How to Help Prevent Skin Cancer this Summer

Posted on May 14, 2012

Did you know that May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month? Skin cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer. Despite this, the disease is the most common form of cancer diagnosed in the United States today. So, it’s very easy to see why they’ve dedicated an entire month to help make us aware of the importance of sun protection. Before you enjoy this upcoming summer, the team at Wilma Schumann Skin Care would like to educate you on ways to maintain healthy skin, while still having fun this summer. Here are some of the most significant ways:

Cut back on the sun exposure.

Try reducing your sun exposure between 11am and 4pm. This is when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest. If you’re like most folks this summer and like a nice tan, then at the very least, work your way up to a base tan. The worst thing you could do is to be fair skinned and want to absorb all of the sun for the entire summer on your first sitting! But seriously, you should try to avoid the sun.

Find the shade.

If a tree is nowhere in site, try creating your own shade with an umbrella, shirt or hat.

Protect your eyes.

Radiation from the sun can damage cells in the structures of your eyes causing the increase in risk of developing cataracts later in life. UV radiation can also contribute to the development of skin cancer on the eyelid or on the surface of the eye. This damage can be prevented by protecting your eyes with sunglasses that protect against 100% UVA and UVB rays.

Cloudy doesn’t necessarily mean safety.

Yep, up to 80% of the sun’s rays can penetrate light clouds, fog and mist. On a cloudy or overcast day, you can STILL get sun burnt.

Stay away from tanning beds and sunlamps.

Believe it or not, indoor tanners or more dangerous than natural sunrays. These lights emit mostly UVA/UVB radiation up to 12 times as much as natural sunlight. This radiation causes premature aging of the skin and skin cancer. Don’t fall for the hype!

Be disciplined with sunscreen – even if you’re not fair-skinned.

Even when it’s true that people with darker skin are less at risk for developing the disease than for those with lighter skin, the risk still exists for everyone. It is important for everyone to protect themselves! So, protect and lather up all areas that are exposed with a broad-spectrum sunscreen, such as one of our best sellers Moitsure Protectiv with SPF20, before venturing outside this summer. It applies with a luxurious, matte finish that feels great on all skin types.

Melanoma is highly curable when detected early, but the average prognosis for Stage IV metastatic disease is less than one year. Have you taken the pledge yet? PREVENT. PROTECT. GET CHECKED.

For more tips and information on how to protect you and your skin, visit the Skin Cancer Foundation at SkinCancer.org.

-WS Team

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Top 5 Tips for Beautiful Skin this Spring

Posted on April 2, 2012

1. Use a Toner

Have you ever complained about a toner drying out your skin? Many of us do! This is because most toners on the market contain alcohol, which will dry out your skin considerably and promote dry skin cell build up. But, toners that don’t contain alcohol, like Wilma Schumann’s Soothing Toner, will not strip the skin and will help support any beneficial ingredients from the products that you apply afterwards, like a vitamin-enriched moisturizer, which can result in healthier and plumper skin.

2. Use Glycolic Acid

Glycolic acid is the most effective of the alpha hydroxy acids. Studies show that it helps soften and smooth the skin, reduce clogged pores and breakouts, increase cell turnover rate, fade post-breakout marks and even reduce past sun damage. To keep any type of skin looking beautiful, introduce an alcohol-free, pure glycolic acid serum into your nightly skin care routine. Try Wilma Schumann’s Gylcolic Plus, which contains 10% pure glycolic acid.

3. Wear a Moisturizer with Sunscreen 365 Days a Year

You may say that you’re not out at all during the day. Well, just walking to your car, driving in your car and sitting in your house next to a window will expose you to unnecessary sun damage.  We know that sun exposure is the #1 cause of aging so it is important to use a minimum of SPF 15 everyday, year round, rain or shine and inside and out. Protect against those UV rays and moisturize at the same time with Wilma Schumann’s Moisture Protectiv, which is a collagen, vitamin and essential oil-enriched daytime moisturizer with SPF 20.

4. Properly Care for your Blemishes

First, identify the type of blemish. Is it a cystic or a surface blemish? A cystic blemish is usually a hard, sore lump under the skin and can stay around for weeks.  Do not pick at these types of blemishes! They develop deep in the dermis layer of the skin, and they heal there too. Traditional blemishes, or pimples, are red, moderately sore and form a yellowish whitehead after a day or two. Do not pick at this type of blemish the moment you feel or see it forming. Wait until the infection reaches the surface (usually 1-2 days) and then carefully and gently try to squeeze out the infection. Once the infection is out, apply a spot treatment like Wilma Schumann’s Blemarex because now it can really get into the skin and heal up any remaining infection. Remember, the goal is to remove it AND prevent a mark that lingers for months.

5. Get a Professional Facial

A facial from your licensed esthetician can be considered as maintenance for the health of your skin. Metabolism and circulation slows down as the skin ages, which results in dull and tired skin. A facial can help increase oxygen and circulation, resulting in glowing, healthy skin. This is just one of the many benefits of visiting and maintaining a habitual facial schedule with your esthetician. To find one near you, click here.

So there you have it! It’s not super difficult to have beautiful, healthy skin this spring, but it does require discipline and the use of excellent products.

Here’s to a more radiant, healthy and beautiful you, this spring and all year long.

-WS Team

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Get the most out of your Skin Care Treatment

Posted on February 28, 2012

If you are like most average spa-goers, sometimes a monthly spa visit for a facial just doesn’t seem like enough to get your skin looking its very best.

Whether it’s having to stay late at the office or having to choose between the gym and your skin, relaxing at your spa more than 12 times a year can be unrealistic. But, what if you were given the opportunity to improve your face 730 times out of the year instead of just 12?

Well, now you can! A daily AM and PM skin care regimen with products containing simple and effective ingredients can help transform our skin and adds up to giving you exactly 730 more opportunities a year to maintain the glow we have on our faces when we leave the spa after an incredible  Signature Treatment by Wilma Schumann.

Be sure to ask your esthetician for product recommendations. These trained and licensed skin care professionals have the ability to properly assess the skins condition and treat it with the proper products and procedures. Do not put this responsibility in your own hands.

A habitual skin care routine is vital and must be a part of our daily hygiene regimen. Make your spa visit count by using your recommended products everyday. So how can these products boost your facial? They cleanse, moisturize and protect your skin daily… that’s how.

Cleanse with Soothing Cleanser to gently treat dry, sensitive or mature skin types without removing the skin’s natural moisture.

Moisturize with Collagen 2000, which hydrates the skin, reduces trans-epidermal water loss (TEWL) and aids the skin in its ability to retain moisture.

Protect with Moisture Protectiv that has been formulated to provide outstanding sun protecting benefits while infusing the skin with moisturizers, antioxidants, elastin and collagen.

Maintaining a daily skin care regimen has it’s advantages. A licensed esthetician can make sure you are getting the best possible products for your individual skin concerns, while giving your skin the chance to enjoy 730 more opportunities a year to improve itself by maintaining a steady skin care routine.

Your skin will thank you later!

- WS Team

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