting with us at Advanced Skin Care Center and Spa; we appreciate your business!

~Carrie

SPA PACKAGES

Whether you are looking to spend the day or just a couple of hours…we have just the package that will leave you restored, refreshed, and rejuvenated.

Advanced Spa Package:  $205

This spa package is for those who want the works!  It includes a decadent one hour massage, a classic facial, a luxurious spa pedicure, and a sure to please manicure.   You deserve a little Vitamin ME!

Express Spa Package:   $115

On a tighter schedule?  No problem, this Express Spa Package is designed with you in mind.  This little powerhouse package includes a 1/2 hour decadent massage, an express facial, express pedicure, and a polish change for your hands.  We’ll add that kick to your step for the rest of your day.

Bring your friends, spouses, and leave the relaxation to us!

Have an amazing day!  Check back soon to see what’s new at Advanced Skin Care Center and Spa!

~Carrie

We wanted to thank all of everyone who came out to celebrate the grand opening expansion of Advanced Skin Care Center  and Spa.  It was a wonderful time with giveaways, raffles, and tons of free services…from Jane Iredale makeup makeover, to free eyebrow shaping, chair massage, and even free numerology readings.  It was exciting to share with YOU just a touch of what we offer here at Advanced Skin Care Center and Spa.

Please visit our main website www.advancedskincarecenternh.com for our full list of services, including our state of the art skin care technology…Botox, Juvederm, Palomar Laser Services, and our highest quality of facials, peels, massages, and more.