The Summer Sun and Your Skin

Ok, we all know I (Denice) avoid sun exposure. I do not tan like Katie and Cindy, I BURN! Thus... I just avoid it. If I need color, I have found that the alternatives work best for me (Mystic tanning). BUT, I am very strict in wearing my sunscreen, even though I don't plan on baking. I wear it daily to protect myself from the harmful rays of the sun. I have been using Neutragina, but have found it leaves my skin oily.

In my quest to find something better to protect my skin, an interesting email popped into my inbox form my pals over at KMR Communication, regarding Sothys and their Sun Care line. Although I have not tried the Sothys products, it did intrigue me. So, I am sharing it with you for your thoughts and opinions, here we go:

Legendary French skincare company, Sothys, has recognized the sun’s importance in daily life and as a result has created a range of sun care products designed to maximize your summer fun without fear of skin damage. Sothys believes the benefits of sun exposure, including mood enhancement and Vitamin D production, can be capitalized on safely if you choose the correct product to protect your skin.

Under the Cellu-Guard® line, Sothys has created products with sun protection factors ranging from SPF 8 to SPF 30 as well as a soothing lotion for after-sun care.

Sun Sensitive Areas Care with SPF 30: A care that protects from free radicals and photo-aging during intense sunlight exposure. Hypoallergenic and fragrance-free, it is particularly suitable for sensitive skin Price: $40 (1.7 fl. oz.)

Iridescent Tanning Gel with SPF 8: A protective tanning gel containing tan boosting active ingredients to help intensify and accelerate a natural-looking tan. Price: $44 (5 fl. oz.)

Tanning Body Lotion with SPF 20: A soft, light and milky formula for a pleasant tan and ultra-effective protection. Perfect for all day and suitable for face and body application, it is water-resistant, sweat-resistant. Price: $52 (5 fl. oz.)

Soothing After-Sun Body Care: A refreshing fluid which softens the skin immediately after exposure with soothing active ingredients. Through its care actives, it prevents photo-induced aging, and hydrate* the skin to restore it to its full radiance. Price: $40 (5 fl. oz.)

A little history on Sothys:
In 1946, Sothys was a beauty institute in Paris, where a list of exclusive customers enjoyed fine French products created by Dr. Hotz, a medical biologist. Sothys was acquired by the Mas family in 1966 and chairman Bernard Mas decided to add to the beautiful Sothys range and increase its availability. By 1970 Sothys had entered the United States market under the direction of esthetician Christian Garces. Sothys became an instant hit for estheticians looking for a professional, results- oriented product line.

Over two decades later, it continues to be the forerunner in an extremely demanding industry. Much of Sothys' success is due to its focus on education. Not content to simply sell its products, Sothys offers continuous, complementary education to estheticians and therapists who want to learn not just about the products, but about the industry in general. At the Sothys Institute in Miami, and at regional Sothys offices across the Nation, classes are offered, with topics ranging from hands-on body workshops to cosmetic chemistry.

For more information, please visit sothys-usa.com.

*hugs*
Denice
Photo Credit: KMR Communications
DISCLAIMER: I was not provided this product for testing, nor have I ever tried them, this is an informational post only.

To Tan or Not To Tan?

I was in a wedding this past May. All of you who know me, know that I am almost see through I am so white.  I avoid the sun at all cost, and when I am in it, I am usually coated in 30+ sunscreen.  So, knowing that I had to wear a strapless dress, that was bright shamrock green, I was NERVOUS!!!

I began researching different tanning methods.  Self tanner...No, Tanning Beds...No, Airbrushed Tan...Maybe, Mystic Spray Tan...Maybe, and last but not least, the Instant Spray Self-Tanners...Maybe.

I tried the spray yourself tanner and let me tell you, it was hilarious!  I was so orange and streaky.  It was not going to work.  Then I looked in to the professional Air Brushed Tan.  Man, is that EXPENSIVE!!! Maybe it would be ok, if I was not on such a strict budget, sooooo on to the next choice please...

That only left me the Mystic Tan.  I found one place local to my home and called for an appointment.  They were able to take me right away.  I went the Wednesday before the wedding. Yes, I know, I should have done a trial run before hand, but I was out of time!  I figured that if I went Wednesday, I would have plenty of time to scrub it off, need be. 

I was so surprised, it was not too bad at all. I got to the place, paid my $40 (that was for 3 sessions), and the nice girl (not a creepy guy) walked me through it.  I stepped in the booth, applied my lotion to the necessary places, took a deep breath, stood like a scare crow and pressed the button.  15 seconds sure is a long time when you are holding your breath! I repeated for the back side, got out, blotted and was on my way.

The after photo is 3 days after getting the tan

I was very surprised at how natural my tan was.  In no way did I feel like I looked orange (except in a few areas...my toes and hands).  I had SO many compliments (and a few jokes) on my new tan.  I guess people are just not used to seeing me with color.  I will DEFINITELY be using Mystic Tan again.  It was reasonable, and worked great. Check it out!

This is the day after getting the tan

Check out this link for some videos: Yes I Mystic
Click here to find a Mystic Tan near you
 
Good Luck! If you do tan, let me know how your experience was.
 
*hugs*
Denice
 
Photo Credit:
Myself
Mystic Tan Image: www.glowtanning.com/equipment.htm
Tanning Bed
L'Oreal Paris- Spray
Air brush Tan