May of course is Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month. Protecting your skin from the sun’s rays is one of the best anti-aging treatments for your skin. Do I think that you need to be coated from head to toe every day with sunscreen? Not really, but you should be aware of your exposure and do other things like the list below that I give you every year:
Prevention Guidelines from the Skin Cancer Foundation
- Seek the shade, especially between 10 A.M. and 4 P.M.
- Do not burn.
- Avoid tanning and UV tanning booths.
- Use a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher every day. For extended outdoor activity, use a water-resistant, broad spectrum (UVA/UVB) sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Apply 1 ounce (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours.
- Cover up with clothing, including a broad-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
- Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreens should be used on babies over the age of six months.
- Examine your skin head-to-toe every month.
- See your physician every year for a professional skin exam.
Love,
Nicole
Get a Bottle Tan, not a Bed Tan
I know Prom and Wedding Season is among us and people are ready to get tanned for the beach, bathing suits, shorts and dresses. I love a good tan as much as anyone and I tanned in the beds when I was younger as well. That was of course until I started learning about skincare and skin health.
Protecting your skin is not just about anti-aging but also about life saving.
Melanoma is on the rise for many different reasons. Please think about the damage that you are causing to yourself before you decide to tan. According to Impact Melanoma, the more you tan and the younger you start tanning, the more likely it is that you will get melanoma. The increased risk of melanoma associated with tanning bed use is 59% for people whose first exposure to artificial UV rays in a tanning bed occurred before age 35. That risk increases with the number of tanning bed sessions per year.
Don’t just take my word for it – here are some important links:
https://www.impactmelanoma.org/learn/are-you-risk-melanoma
https://www.impactmelanoma.org/learn/dangers-tanning
Learn more about the dangers of tanning at these websites:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
American Academy of Dermatology
If you must have some color, use a self tanner or spray tan. My legs are so white and my veins pop out that I always feel better with a little color on my legs. I have used St. Tropez Mousse and currently I am using a mousse by Fake and Bake.
For Airbrush tanning, go see my friends Lindsey, Chandler and Logan at Organic Tan on Haywood Rd and I have also heard great things about the girls at Browning Studio on Woodruff.
May is Mental Health Month
I feel like maybe this is something that doesn’t get talked about enough. Maybe partially because it makes people uncomfortable and there is no way that you feel you can help someone. Everyone has different ways with dealing with things that trouble them and people’s level of mental health issues vary.
I know for me, my mental health is not always that great. I get super busy and forget to even do the basic things I know would help if I just took the time or forced myself to do them. I fight depression, anxiety and loneliness on a regular basis. I can make up the most crazy scenarios in my head. I worry about things that haven’t happened or things that I did that I should have handled better.
It can be overwhelming and rather annoying and I get very upset with myself, which of course doesn’t help at all. I have never been a calm, even-keeled type of person. I am really not sure that is possible. Sometimes the sadness doesn’t last long and sometimes I feel like it will never end. I think we all have to find at least one thing that works to help keep our heads above water on the days we feel like drowning.
For me, one of the best things I started a little over a year ago, but am making it more of a priority now, is my monthly or bimonthly hikes on Wednesday. I love hiking with my group, they are an inspiration to me. I learn so much from them and have always felt welcomed, included, and that I belonged. No one is in competition to see who can get there first. Everyone just wants to take their time and enjoy the day. Maybe part of that comes with age and wisdom–my hiking group ranges from 50ish to 86ish! I am the baby in the group at 45. I would hike every Wednesday with them if I could. I am working on making that happen twice a month on a more regular basis.
As I am writing this newsletter the rain is falling down at a steady rate and has been doing so since early morning. Although I need to have the sunshine, days like today can also bring me a sense of calmness. The trees, bushes, and flowers are all in bloom and soaking up the water. The rain just has a soothing property to it. It really is beautiful looking out my kitchen window into the back yard and the birds are singing away even in the rain. My goal is to turn my house into a little oasis in the woods even though I am in the city. This helps my mental health a lot. I love being in the mountains. I wrote a short story during a writing workshop with Heather Marshall that I think speaks to my crazy brain and the solace that I find in the woods:
I come from this place of haunting struggle so deep that no sun could shine through. The darkness has taken over my spirit. Just as the forest is barren in the winter so is my heart but the sun is starting to peak through. As the limbs sprout new growth and flowering buds so does my heart. The rough darkness is coming to pass and exciting beauty is springing forth.
