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    <title><![CDATA[Blog]]></title>
    <link>http://www.thevanya.com/blog/</link>
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    <pubDate>Fri, 18 May 2012 11:01:33 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title><![CDATA[UV Light and Sun Tanning. Good or Bad?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.thevanya.com/blog/ultraviolet-ray-sun-tanning-good-bad/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">Face skin care or regular skin care for that matter isn't just limited to facial cleansing and putting on <strong>facial masks</strong>, it is also about prevention and being aware of certain things that are harmful to our skin. If you have this knowledge, you'll then be able to go about finding alternatives that are much healthier and safer for your skin. After all, beauty starts with your skin.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Summer is here, the weather is perfect and the sun is beating down which means people are enjoying the outdoors and basking in the sun. It feels good and you get a nice tan out of it. But as far as skin health and safety goes, the chance of skin cancer or other skin related issues are far too high for direct sun tanning to be a smart choice. Sure it looks good, but as you get older and your skin begins to sag, the harsh effects of sun tanning only decreases the health of your skin and ironically makes your skin look terrible by making it age faster.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: left;">Dangers of Sun Tanning Through Research</h3>
<p style="text-align: left;"></p>

During 20th century, sun tans became popular among women as they desired some glow to their skin tone. However, the dangers of sun tanning started to surface through several researches conducted  during the late 1970's and early 1980's. According to these studies, there is a link between the amount of exposure to the sun and skin cancer. This is something we know very well but for some reason people just don't seem to think more than once about it.

Unprotected sun exposure damages our skin. From the moment we walk out of the home, our skin is subject to sun damage regardless of whether it is sunny, rainy, snowing or even cloudy (40-50% of <a title="uv rays" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/featured/what-are-uv-light-rays-protection/"><strong>UV rays</strong></a> still penetrate clouds and reach the earth's surface).
<h3>Sun Tan Myth</h3>
When we are exposed to the sun, melanin production increases and the result is a darker tanned skin. This tanned skin is a defensive response to the suns exposure. Some people believe that sun tans actually protect us from skin cancer but tanned skin are just as easily burnt. If this is the argument that you are hearing, then common sense would suggest that dark pigmented skin are protected from the sun but that couldn't be further from the truth. Dark skinned people are just as easily burnt.

A sun tan provides an SPF of only about 2, which means the protection lasts for only 2 minutes. Even though tanned skin is a protective response, it confirms that there is no such thing as a safe tan under the sun.
<h3>Exposure to Sun's UV Rays</h3>
<p style="text-align: left;"><strong><a href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sunexposure.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-767" title="sunexposure" src="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/sunexposure-200x300.jpg" alt="sunexposure" width="200" height="300" /></a></strong>Skin cancer occurs when too much <a title="uv light" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/featured/what-are-uv-light-rays-protection/">UV light</a> penetrate the skin causing cell mutation and cancerous reactions in cells. In fact, 90% of skin cancers are caused by direct sun exposure.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">The Langerhans cells in the epidermis functions to prevent bacteria from attacking the immune system that is contained in the skin and prevent cell mutation. Unfortunately, even a few minutes of unprotected sun exposure can damage the Langerhans cells that can last for weeks.</p>

The sun (UV rays) also destroys the collagen structure of the skin into a disordered, weakened system. As the UV rays damage the collagen structure, it also damages the Langerhans cells and thickens the exterior of the skin, causing a block of the skin's blood supply and reduction of the skin's elasticity.

In addition, unprotected sun exposure causes skin aging, wrinkles, freckles and sunspots.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
Sun tanning is usually a short term benefit. Want to look older than you really are? Want your skin to sag and be dry? Then sun tanning is the way to go, otherwise you can look into sunless tanning products also known as self tanners. In future posts, we'll be looking more into sun care and how you can achieve awesome safe sun tans with sunless tanning wipes/towelettes.
<p style="text-align: center;">———————————————————————-</p>

If you enjoyed this article and would like to receive more information on <a title="best sunless tanning" href="http://www.thevanya.com">self tanning</a>, sunscreen wipes and the best facial masks please consider <a onclick="javascript:pageTracker._trackPageview('/outbound/article/http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Vanya');" href="http://feeds2.feedburner.com/Vanya">subscribing</a> for free via RSS or <a title="subscribe email" href="http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=Vanya&amp;loc=en_US" target="_blank">Email</a>. No spam mail - ever!

