Overall Rating

Panama Jack Sunscreen

If you are looking for a steady brand that has been around for years, look no further than Panama Jack.  A relaxed company that brings you fine beach & lifestyle products, Panama Jack makes a fine line of products that will effectively keep the sun’s harmful rays at bay as you enjoy your vacation.

It was thought that this company no longer existed, as they aren’t as available in retail stores as they once used to be.  A quick Google search shows that Panama Jack is alive and strong.  They may not have the retail presence they once had, but Panama Jack still puts out quality sunscreen products you can use to protect your body from sunburn.

My experience with Panama Jack Sunscreen: I used this sunblock while tanning in Costa Rica.  While this sunscreen does not appear to have any anti aging qualities, I got a great tan with it. If I have to tan with this sunscreen, I will certainly do it as Panama Jack puts out quality products.  However, it’s not the best sunscreen if you are looking for anti aging ingredients.

Overall Rating

Wrinkle System’s Therapeutic Sunblock

The latest trend in sunblock is incorporating anti aging ingredients that work therapeutically to prevent wrinkles and sun damage.  I didn’t really understand the importance of an anti aging sunblock until I really started to look at what prevents wrinkles and what causes wrinkles.  In case you haven’t learned yet, the number one cause of wrinkles is the SUN.  That said, it’s important that you protect yourself from it with a true, therapeutic sunblock.

I recently started using this new sunblock made by Wrinkle System.  The company already makes several anti aging products, including a top-selling anti wrinkle cream, so I was pretty excited to try something from such a remarkable brand.  I tried this sunblock in various locations, from my hometown in Miami all the way down to the west coast of Costa Rica.  I was SHOCKED at how well I tanned, and how great my skin looked after using this sunblock.  I was so impressed with how firm and toned my skin was left after using this in the hot sun, near the equator mind you, that I decided to really look under the hood to see what made this such a great sunblock.

After doing some research, I found out that this sunblock is packed with wrinkle-fighting ingredients used in many of the best anti aging creams available.  Acetyl Hexapeptide-3, also known as Argireline, is well chronicled for it’s amazing clinical data.  It’s been called by some, the “best needle free alternative to botox.” I sleep better at night knowing that even if the sun beats down on me all day, I am doing all I can to prevent wrinkles when I use a sunblock like Wrinkle System.  Please continue to read my Wrinkle System Therapeutic Sunblock Review to see why this is the only sunblock I am using from this day forward.

(more…)

Overall Rating

Hawaiian Tropic Dark Tanning Spf 4

Hawaiian Tropic is a very popular brand of sunscreen, and they are famous for their Hawaiian Tropic Models, who are constantly doing promotional shoots across the globe wearing sexy swimwear.  The spf 4 sunblock they offer is aimed for people who are looking to get a dark, golden tan.  This comes in a 240 ML container, and is a good option for you if you are looking to get some serious color.

One thing I like about this sunblock is the packaging.  It comes in an easy-to-dispense bottle, that is in the Hawaiian Tropic-themed bronze bottle.  In looking at the ingredient list for this product, nothing jumps out at me other than the standard sunblock base ingredients.  Ascorbic acid is what I would call a marquee ingredient, but other than that, there are no premier ingredients on an anti aging level.

I have started to only use sunblock with spf of 25 or over, so this sunblock is one that I have stopped using.  While I will argue that if you are DARK, you will see a nice tone of skin color when using this, I can’t suggest anyone use this as you will simply not gain anything by using an SPF 4 sunblock.  In fact, you will develop wrinkles FASTER by using a low spf sunscreen – and that is a FACT.

Overall Rating

Coppertone NutraShield Sunblock

Coppertone certainly needs no introduction when people discuss the best sunblock.  The Nutrashield line of Coppertone is no different.  Here are some key statistics on the Coppertone Nutrashield line of sunscreen products:

* Moisturizing, non-greasy formula won’t clog pores
* Highest Coppertone SPF ever
* Helps prevent premature skin aging caused by the sun
* Enriched with specially selected antioxidants to promote natural skin repair
* Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
* Appropriate for everyday use
* Designed for women
* Waterproof
* Durable broad spectrum, photostable UVA/UVB protection
* Dermatologist tested

My personal experience with Coppertone Nutrashield Sunblock: A solid sunblock by an established, well-rounded company.  I used this sunblock on a recent trip to the beach, and found it to be a solid option.  I was impressed as I did not have to re-apply it after going into the water – I can’t say this for many of the other sunblocks I have used throughout my life.  I thought I got a nice, even tan when using this sunblock, but once again, this sunblock falls short in the anti-aging category, and lacks ingredients that will proactively fight wrinkles.

How to Avoid Sunburn

Have you ever experienced sunburn?

It’s not a good thing to have sunburn, as it can cause serious skin damage, and even cancer.  It’s no secret that the sun causes serious harm to the skin, and even worse, helps aid wrinkles in their development.  Wrinkles may not show for 20 or more years, but when they do, they are not easy to reduce in appearance.