I fear the loneliness that sometimes grips my soul and drags me into the darkness. I fear letting go that which has protected my heart.
The sound of the wolves crying off in the distance reminds me of the pain I once survived. I fear that which is unknown.
I dream of a day when the cleansing rain washes the stench of disappointment and hurt from my soul. In the wake of the soothing rain, joy and happiness radiate from me the color of golden sunshine where the darkness no longer has a place to hide.
Come with me…..
Come with me to my forest to feel the healing powers of the Earth. To feel the soft covered ground of leaves under your feet. Hear the birds singing their happiness, hear the howl of my friend the wolf. The music of the forest is all around to heal your soul and to grant you access to this new life.
Also, I have a file (though I forget about it a lot) that has cards, letters, notes and things from people over the years that just make me feel better about myself. I also have some items pinned on the wall at my office at work. I think this is a great idea to have something you can look at when you are having your down days. Or maybe even video links that you can go to that always make you laugh or a play list with music that just makes you feel good.
I will post some links and inspiration on Facebook as the month goes along or if I get my act together, maybe write a blog post or two. Be sure you are signed up the blog posts as they come separately from the newsletter.
Here’s a great list of ten Instagram accounts to follow for mental health.
And here’s a little something to make you smile:
Facial of the Month: Blackberry Vanilla Bean Facial
Savor the bursting fruit scents of blackberries (marionberries) followed by soothing vanilla bean aromas with this anti-aging, hydrating and firming Spring facial. The Blackberry Enzyme contains 5% mandelic acid, hibiscus flower, fig and pineapple enzymes. The skin is then treated with a Vanilla Bean Hydrating Mask to hydrate, firm and improve skin tone.
Blackberry Vanilla Bean Facial Duo includes:
Blackberry Enzyme: Contains 5% mandelic acid, hibiscus flower (a gentle alternative to AHAs), fig and pineapple enzymes. Perfect for normal and combination skin.
Vanilla Bean Hydrating Mask: This hydrating mask is packed with antioxidants and hydration. Glycerin and mushroom hydrate, firm and improve skin tone. Vanillin is an antioxidant to help neutralize free radicals; passion flower, feverfew and yarrow possess anti-viral/fungal/bacterial properties.
1 Hour Treatment – $70
Raspberry Moon’s Eco- and Skin-Friendly Sunscreens
We carry an assortment of sun protection from several companies that value eco-friendly products that are good for your skin.
Reef Safe
Reef Safe™ Oxybenzone Free Eco-Friendly Sprayable SPF 50 Biodegradable Sunscreen $15.00
Reef Babies® Oxybenzone Free Eco-Friendly Sprayable SPF 30 Biodegradable Sunscreen $15.00
These Reef Safe Sunscreens are:
- NEW Oxybenzone Free Sunscreen Formula
- UVA & UVB Broad Spectrum Protection
- Water Resistant up to 80 minutes
- Biodegrades in Oceans, Lakes & Rivers
- Non-toxic to Sealife
- Proven Coral Safe by Mote Marine Laboratories
- Bait Safe ~ Won’t Kill or Contaminate your bait!
- Eco-Friendly – Biodegradable Formula!
- Do not use on infants under 6 months of age without consulting a physician
Highly recommend that all sensitive skin types apply a small test patch prior to total body application. If irritation develops please discontinue use.
Reef Babies® Bundle
A great deal for your Reef Baby! All the products you need to protect and nurture your Reef Baby’s skin. $38.00
Reef Babies Bundle includes
- (1) SPF 50 lotion 4 oz
- (1) Soothing Baby lotion 4 oz
- (1) Re-Nourishing Baby Oil 4 oz
- (1) Soothing Baby Wash 4 oz
- (1) Calming Baby Shampoo 4 oz
- (1) Detangling Spray Conditioner 4 oz
- (1) 4pc Assorted Pirate Duckies
- (1) Vinyl drawstring travel bag large
Reef Safe sunscreens are Proven Coral Safe & Non Toxic to Sea Life. They also biodegrade in Oceans, Lakes, & Rivers. Want to read all about their testing? Check out https://tropicalseas.myshopify.com/pages/real-science
Colorescience
Brand New from Colorescience: Sunforgettable ® Total Protection™ Duo Kit SPF 50 – $89 ($108 value)
This powerful duo features our Colorescience ® Sunforgettable ® Total Protection™ Face Shield SPF 50 and Brush-On Shield SPF 50 for total environmental protection from UVA/UVB, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation. Designed with EnviroScreenTM Technology to provide invisible, 100% mineral protection from environmental aggressors such as UVA/UVB, pollution, blue light, and infrared radiation. Patented ingredients and hydrating, antioxidant-infused mineral formulas nourish skin and protect against free radicals that contribute to skin damage. Total protection throughout the day, wherever you go.
