Regular sun exposure is vital to your health — it’s one of the strongest ways to increase your levels of Vitamin D to support your immune system and keep bones, teeth, and muscles healthy. It can also signal our brains to release hormones and neurotransmitters that improve our sleep patterns and our moods. Moderate sun exposure can even help regulate blood pressure! The good news is that — no matter the season or the weather — UV rays from the sun are abundant year-round.

The bad news is that UV rays are abundant year-round, no matter the season or the weather! Even on overcast days clouds only block about 20% of the sun’s damaging rays — and in the winter, snow can reflect up to 80% of UV light back up towards you almost doubling your exposure. That’s why dermatologists recommend everyone wear sunscreen daily on every inch of skin exposed to the elements. Let’s take a look at the top benefits of wearing sunscreen:

 

Protection From UV Rays

Although some sun exposure is good for you — too much can cause major and sometimes irreversible skin damage that can lead to everything from an uncomfortable burn to permanent discoloration to cancer. Sunscreen blocks harmful rays and greatly reduces the likelihood of severe damage. Use an SPF of at least 15-30 every day.

For Every Skin Type

The color of your complexion doesn’t matter when it comes to preventative skin care and protection from UV rays. While fairer skin tones are more easily burned, more melanated skin is at a higher risk for more serious forms of skin cancer. Sunscreen protects all skin equally and it is essential for everyone to wear according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

Lower Risk of Skin Cancer

Did you know that having 5 or more sunburns in your lifetime doubles your risk for melanoma? In the US, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer according to the CDC. In fact, studies show that 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70 and about 85-90% of melanomas and nonmelanoma skin cancers are associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun. However, daily use of sunscreen decreases your risk by half — so slather it on every day!

Prevents Premature Aging

What most people call aging — fine lines, deep-set wrinkles, and sagging skin — is caused by years of sun damage. As a matter of fact, 90% of visible aging comes from a breakdown of collagen due to excess UV exposure. Leave the leather handbag look behind — wear sunscreen every day to keep skin soft and supple for years to come.

Maintain Even Tone

Continuous sun damage caused by tanning and sunburns can leave behind bleached patches or dark spots on skin. Discoloration can be nearly impossible to reverse — even after use of creams and treatments, spots can still resurface. Damage is cumulative and once it’s done it is very difficult to recover the health of your skin. Prevent it and keep complexion smooth and even by wearing sunscreen.

If you’re not sure what to look for when purchasing sunscreen, look for products that offer broad-spectrum protection, water-resistance, and an SPF of at least 15-30. Seek out active ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide — especially for more sensitive skin.

To help easily incorporate this step into your daily routine, try swapping out products you already use — like moisturizer, lotions, and makeup — for a version with SPF included. Don’t miss your ears, neck, lips, and other oft-forgotten areas. Prevent sunburn, reduce your risk of skin cancer, decrease premature aging, and maintain even skin tone — wear sunscreen every day to save your skin from damaging UV rays!

 

Cellulite — the common enemy of women everywhere. It’s the dimpled skin that forms when fatty tissue deep in the epidermis pushes up against connective tissues in our bodies and it naturally develops around the areas where we carry our extra fatty tissue. More than 85% of all women over the age of 21 have or will develop cellulite at some point due to factors as simple as age, estrogen levels, and family history. 

Having cellulite does not impact your overall health — it is simply cosmetic. However, many people don’t like the way it looks and seek ways to reduce its appearance. And while there are many contributing factors we cannot control — some we can and there are several ways to rid yourself of cellulite and prevent it from forming in the first place. 

 

DIET

Inflammation and increased fatty tissues can add to the development of cellulite. Be sure to eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants to fight off free radicals and reduce inflammation. The less fatty tissue on your body the less cellulite you’ll have. 

EXERCISE

Muscle mass helps burn fat. If you’re looking to minimize cellulite and body fat, it’s important to build muscle. Training lower body muscles like glutes and quads are often effective techniques to help lessen cellulite production around hips, thighs, and bottoms. 

SUPPLEMENTS

As we age our skin loses collagen and that can help give rise to cellulite. You can combat this by adding a collagen supplement to your daily routine. Not only will it aid in reducing cellulite, but it will also give you healthier hair, skin, and nails and reduce signs of aging. 

MASSAGE

Production of cellulite is enhanced by poor circulation and inadequate lymphatic drainage. Massage is a great tool to deal with these issues when done consistently. The act of massage can help increase blood flow and stimulate drainage of lymph nodes while also stretching out the skin to help limit dimpling. The best way to make sure you keep up with regular massage is to get a personal massager to use at home — like this one (https://luminanrg.com/collections/body-devices/products/palm-hammer-cellulite-reducer) from Lumina NRG that offers hot and cold settings for cellulite reduction. 

