Viva Woman

I’ve updated my earlier entry Tips on sunscreen protection & application with a couple more information.  One of which is about when to apply sunscreen in the order of our skincare regime because I noticed that this is something frequently asked. 

Actually I’ve always thought that sunscreen should be applied after using our serums or moisturizer but if you consider that chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays and neutralize them in the skin tissues, then it make perfect sense that they should go on clean, bare skin first because in order to be effective, it must interact with our skin cells.

On the other hand, physical sunscreens containing titanium dioxide or zinc oxide to reflect or scatter UV radiation can be applied last, after a serum or moisturizer. 

Well, sure sounds clear cut enough except that this still begs other questions. 

Namely, how can serums be effective if they are applied after using a chemical sunscreen?  In addition, what about those sunscreens that contain both chemical and physical ingredients like mexoryl and titanium dioxide?  Are all-in-one sunscreens with moisturizer a better option then?

I never knew there was so much to be learnt about sunscreens.  It’s certainly enlightening, but at the same time, rather frustrating if you know what I mean.

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I always buy fragrance for my mum and on this Mother’s Day, I bought her the Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray.  I wanted to buy the Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Topical that I reviewed last July but I couldn’t find it at the Sasa outlet which I did my fragrance shopping so I settled for the Scent Spray instead.

I picked Ellizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray over the other fragrances because it was uplifting and it revived my low spirits at that point in time.  In fact, all the other sweet scents were smelling a bit familiar but this one was clean and fresh; definitely not heavy like the rest.  

Elizabeth Arden Green Tea Scent Spray comes in a light green bottle but I’m not too sure if the parfum is light green.  But precisely because it isn’t a heavy scent, this parfum has no lasting power.

I bought the 100ml at S$58.40 from Sasa. A smaller one at 50ml is available for S$42+.  If you like something light and different, check this out or better still, the Elizabeth Green Tea Topical. 

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Most of us tend to select sunglasses based on design but it is actually more  important to wear shades that provide proper UV protection.  It should also be noted that the degree of darkness has no effect on UV rays and in fact, dark lens can cause our pupil to dilate and without that UV protection behind it, we’re just allowing more UV light to come into our eyes.  Such unprotected exposure to the sun can potentially damage the retina and affect our vision in the long term.

Hence, for adequate protection, buy sunglasses that are labeled as “UV 400″ which block all light rays with wavelengths up to 400 nanometers and protect you from 99 percent to 100 percent of both UVA and UVB light. Also, the larger the frame, the greater the protection thus you may want to consider wraparound sunglasses to prevent harmful UV rays from entering around the frame.

You may also take comfort in the fact that while expensive sunglasses are usually high quality, cheaper sunglasses can still provide adequate protection from UV light and are free of distortions.

And like sunscreen, sunglasses should be worn all year round, rain or shine since UV rays are alway present. 

Hey, they make great fashion accessory anyway!

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I have been using the Therapeutic Dermatologic Formula C Scape Serum which contains 10% Vitamin C for a month now and I’m rather happy with the results so far.  Overall, my skin texture has even out and because the skin the firmer, my pores also seem tighter. 

According to the product description, TDF C Scape Serum is for the production of collagen and elastic tissue that keep the skin taut, supple and healthy. It also acts as an antioxidant to neutralize harmful free radicals, help reduce fine lines and wrinkles as well as lighten skin complexion.  Except for the wrinkles and fine lines, I have to say this product does what it promises for me.

 
However, it should be noted that the 10% Vitamin C in TDF C Scape Serum is Ascorbyl Methyl Silanol, which is a derivative of L-ascorbic acid or what is known as the true Vitamin C.  According to what I read at dermadoctor.com, while Ascorbyl Methyl Silanol is more stable, it is unable to be absorbed by the skin nor will it convert into L-ascorbic acid by the skin.  Despite so, my skin has obviously been able to absorb this or I wouldn’t have seen the improvement after a month of usage. 

I bought the 30ml TDF C Scape Serum from my dermatologist but it is available at myPharmacy at S$69.44.  The product must be kept chilled to prevent oxidization and can be applied day and night after cleansing.  I was told I might get some tingling sensation but all I felt was my skin tightening everytime I apply this. 

From what I’ve read at the forums, many girls who have used this are also happy with the results.  I’m really pleased with it but I’m now even more keen to use a serum with L-ascorbic acid as it should do more for my skin since it is said to be the only useful form of Vitamin C.  Oh, and I forgot to mention that one of the reasons why I want to switch from TDF C Scape Serum even though it is performing for me is that SD Alcohol 40 is listed as the 2nd ingredient which can be drying when used long term.

Well, I think I’m going to check out the products from Skinceuticals which contain this ingredient and find out if they’re any good.  I also wouldn’t mind one from a natural line if anyone can recommend me a suitable range that I can get easily.

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