Shizuka New York Day Spa Blog » Read the Label

FDA Issues New Rules for Sunscreen Safety

Shizuka New York Day Spa — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 21:37:29 +0000

The summer solstice today marks the beginning of the season of beaches, parks, and sun. Just in time, the Federal Drug Administration has recently issued new rules that are intended to improve the way sun protection products are marketed and used.

Here are a few important points to keep in mind when purchasing and using sunscreen this summer:

SPF only refers to protection from the sun’s UVB rays. In order to prevent sunburn, premature skin aging, and skin cancer, you need broad spectrum UVB and UVA protection.
SPF is based on testing that uses large amounts of product on the skin. In order to be effectively protected, apply more sunscreen than you may want to, and more often than you normally would.
There is no such thing as a waterproof sunscreen. All sunscreens lose effectiveness when you sweat or swim. In these cases, reapply frequently.
There is very little difference between SPF 30 and SPF 50. There is no need to purchase a sunscreen with SPF higher than 50. Rather, look for broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection and reapply frequently.
In addition to using sunscreen with SPF 30-50 daily, you should protect your body with clothing and light-blocking hats and umbrellas.

When you venture outdoors this summer, take care of your skin to prevent sunburn, premature aging, and skin cancer.

Recommended Sun Protection Product:

Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+
By DCL Skin Care

DCL Skin Care’s Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ combines high UVB absorption and powerful UVA blockage for broad spectrum protection in an elegant silky sheer, matte finish that leaves the skin residue free.

The superb photo protective performance of ultra microfine zinc oxide contributes to the high SPF protection while supplemental antioxidants safeguard the skin from environmental free-radical damage.

Size: 1.7 Fl oz / 50 mL
Price: $24.00

Purchase Super Sheer Sunscreen SPF 50+ >>

Unhealthy Handbags?

Shizuka New York Day Spa — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 00:14:27 +0000

Mega-retailer H&M recently settled a lawsuit brought on by a consumer watchdog agency regarding the lead content in its handbags, wallets and other accessories. Believe it or not, some of the items contained as much as 115 times the legal limit for lead!

Remember that it was lead in their thick white makeup that first led ancient geishas to experiment with nightingale droppings like the ones used in Shizuka New York Day Spa’s Geisha Facial. [The Frisky]

The Pee in the (Knockoff) Perfume

Shizuka New York Day Spa — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 00:08:32 +0000

Recessionistas beware! Before you buy that $20 imitation perfume from a street vendor consider that said knockoff may contain bacteria, antifreeze, and even urine (gross!). A beauty expert for ABC news posited that the urine found in certain fake perfumes tested may have been there purposefully to alter the pH of the liquid and also “for color” (double gross!). If you are not yet convinced, these cheap imitators can also cause major skin irritation. Do your body a favor and save up for the real thing, even in this economy, because genuine perfumes are more closely monitored and regulated. [ABC News]

Don’t Drink Yourself Fat, NYC Warns

Shizuka New York Day Spa — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:00:11 +0000

Read the label seems to be the theme of the month. The NYC Department of Health has started a new campaign to increase our awareness of the sugar content in our drinks.

The signature poster of the campaign, which we will be soon seeing in NYC subways, is of a bottle of sugary beverage that, when poured, transforms into human fat. There is even a bit of fat running over the side of the glass…gross!

NYC is recommending that, instead of colas, sweetened teas and sports drinks, we should be quenching our thirst with good old water, seltzer, or low-fat milk. The Department of Health also include this helpful table above on its website.

Candles: Romantic or Toxic?

Shizuka New York Day Spa — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 16:00:55 +0000

A recent study suggests that burning paraffin wax candles (the most commonly found type) may actually have negative health implications.

In addition to their heat, light and fragrance, paraffin wax candles also release harmful carcinogens and air pollutants, the study indicates.

According to researcher Amid Hamidi , Ph.D., “An occasional paraffin candle and its emissions will not likely affect you, but lighting many paraffin candles every day for years or lighting them frequently in an un-ventilated bathroom around a tub, for example, may cause problems.” Hamidi also suggested that certain people believed to suffer from indoor allergy or respiratory problems may in fact be victims of candle air pollution.

Candle lovers should not give up all hope because soy and beeswax candles are said to be safer, although sometimes more expensive.

The moral of the story? Always read the label, and ventilate any rooms where candles are burning.

Source: Science Daily