Skin care
Learning Center
Applying sunscreen? Don't be stingy
Most people use sunscreen too sparingly. If you use sunscreen generously and frequently, a bottle of sunscreen shouldn't last long. Generally, a liberal application is 1 ounce (30 milliliters) — the amount in a shot glass — to cover exposed parts of the body. You might need to apply more, depending on your body size. If you have a 4-ounce (118-milliliter) bottle, you'll use about one-fourth of it during one application.
Don't believe shaving myths
Contrary to popular belief, shaving hair doesn't make it grow back thicker. And shaving doesn't affect how dark your hair is or how fast it grows. Shaving facial or body hair gives the hair a blunt tip that can feel coarse as the hair grows out. During this phase, the hair might appear darker or thicker, but it's not.
Don't let your tots burn
When you head outside for family fun this summer, be sure to protect small children from burns. Keep sunblock handy and protect against other burn hazards: 1. Keep little ones away from grills, fire pits and campfires. 2. Don't let children play with or near fireworks or sparklers. 3. Check children's car seats for hot straps or buckles. These can heat up quickly in a car parked in direct sunlight.
Lower your risk of breast cancer
Research shows that lifestyle changes can lower your risk of breast cancer, even if you're at high risk. To lower your risk: 1. Limit alcohol. Even small amounts increase your risk. 2. Limit postmenopausal hormone therapy. 3. Be physically active. 4. Maintain a healthy weight.
Self-tanners: Are they safe?
Sunless tanning products, also called self-tanners, can give your skin a tanned look without exposing you to harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. The active ingredient in most sunless tanners is the color additive dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA reacts with dead cells in the skin's surface layer to temporarily darken your skin. The coloring gradually fades within a few days. Caution: Most self-tanners don't contain sunscreen. If you spend time outdoors, sunscreen is essential.
Sunless tanning tips
Want to avoid orange palms, knees and elbows when you're using sunless tanning products? Before applying a sunless tanning product use a washcloth to exfoliate, especially in areas with thick skin such as your knees and elbows. This will help remove excess dead skin cells. Apply the tanner to your body in sections. Wash your hands with soap after each section to avoid discoloring your palms. Knees, elbows and ankles tend to absorb more of sunless tanning products. To dilute the tanning effect in these areas, gently rub them with a damp towel.
Sunscreen shopping tips
When you're shopping for sunscreen brand matters less than how you use the product. Look for water-resistant, broad-spectrum coverage with an SPF of at least 30. Check the sunscreen's expiration date. Also, find a sunscreen you like. If you don't care for the sunscreen, you're not as likely to use it consistently.
Sunscreen: One dose doesn't do it
You can't put on sunscreen in the morning and expect to be protected for a full day in the sun. To maximize sun protection, apply generous amounts of sunscreen to dry skin 15 minutes before you go outdoors. Reapply sunscreen every two hours — or more often if you're swimming or sweating.
What's your high blood pressure risk?
High blood pressure has many risk factors. Some you can't control, such as age, race and family history. But don't throw up your hands quite yet. Some risk factors are within your control, such as excess weight, inactivity, alcohol misuse and stress. Make healthy lifestyle changes a priority: 1. Lose excess weight. 2. Include physical activity in your daily routine. 3. If you drink, do so in moderation. That means no more than two drinks a day for men and one drink a day for women. 4. Learn healthy ways to handle stress, such as muscle relaxation and deep breathing. 5. Avoid excess salt in your diet.
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