Not sure what RSS is? <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0klgLsSxGsU" target="_blank">Then watch this short clip</a>.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Wed, 09 Jun 2010 05:04:36 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title><![CDATA[Sheet Mask, Sunless Tanning Towels and Sunscreen Wipes]]></title>
      <link>http://www.thevanya.com/blog/best-facial-mask-sunless-tanning-towel-sunscreen-wipes/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>At <a title="vanya" href="http://www.thevanya.com/" target="_blank">Vanya</a>, we are committed to bring to you the <a title="best facial masks" href="http://www.thevanya.com/facial-masks.html">best sheet masks</a>, <a title="sunless tanning towels" href="http://www.thevanya.com/sunless-tanning-towels.html">sunless tanning towels</a> and <a title="sunscreen towelettes" href="http://www.thevanya.com/sunscreen-wipes.html">sunscreen towelettes</a>.</p>
<p>What we try to offer at <a title="vanya" href="http://www.thevanya.com/" target="_blank">Vanya</a> are <strong>high quality, convenient </strong>yet <strong>affordable</strong> skin care and beauty products. <strong>Look young and beautiful</strong>.</p>
<h3>Why VANYA?</h3>
<p>What makes us different? Although a business is business,  <em><strong>we are not just another business</strong></em>.</p>
<p>The main vision of <a title="vanya" href="http://www.thevanya.com/" target="_blank">VANYA</a> is to use the proceeds to <strong>help and sponsor needy children</strong> in 3rd world countries through organizations such as World Vision and Compassion.
  
  So far we currently sponsor two children, but dream of being able to support 100 children a month. Not impossible at all :) </p>
<h3>The Best Facial Mask Sheets</h3>
<p>I've written extensively about facial masks before so here are some highlights in case you missed it.</p>
<p><strong>- Learn the difference</strong> between cotton or <a title="facial mask sheet and mud facial masks" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/facial-mask-sheets-vs-regular-peel-off-face-masks/">paper mask sheets and mud or peel off facial mask</a></p>
<p>- Information on the different <strong><a title="vanya facial mask" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/vanya-facial-mask-sunscreen-wipes-and-self-tan-towels/">types of sheet  masks</a></strong> we carry</p>
<p><strong>- How to apply</strong> a <a title="face mask sheet" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/how-to-apply-facial-mask/">sheet mask
</a></p>
<p><strong>- Benefits </strong>of <a title="sheet type facial masks" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/benefits-of-facial-mask-sheets-for-face-skin-care/">sheet  masks</a></p>
<h3>Sunless Tanning Towels</h3>
<p>- Why <a title="tanning beds unsafe" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/tanning-bed-not-safe/">tanning beds and booths are <strong>unsafe</strong></a></p>
<p><strong>- <a title="self tanning towels work" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/safe-sunless-tanning-with-self-tanning-towels/">How do self tanning towels  work</a></strong>, how long do self tanners last</p>
<p><strong>- </strong><a title="sunless tan towel reviews" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/featured/self-tanning-towelettes/"><strong>Sunless tan towels results</strong>, reviews and testimonials</a></p>
<h3>Sunscreen Wipes</h3>
<p>- Learn about <a title="uv rays" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/what-are-uv-light-rays-protection/">UV rays</a> and <strong>why you should protect yourself</strong></p>
<p><strong>- </strong><a title="sunscreen products exposed" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/sunscreen-products-truth/">Truth about sunscreen products</a>. <strong>Exposed</strong>!</p>
<p>- What are <strong><a title="sunscreen towelette" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/skin-protection-with-best-sunscreen-towelettes/">sunscreen towelettes</a></strong>?</p>]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:46:35 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title><![CDATA[Best & Worst Ingredients for Facial Masks & Cleansing Products]]></title>
      <link>http://www.thevanya.com/blog/facial-mask-cleansers-best-worst-ingredients/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[I recently bought a book titled <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1580623255?ie=UTF8&amp;tag=oldschval-20&amp;linkCode=as2&amp;camp=1789&amp;creative=9325&amp;creativeASIN=1580623255">Beautiful Skin : Every Woman's Guide To Looking Her Best At Any Age</a><img style="border:none !important; margin:0px !important;" src="http://www.assoc-amazon.com/e/ir?t=oldschval-20&amp;l=as2&amp;o=1&amp;a=1580623255" border="0" alt="" width="1" height="1" /> and found some great information that I wanted to share. We all use skin care products and usually have a favorite brand but what about the ingredients it uses. Face skin care products may be marketed as allergy free, organic or natural but do we really know enough about the other harder to understand chemical names?
<p style="text-align: center;"><strong>The best and worst Ingredients</strong> in: <a title="exfoliator moisturizer ingredients" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/exfoliator-moisturizing-products-best-worst-ingredients/" target="_blank">Exfoliators and Moisturizer</a> | <a title="facial mask and cleansing ingredients" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/facial-mask-cleansers-best-worst-ingredients/" target="_blank">Facial Masks and Cleansing Products</a> | <a title="skin care ingredients" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/common-ingredients-skincare-products/" target="_blank">Common Ingredients</a></p>

Below is some information that I've summarized from the book.
<h3>Best Ingredients in Cleansing Product</h3>
Look for these ingredients in your cleansers (in addition to standard beauty boosters, such as alpha hydroxy acides, antioxidants, and vitamins):

