I am really an adult. I’m just not sure mother nature has figured that part out yet.

I mean I have the CRAPPIEST skin. Crappity Crap Crap.

But mostly during my menstrual cycle and it pisses me the hell off. I’ve tried EVERYTHING. I’ve looked up products, read reviews like ones on Acneticin and still I am fighting the skin problem

I think the only thing I have yet to resort to is maybe a homeopathic type of thing. So much for it’s great to be an adult.

Any suggestions?

A Sun Care FAQ with Beverly Hills Dermatologist Husband/Wife Team,
Helen Fincher, M.D. and Edgar Fincher, M.D.

Cosmetic Dermatology Los Angeles

Q. What role does sun exposure play in the development of skin cancer?

A. The number one cause of skin cancer is ultraviolet, or UV radiation from the sun.  However, UV light from tanning beds is equally dangerous.

Q. Who needs sun protection and who is most at risk for skin cancer?

A. No one is immune from skin cancer, but people who have fair skin that burns easily, light eyes and blond or red hair are at greatest risk.   Darker skinned individuals should never consider themselves safe in the sun, although their risk is lower.

Family and personal history of skin cancer should also be considered.  And anyone who works outdoors or lives in an especially sunny area is at risk.  Finally, a history of severe sunburns — even if they occurred a long time ago  – as well as a large number of irregularly shaped moles can be risk factors for melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer.

Q. When do I need to protect myself from the sun’s rays?
A.  Sun protection is important all year round, and UV rays can damage skin during any season or temperature, and even when there is a cloud cover.  That means it is best to use at least an SPF 15 sunscreen even if you’re only going out to walk the dog.

That said, in the United States, UV rays are generally the strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. in spring and early summer.  It is best to avoid sun exposure during those hours, and if that is impossible, use sunscreen, reapply liberally, and cover up with broad brim hats or special sun protective clothing.

And don’t forget that reflective surfaces like water, sand, snow, and cement can exacerbate the effects of UV rays.  In short, if you spend time at the beach, on the slopes, or in the city, you need to be cognizant of sun exposure and its potential damage.

Q: How do I choose the right sunscreen?

A:   Always choose a sunscreen that blocks both UVA and UVB rays, and that offers at least SPF 15.   But beyond that, the best sunscreen is the sunscreen you know you will use.  There are formula options including lotions, gels, and even powders, as well as sunscreens that are specifically designed for areas of the body such as the face or the scalp, different skin types, and for kids and babies.   If you are a swimmer, athlete, or just a very active person, you will need a sunscreen that is waterproof and sweatproof.

Q: Can you demystify “SPF” for me?

A.  Sunscreens are assigned a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) number according to their effectiveness in offering protection from UV rays. Higher numbers (above SPF 15) offer greater protection, but don’t assume that using an extremely high SPF (such as 50) means you don’t have to reapply throughout the day.

Q: When should I apply sunscreen?

A:  Ideally, you should apply sunscreen thoroughly at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.  Follow the manufacturer’s directions regarding reapplication.  Even though many sunscreens are water and sweat-resistant today, a good rule of thumb is to reapply every two hours during peak sun hours or after swimming or any activity that causes sweating.

Q. Is there any way to un-do previous sun damage?

A. Unfortunately, you can’t undo previous damage, but it is never too late to embrace sun protection.  Since sun damage is cumulative, the sooner you stop exposing your skin to harmful rays, the better.

About The Doctor Duo:

Dr. Edgar F. Fincher received both his MD and PhD degrees from The University of Tennessee, Memphis. He then completed early training in General Surgery at Stanford University followed by a research fellowship, also at Stanford University, where he studied mechanisms of skin wound healing. Dr. Fincher then completed his Dermatology residency at Stanford University before relocating to Los Angeles for a Fellowship in Mohs micrographic surgery, laser and cosmetic surgery.

Dr. Helen Fincher received her MD from The University of Tennessee, Memphis with Highest Honors. Following this, she completed her dermatology training at Stanford University. Since completing her residency, Dr. Fincher has many years of experience in General & Cosmetic Dermatology. She has worked in both private practice as well as in academia, serving on the faculty at Stanford University and currently as a clinical faculty member at UCLA.

*I was not compensated for this post in any way.*

Here is the information about them:

Aguacate & Co. is an independent, boutique retailer of premium, organic-based skin care products.

