skincare-related stories
Look Better Without Trying - This Week on AOL Health
Fitness, Alternative & Green Health
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Fit-Shoe Guide, 25 Best Skin Tips and What She Thinks of Your Body in Bed - Links We Love
Fitness, Alternative & Green Health
We at That's Fit and AOL Health know you've got a lot going on in your lives besides staying in great shape, and we realize that more than just diet and exercise goes into feeling your best every day. That's why we're sharing some of the exciting reporting going on at AOL Health.
Want to know the best way to tell if the shoe fits for walking? Then head on over to AOL Health's walking shoe shopping guide.
Eating more tomatoes and fewer (OK, no) fries isn't just good for your waistline -- these two small changes may help reduce the degree of your sunburn and help fight acne, respectively. Check out more tips for healthy skin here.
Just what does a woman think of her lover's looks? AOL Health polled over 4,000 women about their sexual histories and preferences and for this particular question, 42 percent of poll takers confessed that they're more concerned with being attractive to their lover rather than being attracted to their partner. A third are concerned with both how attractive they are and how attracted they are to their partner, while 17 percent think looks don't matter at all. More women's sex secrets are revealed here.
Want to know the best way to tell if the shoe fits for walking? Then head on over to AOL Health's walking shoe shopping guide.
Eating more tomatoes and fewer (OK, no) fries isn't just good for your waistline -- these two small changes may help reduce the degree of your sunburn and help fight acne, respectively. Check out more tips for healthy skin here.
Just what does a woman think of her lover's looks? AOL Health polled over 4,000 women about their sexual histories and preferences and for this particular question, 42 percent of poll takers confessed that they're more concerned with being attractive to their lover rather than being attracted to their partner. A third are concerned with both how attractive they are and how attracted they are to their partner, while 17 percent think looks don't matter at all. More women's sex secrets are revealed here.
Sunscreen, SPF and Vitamin D - What You Need to Know
With so much conflicting information about sunscreen, SPF and Vitamin D (oh my!), it's really difficult to sort out what's right for you. Should you wear a high SPF sunscreen every time you step outside? Are high SPFs just a marketing ploy? Or you should actually spend time outside without sunscreen because you're lacking Vitamin D? Will that give you skin cancer?
To clear things up, I talked to Dr. Leslie Baumann, who is both a professor and the director of cosmetic dermatology at the University of Miami (you can get some great information from her at The Skin Guru), and she had plenty to say about all of these questions.I recently read that marathon runners are at greater risk for skin cancer because, for one, they're outside more often, and even if they always wear sunscreen, they're sweating and don't generally reapply as often as they should. Baumann said the trick to staying safe and sporty in the sun is to reapply every hour or after swimming. "They should pat the sweat away, not rub with a towel -- rubbing removes SPF."
Beautiful Foods
Reviews & Products, Nutrition & Supplements
Has anyone else noticed a preponderance in the number of TV commercials pushing antioxidants? Every other beauty product is "infused with the power of antioxidants," and every new juice on the market has also harnessed the healing powers. I mean, even if you're not one to jump on the newest health and beauty trends, you've got to be wondering what antioxidants can do for you.
And I've got the answer -- a lot. Dr. Leslie Baumann, a leading global expert in dermatology, wrote in her most recent Skin Type Solutions newsletter that, in addition to preventing "heart disease, liver disease and certain forms of cancer, they may also offer some protection against neuro-degenerative conditions like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. And if these aren't good enough reasons to convince you to start guzzling the pomegranate juice, I can also give you another one: Antioxidants also help prevent wrinkles."Basically, antioxidants help protect against free radicals, which cause damage inside and out and contribute to premature aging of the skin. (To be clear: While antioxidants can prevent further damage, they won't remove existing wrinkles). But, as Baumann says, there are plenty of ways to get these protective antioxidants, both orally and topically.
Lipo in a Bottle - Can It Really Work?
So, you've got cellulite. Who doesn't? Even if you're thin and totally fit, it's entirely possible to have a bit of orange peel skin on your booty and thighs, especially as you age. And it's not easy to get rid of, that's for sure.
But, short of lipo, what's a girl to do if she wants to ditch the cottage cheese butt? Can any of the products out there actually get rid of cellulite, or are they essentially just pricey lotions?I had a chance to try out Elemis Body Sculpting Lip-Refining Serum and Elemis Body Sculpting Firming Cream, which are designed to work together to reduce cellulite. In fact, Elemis boasts that, in 2006, independent clinical trials showed that 96 percent of women experienced positive slimming results, and 92 percent of women found that the appearance of "orange peel" skin was reduced by up to six percent. And while that's all fine and good, what I really wanted to know was whether or not it would work for me!
Sunproof Your Skin in Seconds