TOPICAL TREATMENT

A simple addition that can help enhance the effectiveness of your massage are topical treatments. There are many different creams, gels, and other products that are marketed to be cellulite reducing — but you’ll have best results when using these treatments in conjunction with massage. Try a formula that includes caffeine (https://luminanrg.com/collections/facial/products/caffeine-booster-cellulite-gel) to help tighten and smooth the skin. 

We believe any body type can rock a bikini — but if you’re self conscious about donning one yourself then it may be worthwhile to check out these cellulite remedies. With some consistent effort you can get smooth skin you’re excited to show off at the beach! Let us know about your results in the comments below. 

You can buy the most expensive skincare products available, but if you don’t apply them correctly you could render them ineffective. When it comes to serums, creams, lotions, and potions -- the order in which you apply matters so that they can effectively penetrate your skin. 

So with so many different options on the market how are we supposed to know what to apply and when? The basic rule to follow is to apply your lightest formulas first and the heaviest ones last -- because thinner products can’t penetrate thicker ones. Here are your steps: 

Step 1: Cleanser -- AM and PM
In order for your skin to absorb all the good stuff you have to give it, you absolutely must start with a fresh clean face. Remove your makeup and use a gentle cleanser to get rid of dirt, oil, and product buildup. 

Step 2: Toner -- AM and/or PM
Toners prepare your skin to receive moisturizers and can generally be grouped into two categories -- hydrating and exfoliating. If you have acne, use an exfoliating toner to unclog pores and dissolve blackheads. If you have dry skin, use a mild moisturizing toner to even your complexion. Make sure to let the toner sink in for at least five minutes before adding on the next product. 

Step 3: Serum -- AM and/or PM
Serums are the lightest products but the heaviest lifters in your skincare routine. They are concentrated shots of hydration and nutrition that pack a punch of antioxidant power. For the daytime we recommend a Vitamin C formula to protect your skin from sun damage and inflammation. For nighttime we like a hyaluronic acid formula that restores moisture and rejuvenates skin while you sleep. 

 Step 4: Eye Cream -- AM and PM
Apply your eye cream before you apply your moisturizer as it is thinner than a face cream. In the morning look for a product that contains caffeine to brighten your under eye area and reduce puffiness. In the evening, you’ll want a more hydrating formula that will restore elasticity to the thin and sensitive skin around your eyes. 

Step 5: Moisturizer -- AM and PM
No matter what your skin type is, a moisturizer is non-negotiable. It keeps your skin barrier healthy and prevents it from drying out throughout the day. Not only does moisturizer hydrate, it also locks in the other products you’ve applied so that they can be most effective. 

Step 6: Retinol -- PM only
Retinol and other Vitamin A derivatives are a popular skincare ingredient that people have been using for decades to reduce the look of fine lines and wrinkles. It works by triggering collagen production and increasing the rate of cellular turnover -- which means it also is useful to fade dark spots and scars! Retinol should be used at night as it can make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. We like to apply it after moisturizer to avoid irritation. 

Step 7: Oils -- AM and/or PM
Facial oils should be your absolute last step before adding sunscreen because no other products will penetrate past them. Face oils work to seal in the products you’ve applied and keep them from evaporating. They help increase the effectiveness of your regimen over time while keeping your skin soft and smooth.

Step 8: Sunscreen -- AM
Your last step before the sun hits your skin in the morning should always be sunscreen! Even if your products contain some sun protection -- you need at least SPF 30 to safeguard against premature aging and skin cancer. Don't skip it!

The more time you give each product to soak in between steps, the better they will work for you. Don’t get lost in the details -- keep it simple! Just remember: apply skincare from lightest to heaviest and give each product time to settle. Before you know it you’ll be seeing the results you’ve been waiting for!

Everyone deserves some quiet time to themselves to indulge in some soothing self-care. If you’re ready to pamper yourself like you’ve never been pampered before, read on to learn how to give yourself the ultimate at home spa experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!

Begin with a steamy shower or an aromatic bath. The heat of the water will soften your skin and prepare it to receive all the goodness you’re about to pour on while removing any leftover traces of makeup on your face. Use this opportunity to exfoliate any rough spots on your body with a scrub. 

After you get out and dry off, apply cellulite firming gel to any problem areas. Massage the product into the skin using long strokes -- or try a device like the Palm Hammer Cellulite Reducer to aid in product absorption. We like the Palm Hammer because it uses heat to stimulate circulation and cold to kill fat cells. Follow this up with a rich body cream. 