At Aguacate & Co. we focus on providing the finest organic and all-natural ingredients for the appropriate care of one of the body’s most significant resources: skin. Often taken for granted, skin is truly one of the more remarkable elements of our daily lives. Skin is the body’s largest organ. It acts as the interface with our surroundings; protects our bodies from pathogens; holds together our bones, muscles, and vital organs; regulates body temperature; and allows for the sense of touch. On top of all this, skin is generally one of the first things others may notice about us. Our skin is an extraordinary asset and should receive proper maintenance and attention. With this our mission at Aguacate & Co., we offer a range of premium skin care products made with organic and natural ingredients, formulated to give men and women a simple, elegant way to pursue a wholesome skin care experience.

As a company, we strive to be good citizens within our industry, community, and the environment. To that end, we have developed our range of facial skin care products made with organic and natural ingredients cruelty free, and make every effort in our daily operation to reduce, reuse and recycle materials. And that is also why when you shop with us we give back a portion of all sales towards causes in support of the arts, community, and environment. We are also a proud member of One Percent For the Planet, an alliance of eco-conscious businesses committed to giving back at least 1% of sales to support environmental research.

What You Get To Win:

I will be shipping the winnings out myself. They generously offered you lovely readers the following:

1 $25 Gift Card

A Hand Full Of Samples of Products

A Cute Black Tote

Rules & Regulations:

Must have valid email address to enter. First entry must be done before extra entries are counted. Contest will run until November 3rd, 2009 at 11:59 PM Arizona Time. Open to US and Canada Residents Only. More information about Greer 5 Giveaways can be found here.

How To Win:

1. Visit Aguacate & Co website and tell me which product you would buy with the gift card if you won.

Extra Entries:

1. Tweet This Giveaway (1 Tweet Max Per Day Until Contest Closed)

2. Blog This Giveaway

3. Follow With Google Friend Connect

4. Subscribe To Feed

5. Follow Me On Twitter

6. Fan On Facebook

7. Stumble This Post

8. At The Bottom Of The Site – Grab our button and post on your site

Please leave a link for options that are applicable. All faving, fanning and subscribing options can be found by clicking the hearts in the sidebar to the right. Thank you to Aguacate & Co. for their generosity.

I approached Aguacate & Co. for a review and giveaway to offer to you lovely readers. They graciously sent me a full size bottle of the Facial Cleansing Gel and various samples also. Right here I would love to go on to give you more information about Aguacate & Co, but I need to keep you on your toes for tomorrow. So now I am going to tell you about the Facial Cleansing Gel and the other samples I got to try out!

Product Description:

Aguacate & Co.’s wild oat and organic honey facial cleansing gel combines the great soothing properties of oats with the stimulating and toning effect of honey to deliver an instant tightening and replicate the elasticity and tone found in youthful, vitalized skin.
Suitable for oily to normal skin types, this mild and gentle deep cleanser will leave your skin feeling soft and smooth.

Product Ingredients:

Organic Aloe Juice, Organic Lavender Distillate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Cocopolyglucoside Tartrate, Sodium Cocopolyglucoside Citrate, Oat Extract, Phenoxyethanol, Xanthan Gum, Kosher Vegetable Glycerin, Tetrasodium EDTA, Organic Honey, Hydrolized Wheat Proteins, Pro-Vitamin B5, Vitamin E.

How Did It Work Out For Me:

Well you only need a couple pumps from this bottle. The gel lathers extremely well. I was very impressed. The smell is so very slight and that is a good thing. I don’t want to be overwhelmed with scents while trying to clean my face. It rinses off well — leaving no hints whatsoever of a soapy scum feeling. My face is left feeling refreshed and deep clean. In the time of my using this product — I am already starting to notice a difference with my face. Clear. That’s a big deal. You all know my trials and tribulations with finding a good facial wash with my problematic skin. I’d rate this product on a very superb level and a must try for all.

The trial size samples I tried out haven’t let me down yet either. All super impressive and by far my favorite is the, Rejuvenating Eye Treatment.

Go hop on over to Aguacate & Co and familiarize yourself with them! I have a super generous and awesome giveaway coming to you from them and I cannot wait tomorrow to get you the chance to win!

*Thank you to Aguacate & Co for providing me products for this review.*