<strong>Purified Water</strong>: Look for purified water as the first ingredient in the product. Water provides a fundamental source of pure hydration. It is non-irritating, noncomedogenic, and provides a clean base for good cleansing.
<strong>Propylene Glycol</strong>: Humectants that are oil-free, such as propylene glycol, help heal and soothe irritated skin.
<strong>Sodium Cocoyl Isothionate</strong>: This gentle cleansing agent, derived from coconut, is so mild it is frequently used in baby products.
<h3>Worst Cleansing Product Ingredients</h3>
<strong>Mineral Oil</strong>: This common component in wipe-off cleansers can clog pores and leave a greasy residue on skin. Another reason to shun mineral oil: it is very difficult to rinse off.
<strong>Ammonium-Based Surfactants</strong>: These are cleansing ingredients that are chemically reacted to create ammonium salts, such as ammonium lauryl sulfate and ammonium laureth sulfate. These can over-dry skin, leading to long-term irritation.
<strong>Soaps</strong>: These can dry and irritate skin and should be avoided, especially on sensitive skin.
Cocamide DEA, TEA Lauryl Sulfate, and Sodium C14-16 Olefin Sulfate: These detergent cleansers are known to be potentially serious kin irritants.
<h3>Best Facial Mask Ingredients</h3>
A facial mask should help skin in one of two basic ways: it can be either a purifying (pure cleansing) treatment for oily/acne-prone skin or a hydrating/moisturizing treatment for dry, dehydrated skin. Whatever type of mask you choose, make sure it is formulated for your specific needs.
<strong>Kaolin</strong>: This is a pure Chinese clay that is great for oily skin and is used to gently extract excess oil from the skin.
<strong>Oatmeal</strong>: This common grain offers a soothing ingredient that helps eliminate irritation while it gently calms the skin.
<h3>Worst Facial Mask Ingredients:</h3>
<strong>Isopropyl Alcohol</strong>: Commonly known as rubbing alcohol, this ingredient can be severely drying to the skin.
<strong>Artificial Fragrance</strong>: Fragrances are believed to be responsible for the majority of all adverse reactions to cosmetics. Using a fragrance in a mask keeps this potential irritant on your skin for too long a duration and also poses the risk of fumes aggravating the eye area.
<strong>Peppermint, Menthol, and Eucalyptus</strong>: The potential for fumes to irritate the eye area makes these ingredients undesirable for facial masks]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:45:10 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title><![CDATA[What are UV Rays? Protect Yourself]]></title>
      <link>http://www.thevanya.com/blog/what-are-uv-light-rays-protection/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">We all know about <strong>UV rays </strong>and the harm it does to our skin. The ultraviolet light beats down on our skin and is a major cause of skin cancer which is why we know that being protected with sunscreen wipes and other products is a must. But let's get a little deeper into what <strong>UV light </strong>are rather than the typical "it's bad for your skin" response.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Once you understand the science of ultraviolet rays you'll probably think twice about tanning directly under the sun and try to look for other better and safer solutions.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><img title="uvrays" src="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/uvrays-300x174.gif" alt="uvrays"/></p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;">The Electromagnetic Spectrum</h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">The picture above shows that the wavelength of visible light is between 400 to 780 nm and we see that ultraviolet rays is just below the level of visible light. This means that we cannot see UV light.</p>

<h3>UV Light</h3>
The ultraviolet section is classified into 3 different types: <strong>UVA, UVB and UVC rays</strong>.

UVA light has a wavelength of 315 to 400 nm, UVB from 280 to 315 nm, and UVC from 200 to 280 nm. One important thing to note is that <span style="text-decoration: underline;">the shorter the wavelength the more dangerous it is to us.</span>

Thankfully, there are defensive gases on the earth that absorb all of the UVC and some of the UVA and UVB light. However, the problem is the remaining UVA and UVB rays that fall to the earth's surface.

UVA and UVB rays are also much stronger between 10am and 2pm and it doesn't matter whether it is cloudy or not. That's what I thought and I never bothered to protect myself with sunscreen wipes, but after reading up on it, I realized it was because I couldn't see the light. Remember, UV light exists everywhere. We just can not see it.
<h4><strong>Impact of UVA and UVB rays on Skin
</strong></h4>
How does all this talk on ultraviolet light affect our skin?

Well, these rays damage the cells of our skin when exposed to the sun. Damaged cells either die or is restored by our own repair system. Depending on the extent of the damage done, these un-repairable dead cells turn to skin cancer.
<h3>What are UVB Rays?</h3>
<p><img class="alignright size-full wp-image-790" title="uvraysr-skin" src="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/uvraysr-skin.jpg" alt="uvraysr-skin" /></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">When we lay down at the beach during summer, UVB is a cause for sunburn. Although UVB rays do not penetrate the skin as deep as UVA rays, it still carries a huge amount of energy. This was the reason early sunscreen products contained a UVB filter.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;"><span id="ctl01_ctl02_lblBodyContent">Research suggests that "UVB rays cause a distinctive genetic mutation that permits unabated cell growth, giving rise to cancer (Everyday Health)."</span></p>
<p style="text-align: left;">However, UVB light cannot penetrate glass so there's no risk of sunburn when you sit in a car or next to a window.</p>

<h3>What are UVA Rays?</h3>
Compared to UVB light, 10 to 100 times more UVA rays reach to the earth. So when standing in the sun, you are exposed to more UVA than UVB.  Even though UVA rays carry less energy than UVB rays, it penetrates the skin deeper and the probability of causing skin cancer is higher.