OK, we all know that we need to wear sunscreen every time we go outside. But, in reality, as the days get longer, many of us find ourselves taking part in outdoor activities at the last moment, and we either don't think about applying sunscreen, or don't want to take the time to go back home to grab it.
I have two solutions for you. Both are totally portable and mess-free, and both will fit in your purse for quick application on the go. See? No more excuses!First up is Mission Skincare's Anti-Sting SPF 30+ Facestick ($8.99). It looks like a giant chapstick, only the product inside is designed to go on your face. It's designed to be both sweat- and waterproof, is oil free and vitamin enriched and is free of preservatives, parabens and PABA. I've found it most useful when I need to reapply to the areas of my face that get burned most easily -- my nose and cheeks. It goes on a little thick and is easy to spread out. I can't guarantee, however, that it will go on effectively over makeup.
Nice and Natural At-Home Beauty Treatments

This time of year, I don't know of anyone who couldn't use a little pick me up. We're all a little tired, slightly stressed, and unfortunately, it shows.
I know lots of folks who take a day and head off to the spa, but that's a little pricey for my taste. Plus, when you go to the spa, you're relying on their products and their ingredients, many of which might have more artificial ingredients than you'd really like.
My suggestion? Set aside a little time this holiday break for yourself (think of it as a gift, if you must) and take advantage of one or two of the all-natural, DIY beauty tips in the gallery. You'll feel better, which will help you look better, which is definitely a bonus when everyone starts snapping pictures around the Christmas tree.
Emerita Giveaway - We Have a Winner!
Many of you shared your biggest skincare problems with us for a chance to win an Emerita prize pack worth approximately $280, and from the sounds of it, there are a lot of fabulous over-40 ladies out there who could use some high-quality skincare products. Perhaps you should send the giveaway link on to your friends and family to show them what you really want to see under your tree this Christmas!Unfortunately, we can only select one winner, and the lucky reader who won last week's Fit Beauty Giveaway was Kim, who said, "I would love to try this! I have hit the dreaded menopause and am fighting the battle of the dry skin on the cheeks and eyes while still oily around the nose and chin." In addition to the skincare products, Kim will receive a zebra print scarf. You know, just in case she's not feeling sexy enough already!
Kim, you'll have to let us know how the products work for you. As for the rest of you, check out Emerita's website to see which of these natural products are the best match for your skin!
Giveaway Reminder - Emerita Skincare and a Stylish Bonus
When you're healthy, it shows. However, it's not just your muscles you need to take care of -- what about your skin?Luckily for all you fabulous 40+ ladies out there, this week's Fit Beauty giveaway is a fabulous assortment of Emerita skin care products, all formulated specifically for your skin. Because, let's face it -- wrinkles aren't the only skin issue women of a certain age face, right?
This really is a fantastic prize, valued at about $280. Even if it's not something you need for yourself, I bet you have a mom, aunt, neighbor, or someone else who would just love to find these products under her tree. Am I right? So head on over and enter -- it's super easy, and it just might be your lucky day!
Giveaway - Emerita Skincare and a Stylish Bonus

I've talked about Emerita before here at Fit Beauty -- it's a great company that makes a wide range of fantastic products for fabulous women over 40. Looking for a skincare routine made to accommodate the changes you've seen in your skin as you've aged? Look no further -- whatever you need, I would bet they have.
And now, you might just have the chance to try out the whole line of high-quality skincare products for free with this week's Fit Beauty Giveaway! Here's what we're giving away this week:
Microdermabrasion Face Scrub,- Day Face Cream with SPF 15,
- Regular Day Face Cream,
- Night Face Cream,
- Dark Circle Eye Serum,
- Fine Line Eye Serum,
- Moisturizing Face Cleanser,
- Deep Hydrating Body Lotion,
- and Exfoliating Face Cleanser.
And, because you'll be looking fierce and feeling frisky after using all these products, we're throwing in a Pink Zebra Animal Print Scarf from The Pashmina Store, too!
Entering the giveaway couldn't be easier. See below for details.
- To enter, leave a confirmed comment below saying what your biggest skincare problem is.
- The comment must be left before 5pm ET on Friday, December 12, 2008.
- You may enter only once.
- One winner will be selected in a random drawing.
- One winner will receive one Emerita goodie bag and one Pink Zebra Print Scarf (valued at $280!).
- Open to legal residents of the 50 United States, and the District of Columbia who are 18 or older.
Winners are notified by email, so make sure to check next week to find out if you're the winner!
Get Your Skin and Hair Ready for Winter