SPF30 and 50 Medium Tint Powdered Sunscreen – $65
- The only powder sunscreen brush recommended by the Skin Cancer Foundation
- Always 100% non-chemical, mineral sunscreen actives
- Water/sweat resistant (80 minutes)
- Hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic
- Dermatologist recommended
SPF30 Face Shield Whipped Sunscreen – $35 or SPF50 Face Shield Whipped Sunscreen – $39
Perfect protection from UV rays and environmental stressors with Colorescience® Daily UV Protector™. Blur imperfections with this non-greasy, lightweight formula—whipped for your routine.
- Broad Spectrum SPF 30 or 50 Sunscreen
- Water resistant (40 minutes)
SPF20 Skin Bronzer or Brightener Primer – $49
Brighten your complexion, remove dullness and extend makeup wear with Colorescience® Brightening Perfector. An illuminating boost for your skin in a soft yellow tint.
You’re on vacation every day with Colorescience® Bronzing Perfector. Extended makeup wear and the radiance you crave in an instant sun-kissed tint.
Both are:
- Broad Spectrum SPF 20 Sunscreen
- Water resistant (40 minutes)
Total Eye Protect with SPF30
Read our April newsletter for all the details on this new product
SPF35 Tinted Lip Gloss
Sun protection, a touch of gloss, and just the right natural color. Colorescience® Lip Shine dresses your smile for every occasion.
- Broad Spectrum SPF 35 Sunscreen
- Water resistant (40 minutes)
Available in Champagne, Rose and Siren. $29
Skin Script
Sheer Protection SPF 30
For all skin types. This is a light cream, sheer feeling sunblock that provides both UVA/UVB protection. Great for daily wear as it lightly moisturizes and protects the skin.
Active Ingredients:
- Zinc Oxide (ZinClear™) – Zinc Oxide is a safe and non-irritating UV absorbing material
- Aleurites Moluccano Seed Oil (Kukui Nut Oil) – High in the essential fatty acids linoleic and linolenic acids. These acids are vital for the metabolism of healthy skin. Kukui nut oil is easily absorbed by the skin. It soothes irritated skin.
- Porphyra Umbilicalis (Red Algae) Extract – A natural UVA-screening compound from sea algae to protect the skin against photoaging.
Win A Summer Goodie Bag
Want to win a bag full of summer goodies? Here is how:
During the month of May, come in for a service, purchase Sunscreen from Raspberry Moon, or write us a review on Google, Facebook, or Yelp. You’ll be entered in our drawing for this awesome package:
- Raspberry Moon Black Tote
- Super Cute Giraffe Large Beach Towel
- SPF50 Reef Safe Sunscreen Spray
- Toucan Drink Floatie
- Toucan Drink Cooler
- Sand Toys
- Bubbles
- Sticker
- Car Freshener
- Sunglasses Holder
- Coola SPF30 Lip Balm
One entry for each action, so you can earn up to five entries if you do all of the above. We’ll announce the winner in next month’s newsletter.
Appointments and Online Booking
Did you know that we now have an online booking system? Check it out at www.RaspberryMoonST.com (click the Book Your Appointment button on the right). This system enables us to send appointment confirmations, reminders, and allows you to change your appointment.
I do my best to get everyone in at their preferred times. If for any reason you are unable to make your appointment please let me know a minimum of 2 days beforehand. You will receive an email when you book your appointment and should also receive your appointment reminders via email 2 days beforehand. Please be sure to check your spam folder and add us to your safe list! Remember this is a courtesy reminder, not reading your emails is not a good reason for missing your appointments. If you do not show up for your appointment or cancel with less than 24 hour notice you will be charged the full service. I understand emergencies happen but we all need to respect each other’s time.
Out of the office:
- June 21 to July 6 – Hawaii Trip with Mom
- July 26-30 – taking Mom to PA
Sundays I will be working the next couple of months:
- May 20
- June 17
- July 22