The only way to REALLY avoid sunburn is to avoid the sun.  However, nobody has any ambition to do such a thing.  People from the north really enjoy going outside after a long, cold winter.  It’s just human nature to crave the sun and get a sun-kissed tan.

Here are some tips that can help you avoid getting sunburn:

1.  Cover your body with the best sunscreen you can find. If you are looking to prevent wrinkles, you need to use a sunblock with an spf of 25 or higher.  Using a therapeutic sunblock not only prevents sunburn and wrinkles, but also adds moisture to y0ur skin.  In other words, it’s a basic skin care product as well as a sunblock.

2.  Wear protective clothing. Using sun glasses will block the sun’s harmful rays and keep crows feet from forming, as well as prevent sunburn around the eyes.  If you have ever looked like a raccoon after sun tanning, you know what I’m talking about.  Another great strategy is to wear a cap. You can wear a sombrero style cap or a baseball cap.  Either way, you are creating shade for your face and preventing sun damage to your face.

Even Celebs like Kim Kardashian get sunburn on occasion!

3.  Drink plenty of water. Staying hydrated is a key component of a basic skin care routine, and this is also important if you want to avoid sunburn.  Drink as much water as humanly possible when you are exposed to the sun.  A good minimum to strive for is one gallon of water, but certainly don’t stop there.

4.  Avoid peak hours of the sun. The sun is LETHAL between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM.

5.  Re-apply sunblock throughout the day. Once per day is not enough.  Re-apply the sunblock throughout the day for maximum protection from the sun.

Remember to always heed to the above advice. It doesn’t matter if you are going for a quick two minute walk, or spending a day in the sun – these tips should be followed any time you are exposed to any amount of sunlight.

Winter Skin Care Routine Includes Sunblock

As the winter comes in full speed ahead, many people that live in cold weather climates tend to forget the importance of using skin care products.  Just because the sun may appear to have less of an influence on your life does not mean it has any less of an influence on your skin.  Here are some of the best skin care tips I can provide for people who have to suffer through the cold winter months.

1.  Remain hydrated. This means drink plenty of water.  Being a descendant from the North, I know it’s easy to sit around a fireplace and drink nothing but hot cocoa or hot apple cider.  The seasons may bring change, but one change that your skin can’t afford to have is a lack of hydration.  Water provides your skin with a healthy glow in all seasons.

2.  Use a humidifier. A humidifier puts moisture back in the air, and this is highly beneficial for your skin.  Any department store should have this readily available, and what this does more than anything is make sure the skin remains supple instead of cracked and dry.

3.  Moisturize and Exfoliate. Just like you do in the summer months, these are two important parts of any skin care regimen.  Winter brings cold, high-pressure winds that can damage the skin and cause it to dry out.  Make sure you continue to exfoliate to remove dead skin cells and moisturize to protect your skin.

4.  Sunblock. Using sunblock will also protect your skin from the wind and other cold, harmful winter elements.  Besides, the sun still does shine, and even though you may cover most of your face with protective clothing, the minimal exposure your skin has to the sun can still do damage, such as cause wrinkles.

5.  Keep your showers quick. Long, hot showers can be bad for your skin.  Even though a long, hot shower is very soothing in the cold winter months, it’s very damaging to your skin.  Be sure to limit your hot shower time, and if you do need to take long showers, be sure to use plenty of moisturizer immediately after.

Other items you should keep around you at all times in the winter include:

• chap stick
• gloves, hats, and other protective clothing

Now that you are armed with all of the necessary information you need about how to take care of your skin in the winter, you can apply this knowledge and have glowing, shining skin all year round.

Where to Store Sunblock

There are many times you need to have sunblock around, just in case.  Here are the top five times you absolutely can not be without sunblock.

1.  In Your Beach Bag. The hot sun, especially as you near the equator, can do severe damage to your skin.

2.  In Your Golf Bag. Many people keep things like nail clippers in their golf bags, just in case they get a hangnail.  Much more important to your health is sunblock.  A round of golf can last many hours, and the sun does extreme damage while you play.

3.  In Your Car. You never know when they day will make a change for the better.  Don’t leave home without it.

4.  With your children. Whether they are going to a birthday party with other children, or playing little league, children, more than adults, need to take care of their skin and prevent future wrinkling.  Often times they are “too big” for sunblock, so it’s best to educate them early as to the importance of skin care.

5.  At the office. You never know when you will be going on a surprise lunch that may be outside, or when the boss will take you sight seeing.  You need to always be prepared for the outdoors.

Sunscreen Prevents Wrinkles

As we do our best to guide you and help you find the best sunblock for your skin, it’s important to keep in mind why we use sunblock in the first place:  to keep our skin healthy and prevent wrinkles.

Wrinkle prevention starts earlier in life than most people think.  Some skin care insiders suggest that an anti aging regimen should start around age 14.  While the expenses involved with keeping your skin in tip top shape can add up, there is an affordable, easy, safe way to prevent wrinkles, and that’s by using sunblock each and every time your skin is exposed to the sun.