UVA light is also the cause of skin aging. Furthermore, it penetrates glass. So be protected when in the car as well.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:40:36 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title><![CDATA[Tanning Beds Not so Safe]]></title>
      <link>http://www.thevanya.com/blog/tanning-bed-not-safe/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">There are many websites and so called studies without any hard evidence claiming that sun exposure and <strong>sun tanning</strong> is actually beneficial more than it is dangerous. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">This clearly does not make sense and is absolutely false. </p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Science, fact and evidence tells us that <strong>suntans do not protect us from the sun</strong>, sun exposure is not good for our health or skin, sun tanning increases the risk of skin cancer. Being diagnosed with skin cancer may not be a high probability but that probability still exists nonetheless.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Since we are interested in taking care of our skin, I'll put my case for why even tanning beds are unsafe.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: left;">Recap on Ultraviolet Rays</h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">In a previous article on <a title="uv rays" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/what-are-uv-light-rays-protection/">UV rays</a> and <a title="sun tanning" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/featured/ultraviolet-ray-sun-tanning-good-bad/">sun tanning</a> we looked at the science behind UV rays and whether sun tanning is safe.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">To recap on ultraviolet radiation, UVB rays have short wavelengths which only hits the skins surface and is the major cause of burnt skin while UVA light penetrates deep into the skin layer producing the tan and also damaging cells in the process.</p>

<h3 style="text-align: left;">Are Tanning Beds Safe?</h3>
<p style="text-align: left;">The problem with sun tanning beds or tanning booths is that they claim the ultraviolet light they create emits up to 95% less UVB rays than the sun while emitting UVA rays to produce the tan. I would much rather have 95% UVB rays than UVA rays. To me, burnt skin is much safer than getting skin cancer from UVA light.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">Unfortunately, tanning beds concentrate UVA rays all over your body, increasing the risk of skin cancer. A common misconception is that a tanning bed is not a source of sunlight so there are no dangerous UV rays. All UV rays, direct from the sun or manufactured, are the same.</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">What about getting Vitamin D from the sun? Well, all you need is 10-15 minutes two to three times a week. Everybody gets this much from their daily routine anyways so claiming that we need more sun exposure is incorrect.</p>

<blockquote>
<p style="text-align: left;">According to The Center for Science For the Public                  Interest:
Exposing non-sunscreened hands, face and arms to the sun for about                  ten to fifteen minutes (depending on skin sensitivity to sunburning,                  latitude and time of day) two to three times a week between 8                  am and 4 pm gives the body it's Vitamin D requirement.</p></blockquote>
<h3>Sun Tanning Beds</h3>
As I mentioned above, tanning beds use UVA rays to tan the skin. Since UVA does not cause an immediate skin reddening or sunburn as do UVB rays, people do not realize the potential long-term damage to our skin.

<strong> </strong>
<ul>
	<li><strong> </strong>According to recent research, results showed that UVA received in a salon is around 2-3 times greater than the amount of UVA received from the sun. 20 minutes in a tanning bed is same as being exposed one whole day directly under the sun.</li>
</ul>
The attractive bronze skin you see today can lead to skin aging, dark spots and skin cancer tomorrow or decades from now.

Thankfully salons and tanning beds are now subject to the Tan Act which requires operators to properly label and display the warnings of exposure to UV radiation and the health hazard it is.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:39:27 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title><![CDATA[What is a Tanning Booth and is it Safe?]]></title>
      <link>http://www.thevanya.com/blog/what-is-a-tanning-booth-and-is-it-safe/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<p style="text-align: left;">Tanning booths were first introduced in 1999 and by 2000, there were about 20,000 tanning salons that popped up across the United States. Every day, more than a million people were visiting tanning salons. Since this data was provided in 2000, it's safe to assume that the number of <strong>tanning booths</strong> and <strong>tanning salons</strong> and regular visitors per day has dramatically increased.</p>

<h3><strong>What is a Tanning Booth?</strong></h3>
<p>A <strong>tanning booth</strong> is a stationary upright booth. A booth is usually a misters that rotates 360 degree around you and applies the tanning solution evenly on your body, or alternatively it is an upright <strong>tanning bed</strong>, which uses bulbs to shoot out <a title="what are UV rays" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/ultraviolet-ray-sun-tanning-good-bad/">UV A rays</a> to provide the tan.</p>
<p><img class="size-thumbnail wp-image-1077 alignleft" title="spray-mist-tanning-booth" src="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/spray-mist-tanning-booth-150x150.jpg" alt="spray-mist-tanning-booth" width="150" height="150" /> <img class="alignnone size-thumbnail wp-image-1079" title="tanning-booth" src="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/tanning-bed1-150x150.jpg" alt="tanning-booth" width="150" height="150" /></p>
<h3>Tanning Booth Dangers</h3>
Although a tanning booth is quick and easy to use and does a good job of  uniformly tanning your body, it also has negative aspects just like we previously mentioned in the <a title="tanning bed dangers" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/tanning-bed-not-safe/">dangers of tanning beds</a>.

