Photoaging and the Importance of Sunscreen

What is Photoaging?

Skin can be damaged by the sun. Over time, this sun damage creates wrinkles, fine lines, and coarse texture. What's happened is that UVA has actually damaged the collagen in the layers of skin. In addition, "age spots" are actually spots of melanin production as a result of sun exposure!

What are UV rays?

The sun creates ultraviolet light in long waves (UVA) and short waves (UVB). UVB rays are what causes sunburns, and UVA rays are what cause long term damage. Both UVA and UVB can be blocked by a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more.

Slather on the Sunscreen

The bad news is, the sun can and does cause skin cancer. (I have fair skin and I'm terrified of the results of a few severe sunburns in my lifetime.) The best way to prevent sunburns, photoaging and skin cancer is the apply sunscreen liberally. Like, a real lot!

http://www.consumerreports.org/cro/news/2015/06/when-you-really-need-a-face-sunscreen/index.htm

Work Hard. Make Pretty.

I work hard running our little homestead. House maintenance, gardening, chicken care, fighting the forest, not to mention taking care of the family and working full time... it's a lot of hard work!

Today, I used the edge trimmer to cut back all the super high weeds growing all around our property. My hands are shaking now and I can't really lift anything fragile for fear of dropping it and breaking it.

Afterwards, getting clean and pretty was so very satisfying. There is something to be appreciated about working or playing hard, getting all sweaty and dirty and then getting clean and pretty when you're done.

C is for Color (ABCs of Beauty)

B is for Beauty (ABCs of Beauty)

June Birthstone: Precious Pearl

June's birthstone is precious pearl. The pearl birthstone ring is sterling silver with a genuine Freshwater Pearl. It is set in a lovely flourish CZ embellished diamond shaped setting. Pearls symbolize affection, happiness, and generosity. Introductory price of $29.99 (will be $59.99)

 

Birthstone rings available:

January Garnet

February Amethyst

March Aquamarine

April White Topaz

May Emerald

A is for Avon (ABCs of Beauty)

Pineappley Goodness

I just used this pineapple slicer to cut a whole pineapple, and ermahgerd it is the coolest thing!

Soooo easy to use, made perfect rings and no mess. Even my husband said it's a pretty cool gadget.

 

Did you know pineapple has tons of Vitamin C? And that the pineapple is a colonial symbol of hospitality? Plus... yummy.