Fitness, Equipment & Health

In the summer, nothing smells better to me than coconut suntan lotion mixed with the smell of the ocean or pool (yeah I’m weird and like the smell of chlorine). Now that I know more about sunscreen, I’ve learned to read ingredients and pick the products that are most effective in preventing sun damage. Unfortunately those sensible products don’t smell like coconuts!

Philosophy Coconut Body Butter
Luckily Philosophy has read my mind and come out with Coconut Body Butter! I couldn’t believe my luck when I spotted it at Sephora last week. They also have a Coconut Body Scrub, Coconut Lip Shine, and a Coconut Body Gel/Shampoo/Bubble Bath. The Philosophy Coconut Collection is only available at Sephora stores (or the website).

For a cheaper alternative, I’m thinking about being naughty and buying the coconut tanning lotion at the drugstore, and mixing it with my regular moisturizer. Then if I go in the sun, I’ll put my sensible sunscreen over it to have the best of both worlds!

Thanks to Jeanie Kwak for writing this guest post about her obsession with skin care, and how she cares for her skin.

I’m going to debunk a myth for you about Asian skin. We are known to have some kind of ageless secret. We have thick hair, clear skin and we never look over 25. All of this appears to be done with ease. While it is true that I was the last to mature in High school and, at age 25 I looked 16, something happened at 30. I looked, well, 30. It’s like that movie Freaky Friday, when Lindsay Lohan wakes up and suddenly she is her mom. What to do? Go to a PTA meeting and make do?

I think not. I will need to do something about this switch-up.

I am now obsessed with skin-care. What works? What doesn’t? I begin to learn words like: Retinol, Glycolic Acid, Antioxidants, Microdermabrasion. Oh, and sunscreen. It seems like all this slackness is due to the sun. If I had known that, I would not have frolicked carelessly sans the sunscreen. NOW, I read about Mexoryl and Helioplex and physical blocks like they are a god-send. I’m excited about Mexoryl because I have read that Mexoryl is a heat and photo-stable chemical that readily prevents UVA and UVB damage. It has the broadest UVA and UVB range. It first appeared in Europe but is now slowly making its way to the US. Kiehl’s carries products with the ingredient Mexoryl. So does Lancome and La Roche Posay’s Anthelios line. I use Neutrogena now which has Helioplex but I am going to make the change to Kiehl’s.

And for my new skin-regimen (which used to consist of soap and Oil of Olay cream) - I am on a daily regimen of Eucerin Q10 Cream for day and night. I haven’t thought much of the effectiveness of CoEnzyme Q10, which is a powerful antioxidant, until I tried DHC’s powerful Q10 cream, and also saw a glowing review of this antioxidant by dermatologist Leslie Baumann. DHC is a Japanese skin-care line that carries a gentle, skin-friendly line. I’ve always been a bit so-so about their products but the Q10 cream really does wonders. I woke up with soothed baby-soft skin. Even my boyfriend noticed in the morning. It is a bit pricey so I decided to go with Eucerin for now. I allow myself one expensive product a month. That way my skin is not overwhelmed by too many products.

Every night I apply Neutrogena’s Anti-Wrinkle Intensive Night Cream. I know that only a certain percentage of Retinol is effective, but I started off with a lighter version because I am new to Retinol and I wanted to start off gently before I bring out the big guns. And I LOVE what I see. Even tone, softer lines. After 2 nights! I have now been on Retinol for a month. I heard it takes about 12 weeks to see complete results. Retinol changes the skin’s turnover rate. This new skin needs to be protected (sunscreen) and maintained (moisture, antioxidants). I plan to incorporate Skinceuticals products next month. These products have a graduated higher level of Retinol. There are also wonderful reviews for the legendary C-E Ferulic Serum, which I’ve read slowly and incrementally changes the texture and elasticity of skin. I’m sold. I am super excited to buy these 2 products. One word of caution: Since these 2 products are not in stable packaging, it is important to store them in a cool dark place. The fridge, I’ve read, is a good place to keep them. Oh, and I would buy them from somewhere reputable instead of Ebay. I am going to my local Elizabeth Arden Red Door Spa where they carry the full Skinceuticals line.

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Camping Gear Many individuals often spend time camping and hiking during summertime just to get away from the stresses of civilization. With the convenience of modern technology, many campers set out on nature trip with fully-furnished RVs and trailers, especially when the rest of the family tags along. More adventurous campers prefer to do it "the old fashion way" by braving nature with their feet and some camping and hiking gear. Check out our camping gear articles to learn more about the equipment you should take along on your next camping trip.