So, we all know that we are supposed to protect our faces year round. Here’s a regimen that I used to revive my skin after winter’s chill.
I had some blemishes from last month’s stressful, breakout. Or, it could have been from this at home facial that I tried that caused me to break out.  In any event, I started using this cute little roll-on called Scartini – the perfect scar cocktail. Applying twice daily and the blemishes were gone in THREE weeks. I usually get chemical peels for almost flawless skin, but now I have great looking skin at a fraction of the price. Scartini is only $29.99.
Once that was taken care off, I tried a clarifying masque made of red sandalwood and neem from Anokha Skin care (SRP: $30.00). The masque smelled horrible – almost like a mixture of worms, mud and clay on a rainy day. But, it was a nice experience applying the mixture in the shower. Almost like applying icing on a cake — very smooth and buttery. And, I didn’t mind the smell because of all the natural and nourishing ingredients. Results: smooth, moisturized skin.
I also caught up with Paula Begoun. She has a beautiful line called Paula’s Choice and is the author of “Don’t Go to the Cosmetics Counter without Me.” Paula gave me some tips on choosing the right sunscreen for our skin tones – I never really know which number to choose. Here are some guidelines
Identify Your Skin Color:
I’m going to skip levels 1, 2 and 3 
Level 4 skin is medium to tan skin that rarely burns but can turn pink in about 60 to 90 minutes of direct sun exposure yet often tans easily.
Level 5 skin is brown to dark brown skin that very rarely burns and tans easily in about two hours of sun exposure. Those with dark hair and eyes and of Middle Eastern or African-American descent are usually at this level.
Level 6 skin is black skin that never burns and always tans, though a tan is usually not apparent due to depth of natural skin color.
Next, Do the Math:
- Your Level of Sunburn Risk x by the SPF Rating = Safe Sun Exposure for Your Skin Color
- The SPF number is a rating that determines how long you can stay in the sun without burning when you wear that product without needing to reapply it. It does not indicate quality of protection, just length of time. Here’s how to do the math. If you have:
- Level 4 skin (medium to tan): That means you usually get a burn in about 60 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin’s response to various SPF ratings works like this:
- SPF 15 x 60 minutes = 900 minutes (15 hours) of protection
- SPF 30 x 60 minutes = 1,800 minutes (30 hours) of protection
- SPF 45 x 60 minutes = 2,700 minutes (45 hours) of protection
- Level 5 and Level 6 skin (brown to dark brown or black): That means you usually get a burn in about 120 minutes (2 hours) of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin’s response to various SPF ratings works like this:
- SPF 15 x 120 minutes = 1.800 minutes (*30 hours) of protection
- SPF 30 x 120 minutes = 3,600 minutes (60 hours) of protection
- SPF 45 x 120 minutes = 5,400 minutes (90 hours) of protection
- Level 4 skin (medium to tan): That means you usually get a burn in about 60 minutes of unprotected sun exposure. Determining your skin’s response to various SPF ratings works like this:
*Note that level 5 and 6 skin should do just fine with a well-formulated sunscreen rated SPF 15. However, liberal applications is still important. If you do not think you’ll be applying the sunscreen as liberally as you should, consider a sunscreen rated SPF 30.Â
Sorry for the long post, but I had to give you all some tips on protecting your skin.
Thanks for the info. I just checked out the scartini website, and I’m going to order one. It’s always good to have a quick scar healer in the medicine cabinet that won’t bleach you skin.