For many, winter is in full swing. The question is, have you taken care of your hair and skin as the weather changed? Temperatures dropped and with the heater going and everything, your house has probably gotten a little drier, meaning you need to take some extra precautions in order to stay your beautiful self!
For winter-friendly hair care, think about adding a weekly deep conditioning treatment, like Biolage's Ultra-Hydrating Balm. It smells yummy and helps get your hair back in shape. And, on a daily basis, think about a leave-in conditioner or detangler, like Healthy Sexy Hair's Soy Tri-Wheat Conditioner -- I swear, my hair has never been as soft as when I've used that.
As far as skin goes, different products should be used for different parts. Of course, you should always use a lotion with SPF 15 or so, just for daily sun exposure, but you should also consider treating your face with something soothing -- after all, your skin is dealing with a lot of changes with winter weather. Renee Rouleau offers a lightweight Stress Recovery Lotion that works for all skin types, ridding you of redness and uneven color. VedaMama has a fabulous Scrumptious body cream that's ultra moisturizing (and all natural) for the rest of your body, but if you're looking to save some cash, I've always had good luck with Eucerin's line of products.
Giveaway Reminder - AloSun Trial & Travel Collection

Have you entered the AloSun Trial & Travel Collection Giveaway yet? If not, you'd better get a move on -- you only have until this Wednesday to do so!
AloSun has long been known for quality hair and skin care products at reasonable prices, and this is your chance to try a variety of their pampering products. Whether you want to treat yourself right now, plan to take a vacation somewhere sunny soon, or you just want to have these products on hand when springs comes around next year, you really ought to enter.
And, with this contest, we'll have five winners, so you have a better than normal chance of being a winner! All you have to do is go to the contest page and leave a comment. So, go -- now!
FitBeauty - September is National Skin Care Awareness Month

This month is a good time to take stock of how you're treating your skin -- it's National Skin Care Awareness Month, which was founded by skin care expert Renée Rouleau. What's interesting about it being in September is the fact that so many people think of skin care more as a summer issue, or, perhaps as a winter issue when all of a sudden your skin is dry and cracked. The truth is, sunscreen should be used year round, and to keep your skin looking its best for as long as possible, you need to care for it properly every day.
Renée Rouleau's products are based on nine distinct skin types -- she believes that, "with the proper tools, effective products, and a disciplined approach, anyone can have great skin." Skin care is multifaceted -- it includes dealing with wrinkles and acne, skin cancer and sun protection, rosacea and sensitivity, and more. She has products for all of these issues.
Fit Beauty: Body Scrubs 101
Reviews & Products, Alternative & Green Health
Most women are familiar with body scrubs, even if they don't use them. Scrubs are designed to get rid of dead skin and rough patches, leaving you with skin that's smoother, healthier-looking, and more radiant.However, certain types of scrubs are great for your body, but not your face -- and vice versa. Additionally, if you're working on a particularly dry, scaly area of skin, like your elbows or your heels, you need a whole other level of scrubby goodness to get the desired effect.
Check out the gallery to get schooled in Body Scrubs 101. There's a little homework involved in the form of DIY scrubs, but don't worry -- a successfully scrubbed post-bath body is all you need to get an A!
Fit Beauty: Natural beauty products that make you feel great
Natural Products, Alternative & Green Health
It's funny how different people are about their bath time routines. I have plenty of friends who like nothing more than to soak in a hot bath for half an hour, while others want to get in and out of the shower as quickly as possible. I fall somewhere in between -- there are times when my muscles are screaming for a hot shower, and I take a little longer than normal, but there are quite a few times I'm in and out in very little time.What doesn't change, however, is my love of good products. What's a shower (or a bath) without a shampoo that smells amazing, or a soap that's totally invigorating? And, of course, it has to feel great on my skin.
Lately I've been hearing a lot about Dr. Bronner's Magic Soaps. The company has been around for 60 years, though only recently have they gone from being a cult favorite natural food store brand to being embraced by the masses. The products are completely eco-friendly and certified organic as well as fair trade certified. Besides all that goodness, there are over 30,000 words written on the labels of all the products epitomizing the founder's beliefs -- makes for good reading!
