When it comes to the spray or mist tanning booths, not only is your entire body exposed but you are likely to get unwanted exposure to DHA. DHA (dihydroxyacetone) is contained in <strong>sunless tanners</strong> which reacts with the amino acids in the dead layer of your skin and turns it brown.

Although DHA is not absorbed into the body and is considered non-toxis, the FDA advisory warned against such spraying tanning booths because there are possibilities that tanners might ingest some fo the DHA. A  much safer solution is to use <strong>self tanning wipes</strong> or towelletes as they do not spray anything into the air and the application is just as easier, quick and clean.

According to the FDA, it is suggested that tanners cover and protect sensitive skin areas such as eyes, lips, and mucous membranes from the spray and accidental inhalation of DHA-contained chemicals.

Whatever warnings the FDA provides or tanning salons claim, it's up to you to be well informed to make your decision. Tans look great but there are other safe alternatives which doesn't cause skin cancer.]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:37:40 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title><![CDATA[Truth of Sunscreen Product]]></title>
      <link>http://www.thevanya.com/blog/sunscreen-products-truth/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<h3 style="text-align: left;">Do Higher SPF Sunscreen Products Work Better?</h3>
<p><img src="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/sunshine-150x150.jpg" class="alignright size-full wp-image-1384" title="sunshine"text-align: left;"></p>
<p>Do Higher SPF Sunscreen Products Work Better?" alt="sunshine" width="226" height="161" />When you purchase <a title="sunscreen towelettes" href="http://www.thevanya.com/sunscreen-wipes.html">sunscreen products</a>, what is the first thing you usually look at?
  
  I bet it's the SPF, and whichever sunscreen product has the highest SPF, it's the one that usually goes into your shopping basket.
</p>
<p style="text-align: left;">But does a higher SPF mean the sunblock works better?</p>
<h3 style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: 13px;"> </span>Sunblock Product Myth Exposed</h3>
A sunscreen with a SPF of 60 <strong>does not</strong> make it twice as effective in blocking <a title="What Are UV Rays?" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/what-are-uv-light-rays-protection/" target="_blank">UV rays</a> than SPF30 products.

To put it into perspective, a SPF 15 suncream will block roughly 93% of <a title="uv light" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/what-are-uv-light-rays-protection/">UV light</a> while another suncream of SPF 30 will block 97% of the ultra violet light.

So an SPF 60 will only be a slight improvement to 97% since the maximum benefit is limited to 100% which is so far impossible with any sunscreen product.

Of all the sunscreen products out on the market, the maximum rate of blocking achieved is 97-98%.
<h3>FDA Updates Sunscreen Labeling</h3>
<a title="online purchases and labeling" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/how-to-buy-cosmetic-products-online-safely/">Labeling</a> is one of the most important aspects to a customer because whether you know it or not, it's the descriptions on the label that also determine which sunscreen or skin care product we choose over another.

This is why under <a href="http://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/703205">new regulations by the FDA</a>, sunblock can no longer have anything above SPF50+.

Under new regulations, the terms “sunblock,” "waterproof,” “sweat-proof,” and “all-day protection” will no longer be allowed on sunscreen labels.
<h3>How to Get the Most Out of Sunscreen</h3>
To get the most out of the sunscreen you already own, you <strong>must apply enough of the product on your skin</strong> in order to get the protection needed.

Most people complain that a sunscreen product doesn't work but it's usually because they have applied so little.

According to British Journal of Dermatology (January 2007), the actual effectiveness of blocking UV rays dramatically decrease than the indicated SPF level on the product if you don't apply enough of it. Studies also show that <strong>people apply only 10% of recommended amounts</strong>. For every <span style="font-size: 13px;">1㎠ of skin, 2mg of sunscreen is required to be effective.</span>
<span style="font-size: 13px;">
So people end up applying a SPF30 sunscreen but apply so little that they are using the equivalent of a SPF5-10.</span>
<h3>Find a Product Best For You</h3>
However, if you dislike putting on a thick coat of suncream, a higher SPF may work but remember that frequent applications is necessary.

If you are in the water, apply even more regularly. At least every hour as there are <strong>no such things as "water proof" suncreams</strong>. That is just marketing talk.
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:34:23 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title><![CDATA[Skin Protection with Best Sunscreen Towelettes]]></title>
      <link>http://www.thevanya.com/blog/skin-protection-with-best-sunscreen-towelettes/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[Living in Seattle, trust me when I say I know how much I should be thankful for the  sun since I'm in a place constantly under a grey sky but <a title="UVA" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/what-are-uv-light-rays-protection/">UVA</a> still exists and penetrates the skin during cloudy and rainy days. But it's real easy to forget in Seattle. So, the last thing that people worry about is sunscreen protection.