Now let’s move onto the facial! The first step is to open up your pores and help release built up dirt and oil. You can do this using a facial steamer, or just perch over a bowl of boiling hot water and cover your head with a towel to trap in the steam.Then use a mild cleanser with warm water to wash away the grime. 

Next it’s time to slough off some dead skin cells. Slather on a high quality scrub, gently work it over your skin in small, upward circles, and then rinse. For a true spa-quality deep clean that removes blackheads, evens skin tone, and shrinks pores you’ll want to use an at-home microdermabrasion device. Microdermabrasion is a process that combines suction and exfoliation to remove the top layer of dead skin cells. The Microderm Device has a diamond head with microcrystalline particles to aid in exfoliation while suction increases blood flow and draws out gunk trapped in your pores. 

Once you’ve achieved a deep-down clean, apply a mask. Whether you want something hydrating, balancing, anti-acne, or anti-aging — choose a mask that features high quality ingredients to help you achieve your desired results. We like this self-heating mask because the warmth helps the product penetrate deep as it sits. While you’re waiting for your mask to dry it’s your time to sit back and relax — listen to some soothing music, meditate, read, or give yourself a massage with an electric massager! Wait the recommended amount of time and then rinse with warm water. 

After your mask, a toner is essential. If you have dry skin, look for a toner made with water-soluble alpha hydroxy acids like glycolic or lactic acid. If you’ve got more oily skin, seek out one with oil-soluble beta hydroxy acids like salicylic acid. This step will prime your face and get it ready to soak up your skincare products. Simply use a cotton pad to swipe it across your skin -- and be sure to wait a full five minutes before applying anything else so you don’t accidentally neutralize the acids before they’ve absorbed!

The first and lightest layer of hydration comes in the form of serums. Serums are the most beneficial product you can add to your skincare regimen. They are potent, concentrated doses of antioxidants, peptides, and skin brighteners. Apply an eye serum to your under-eye area and a face serum over the rest of your face, neck, and chest. Then use a sonic infuser device in upward strokes over your face to help the product penetrate deeply and promote collagen production. 

Next, apply an eye cream to help lock in your serum. You can also use a sonic infuser to help your cream sink in. We like this 3-in-1 Eye Massage Wand to reduce fine lines and wrinkles and ease fluid-retention and puffiness. You should always apply your eye cream before your face moisturizer since it’s usually a thinner consistency. Give it a few minutes to absorb and then add your face cream. This step is key to making your serums as effective as possible.  

Finally, if you’ll be out in the sun after your at-home facial, be sure to apply some sunscreen! We hope we’ve inspired you to give yourself the gift of me-time. This ultimate spa day can be repeated weekly to leave you baby soft, relaxed, and glowing! Shine on -- with Lumina NRG.

Retinol has been used in skincare since the 1970s -- but what is it exactly? And why have people been using it for so long? Let’s take a deeper look at this ingredient that dermatologists have been recommending we use for generations. 

Retinol -- also known as Vitamin A, Retin-A, or Retinoid -- is actually often the umbrella term used to refer to a family of ingredients that include Retin-A (or Retinoic Acid) and Retinol, along with other ingredients in Vitamin A that boost your immune function, repair tissue damage, and improve your eyesight. However, only Retin-A and Retinol are used in skincare. 

Retin-A and Retinol are powerful acne fighting, anti-aging additives that help resurface the skin and reduce fine lines by sloughing off the uppermost layer of the epidermis while plumping the deeper dermis layer and encouraging collagen production. They have been used to decrease inflammation, oil production, and the appearance of sun damage. In addition, they also kill the bacteria that causes acne and they unclog and shrink pores. 

Retin-A is the stronger of the two ingredients and can be prescribed by doctors to treat deep wrinkles and more serious skin conditions -- but too much can cause dryness and irritation. Over-the-counter Retinol is a much gentler option, especially for sensitive skin, so anyone can use it! In fact dermatologists recommend starting a Retinol regimen for everyone as early as 22-25 to help prevent deep wrinkles from forming as they age. The key is to use it consistently as directed in order to see results. 

If you’ve never used Retinol before, we recommend starting by introducing it slowly and watching how your skin reacts. You can apply it at night before your moisturizer -- or if your skin is more sensitive, apply it after! Just make sure your face is completely dry before you slather it on, avoiding the eye area. You can do this two nights on and two nights off and increase the frequency and potency of your products as you acclimate after a few weeks. Don’t forget to always apply sunscreen the morning after as Retinol can make your skin more sensitive to UV light. You should begin to see results after a couple of months! 

We hope we’ve given you the confidence to try adding Retinol to your skincare routine. It might just be the anti-aging miracle you’ve been searching for! Check out LuminaNRG.com for more information.