But let's say you splash on some sunscreen lotion and rub it in sparsely. A majority of people still do not use the recommended amount, let alone frequency. This is where <strong><a title="sunscreen towelette" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/vanya-facial-mask-sunscreen-wipes-and-self-tan-towels/">sunscreen towelettes</a></strong> are so convenient and handy.

[toc class="auto-collapse"]
<h3>Vitamin D</h3>
The sun is also a great source of Vitamin D but many people lack the appropriate levels of  vitamin D to maintain a healthy balance.

The average should be between 32-100mg and you can check by getting a blood test or during a physical exam. Mine came out to be 14mg. Drastically under the required amount. Also found out that a  low vitamin D count may cause depression and tiredness.

So this is why you hear people saying that you need direct sun exposure for at least 20-30 minutes every day. The problem is that people over exaggerate this and tend to stay out in the sun far too long. More so when you are having fun.
<h3>Sun Damage and Danger</h3>
<img class="size-full wp-image-1484 alignleft" title="Sunscreen towelette" src="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/sunscreen-wipe-towelette.png" alt="Sunscreen towelette" width="199" height="150" />

Sun exposure to premature skin aging, skin cancer (melanoma), freckles, moles, skin pigmentation (discoloration of the skin) and  sun spots also known as livers spots or age spots. <strong>Light-skinned people</strong> are prone to these types of sun damages.

Prolonged exposure to the  sun also causes a change in the skin texture including a thicker skin with coarse wrinkles (especially on the back of the neck) or thinning of the skin causing fine wrinkles, easy bruising and skin tearing, particularly on the forearms and back of the hands.

In order to protect your skin from the possible sun damage, it is very important to <strong>apply enough sunscreen</strong>.

There are various types of sunscreen products available on the market including sunscreen lotion, powder and <strong>sunscreen towelettes</strong>.

The type of sunscreen product used isn't as important as how well you use it to protect yourself from <a title="what are uv rays" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/tanning-bed-not-safe/">UV rays</a>.
<h3>Different Types of Sunscreen Products</h3>
<h4>1. Sunscreen Lotion</h4>
<strong> Advantages:</strong>
<ul>
	<li>Sunscreen lotion products are the most readily available</li>
	<li>Lots of variety and SPF choices</li>
</ul>
<strong>Disadvantages:</strong>
<ul>
	<li>Messy, greasy, sticky</li>
	<li>Uncomfortable with clothing</li>
	<li>Need to use a  large amount for full body protection</li>
	<li>Can make you look like a ghost</li>
</ul>
<h4>2. Sunscreen Powder</h4>
<h4><strong>Advantages:</strong></h4>
<ul>
	<li>Can reapply on makeup during the day and won't mess it up</li>
	<li>Easy to apply</li>
	<li>No greasiness or stickiness</li>
</ul>
<strong>Disadvantages:</strong>
<ul>
	<li>Only meant for the face</li>
	<li>Impractical as a sun protection product</li>
	<li>Very expensive</li>
	<li>Product contains a small amount</li>
</ul>
<h4>3. Sunscreen Wipes and Towelettes</h4>
<h4><strong></strong><strong>Advantages:</strong></h4>
<ul>
	<li>Convenient. Can carry anywhere.</li>
	<li>Goes on clear and clean. No grease. No stickiness.</li>
	<li>Moisturizes the skin</li>
	<li>Just wipe on to be protected</li>
	<li>Can finally apply sunscreen on energetic children instantly</li>
</ul>
<strong>Disadvantages:</strong>
<ul>
	<li>Quantity loses to sunscreen lotions</li>
	<li>Unknown to consumers</li>
	<li>Not many places sell it</li>
</ul>
<p><img class="alignnone size-medium wp-image-1483" title="Sunscreen towelette" src="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/sunscreen-wipe-front-293x300.png" alt="Sunscreen towelette" width="293" height="300" /></p>
<p>Make sure you get the <a title="sunscreen towelette" href="http://www.thevanya.com/sunscreen-wipes.html">best sunscreen towelettes</a> to protect your beautiful skin. Remeber, your skin looks the way you treat it.</p>
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:33:17 +0000</pubDate>
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      <title><![CDATA[How to Treat Sunburn Skin and Sunburn Remedies]]></title>
      <link>http://www.thevanya.com/blog/sunburn-skin-sun-damage-remedies/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[<p>I previously went over skin care for <strong><a title="dry combination oily skin" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/skin-care-dry-combination-oily-skin/">dry skin, combination skin and oily skin</a></strong> but a discussion on caring for sunburn skin deserves a special look.</p>
<p><strong>Sunburn Symptoms</strong></p>
<p>
  
<img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1547" title="sunburn" src="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/sunburn.jpg" alt="sunburn" width="215" height="144" /></p>
<p>Nobody likes sunburns. It stings, your skin feels hot and it peels. Worst of all, it leaves lasting damage.
  
  Sunburn is also similar to  sun poisoning. In medical terms it's known as photodermatitis which is a allergic reaction by your skin to overexposure to the sun. In the case of sun poisoning, however, the reaction is a bit more severe and the symptoms may become seriously uncomfortable.
  
  With a typical sunburn, it usually involves itching, redness, and peeling. If your skin is badly burnt, you may even experience blisters that can lead to infections.<strong></strong>
</p>
<h3><strong>Treatment of Sunburn Skin
</strong></h3>
If the symptoms you encounter are mild, then treat your skin like any other sunburn. i.e. <strong>drink plenty of water</strong> to keep hydrated and your skin moisturized and hydrated. Also <strong>use an ice pack</strong> or a bag of frozen vegetables to  ease the swelling and itching.

Aloe is also an awesome ingredient to treat sun damaged skin. It relieves pain and inflammation. Avoid oils or anything that contains potential irritants. This includes exfoliants.
<h3>Aloe Treatment of Sun Damaged Skin</h3>
If you go to most Asian or Korean grocery stores, you can buy whole aloe leaves. Always better than buying aloe powder or extract.
<ul>
	<li>Purchase some leaves</li>
	<li>Refrigerate to chill</li>
	<li>Peel off the top layer with a knife to expose the Aloe flesh which  looks like jelly or lychee</li>
	<li>Take long strip of aloe, much like how you would take a filet off a fish, and then apply it directly to your burn.</li>
	<li>When the aloe strip dries out, repeat.</li>
</ul>
If you prefer to use aloe vera juice, keep the sun damaged area moist with the aloe juice and repeat frequently.These methods should reduce the pain and the amount of peeling.

The most important thing to remember is to <strong>keep the sunburn area moist</strong> at all times whether the sun damage is mild or severe.
<h3>Sunburn Remedies</h3>
<h4>Aloe Vera Gel</h4>
<p>As mentioned above, there is nothing better than aloe vera gel. It is antibacterial and deeply healing for burns in part because of aloectin B, which stimulates the immune system</p>
<p>.<img class="alignright size-full wp-image-1548" title="sunburn remedy" src="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/sunburn-remedy.jpg" alt="sunburn remedy" width="350" height="400" /></p>
<h4>Vitamin E Cream</h4>
Vitamin E is a source of  antioxidant which you can find in vitamin E creams, ointments and oils.
<h4>Increase Your Vitamin C</h4>
Another great source of antioxidants. Increase your  vitamin C to help heal sunburned quicker.
<h4>Black Tea</h4>
Tannins contained  black tea helps to sooth sunburn. Soak a black tea teabag and you can either use the tea bag itself or moisten a cloth and place it on the sunburnt area.
<h4>Baking Soda</h4>
Add 1/2 cup of baking soda to a warm  bath or bucket of water and soak. Don't dry the affected area with a towel. Let it air dry instead.

Why backing soda? It cools and helps the skin retain moisture.
<h4>Calendula Cream</h4>
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calendula">Calendula</a> is wonderful healing plant. The flowers are emollient, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antiviral. These plants are rich in <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carotenoid">carotenoids</a> and immune system stimulants. You should be able to find Calendula creams at a health food or supplement store.

At any point, if you suffer from extreme pain or vomiting or if your fever grows too hot (over 104 degrees Fahrenheit), head to an emergency room.<strong>
</strong>
<h3><strong> </strong>Prevention with Sunscreen Wipes</h3>
<p><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-1549" title="sundamage wrinkled" src="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/sundamage-wrinkled.jpg" alt="sundamage wrinkled" width="240" height="180" /></p>
<p>Prevention from sunburn is always the best remedy. You don't have to go through the pain, the hassle and the discomfort.
  
  You also have to be aware of the effects of excessive exposure to the sun which leads to  skin cancer, <strong>deep wrinkled skin</strong>, discoloration and pigmentation. Not a pretty sight is it?
  
  One of the best preventive measure is to use a <strong>sunscreen with an SPF of 30</strong> that offers protection against both <a title="uva uvb rays" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/what-are-uv-light-rays-protection/">UVA and UVB rays</a>. The use of <strong><a title="sunscreen wipes" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/vanya-facial-mask-sunscreen-wipes-and-self-tan-towels/">sunscreen wipes</a></strong> will achieve all this.
  
  If you do really desire a tan , try out <a title="tanning towels" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/safe-sunless-tanning-with-self-tanning-towels/">tanning towels</a> which match the tone of your skin. It doesn't create a disgusting orange glow that screams self tanner. These <a title="sunless tanning towel" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/safe-sunless-tanning-with-self-tanning-towels/">sunless tanning towels</a> are the most efficient, cleanest and <strong>safest </strong>way to a <strong>perfect tan</strong>.</p>
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:31:38 +0000</pubDate>
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    <item>
      <title><![CDATA[Safe Sunless Tanning with Self Tanning Towels]]></title>
      <link>http://www.thevanya.com/blog/safe-sunless-tanning-with-self-tanning-towels/</link>
      <description><![CDATA[We've talked about the dangers of direct <a title="Tanning in the sun" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/ultraviolet-ray-sun-tanning-good-bad/" target="_blank">sun tanning</a> and indoor tanning such as <a title="Dangers of Tanning Beds" href="http://www.thevanya.com/blog/featured/tanning-bed-not-safe/" target="_blank">tanning beds</a>. Does this mean that there are no safe methods of tanning with great results? Thankfully there is and that is where <strong>self tanners</strong> come in.
<h3>Self Tanning Methods</h3>
Self tanners include tanning lotions, tanning sprays and tanning towels or tanning wipes. I personally prefer <strong>self tanning towels or wipes</strong> over lotions or tanning sprays.

I'm not a big fan of the airbrush tanning either. I'm after convenience and quickness. Making an appointment, driving to a salon and then getting airbrushed isn't my idea of convenience.
<h3>How do Self Tanning Towels work?</h3>
<p><a href="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/skin1.gif"><img class="alignleft size-medium wp-image-1086" title="skin1" src="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/skin1-300x288.gif" alt="skin1" width="300" height="288" /></a> </p>
<p>The DHA (dihydroxyacetone) ingredient in tanning towels turns the skin tone darker within 3-6 hours.
  
  DHA is a sugar that interacts with amino acids in the upper layer of the skin. So when DHA makes contact with the stratum corneum layer and combines with oxygen, skin turns dark because the reaction between oxygen and DHA is similar to what happens to foods containing sugar. E.g. an apple turn browns shortly after it has been cut open and exposed to oxygen.
  
  DHA is a <strong>natural ingredient</strong> (a carbohydrate actually, see there is such a thing as good carbs!). Believe it or not, it's basically a sugar. It's perfectly natural and safe.
</p>
<h3>How Long does a Tan with Self Tanning Towels Last?</h3>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/suntan-tissue-open.png"><img class="size-medium wp-image-1085 aligncenter" title="suntan-tissue-open" src="http://thevanya.s3.amazonaws.com/blog/posts/suntan-tissue-open-300x193.png" alt="suntan-tissue-open" width="300" height="193" /></a></p>

The tan lasts for about a week but gradually fades off. This is because millions of dead cells in the outermost skin layer are shed each day.

Up above we saw that DHA reacts with the stratem corneum, which is where your dead skin cells die. Then when these dead skin cells come off each day, so too does the tan.

Most self tanning products contain only about 3-5% of DHA. The higher concentration of the DHA means the darker the skin will be.

However, <strong>VANYA self tanning towels</strong>, contains <strong>6.5% of DHA</strong>, the <strong>highest concentration</strong> among existing self tanning products.

The 6.5% of DHA means that you won't have to use so many towels for a full body tan.
<h3>Benefits of Self Tanning Towels</h3>
<ul>
	<li>Highest DHA level of 6.5% - Darker Color</li>
	<li>Quick and easy to apply - Less than 5 minutes to dry (but different for each individual)</li>
	<li>No streaking or ugly orange color (even application will determine the result)</li>
	<li>Easy to carry - No spillage, leakage or breakage</li>
	<li>No discoloration on ankles, knees, hands, elbows etc</li>
	<li>No exfoliation required - the tissue exfoliates the skin as you apply</li>
	<li>Promotes softer and smoother skin</li>
	<li>Newly developed formula allows even coloring</li>
	<li>Each tissue contains essential self-tanning ingredients</li>
	<li>Self-adjustable tanning level</li>
	<li>Applicable to all body parts including the face</li>
	<li>Natural glowing tan available year round</li>
	<li>No bad chemical odors</li>
	<li>Skin friendly ingredients used</li>
	<li>No harmful effects to your skin unlike direct UV lights, tanning beds, booths and lotions</li>
</ul>
<h3>Tips for Better Results</h3>
<ol>
	<li>You may expect better results if you exfoliate prior to use. Our brand new tanning towels contain exfoliating effects so it is not mandatory to exfoliate.</li>
	<li>Wipe the areas you wish to tan evenly until the tan towel dries up. If the tanning towel becomes dry, take out another towel and commence wiping.</li>
	<li>Wash your hands immediately after use otherwise your palms and areas under the nails will also get a nice tan :)</li>
	<li>Do not take a shower or exercise within 4-5 hours of application. Sweat can cause spots or uneven coloring.</li>
	<li>After checking the result after 4-6 hours,  you may re-apply if you want darker results.</li>
	<li>Tanning lasts for about 7 days. But after 3-4 days the color may start to fade.</li>
	<li>Try not to apply more than 3 times at any single time. This may cause uneven results.</li>
	<li>Wipe in one direction.</li>
	<li>Although you can notice the color change in 3-4 hours, the real tan will be darker in color after 7-8 hours. So it is recommended to apply at night before sleeping. It isn't sticky or leave stain so by the next morning when you wake up you will see the full tan. Take a shower and re-apply if you want darker results.</li>
</ol>
]]></description>
      <pubDate>Thu, 03 Jun 2010 02:29:52 +0000</pubDate>
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