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Ole Henriksen

The Skin Guru's Blog

Become your own expert with news, advice and skin care secrets from Ole Henriksen

what is an SPF and how does it work? part: 3

In the last two blog posts, I covered the basics of SPF and how to keep your skin protected. For the third and final post in our SPF summer blog series I want to share some information on UVA and UVB sun rays and what it means to have full spectrum sun protection.

When sunlight reaches the earth through the ozone layer (the earth’s protective layer), it comes in two main forms: ultraviolet A and ultraviolet B rays – also known as UVA and UVB rays. These are the main causes of damage to the skin from the sun. UVA and UVB rays affect the skin's sensitivity to sun exposure in different ways.

UVA rays = Aging

UVB rays = Burning

Penetrates deeply into the skin and breaks down collagen and elasticity causing premature aging.

Mainly responsible for severe sun burns and skin cancers, and damaging the immune system.

Can pass through window glass

Cannot pass through window glass

Can still penetrate skin even on a cloudy or rainy day.

Is more intense during the mid-day, summer and high altitudes

Is present all day, everyday of the year

Helps the body make Vitamin D

Causes long-term Skin damage

Causes tanning

All OLEHENRIKSEN SPF products have what is call “full spectrum” coverage. This means that when you wear an OLEHENRIKSEN sunscreen like hands forward or herbal day creme, you are fully protected against both UVA and UVB rays.

This concludes our three part SPF summer blog series, but of course, if you have any other SPF questions feel free to leave them in the comments below or email us here. Have a safe and happy summer!

what is an SPF and how does it work? part: 2

In the first SPF blog, I broke down what SPF means, how to calculate the amount of time you’re protected and what type of coverage an SPF gives you. Today, I want to give you a little more information on summer’s hottest accessory.

Did you know that there are two different types of sunscreen? I didn’t!

Chemical Sunscreen

Physical Sunscreen

Contains ingredients that absorb UV radiation so your skin doesn’t

Contains ingredients that reflect UV radiation from your skin

Main ingredients like: Avobenzone, Octocrylene, Octisalate and Octinoxate

Main ingredients like: Titanium Dioxide and Zinc

Has a transparent appearance after being massaged into the skin

Has a thicker appearance that sits on top of the skin

Good for deeper skin tones or people that tend to not burn easily

Good for fair skin tones that tend to burn easily or extended sun exposure

Example: herbal day creme spf 15

Example: skin insulator creme spf 15

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Any SPF protection should be applied 30 minutes before sun exposure, reapplied every 2 hours and immediately after swimming or heavy sweating. It’s recommended that at least 2 TBSP or one ounce of sunscreen be used to cover the entire body – and don’t forget your lips or hands!

Next time I’ll cover some information on full spectrum sunscreens and the difference between UVA and UVB rays. Have a happy and safe weekend!

Ole's homemade beach body scrub!

Looking to get your body beach ready? Look no further! Ole Henriksen has the perfect beach body scrub for those with dry, and lackluster skin to give your skin a sexy summer glow. According to Ole, this scrub holds the secret to “baby-smooth” skin—something I know we all crave!

Here’s the recipe for Ole’s famous Beach Body Scrub:

Makes 1.5 Cups – Approximately 3 treatments

Ingredients:

½ C of finely grained sea salt

½ C of finely ground coffee

¼ C of sesame oil

½ Tsp of eucalyptus essential oil

Directions:

In a small bowl, mix the salt, coffee, sesame oil and eucalyptus oil. Use the scrub in the shower away from running water. Massage into damp skin with long, firm semi-circular movements. Take your time in order to activate all of the ingredients. Rinse well. Store the leftover scrub in the refrigerator in an air-tight Tupperware. This scrub can be used 3-4 times per week.

Sea salt is used to retexturize the skin, while the coffee grounds help firm the skin and fight cellulite. Sesame oil is an important ingredient because it nourishes and softens your skin. Finally, the eucalyptus oil purifies and oxygenates the skin.

Now you can whip out that itsy-bitsy teeny-weeny yellow polka dot bikini with confidence to show off your silky smooth skin. Happy summer!

a day of pampering for dad!

Treat the man that taught you how to ride a bike, throw a ball,

or build the perfect sand castle!

This Father's Day, OLEHENRIKSEN FACE/BODY SPA has three fabulous packages that are especially geared toward that special man in your life! Treat dad to one of our three Father's Day packages anytime throughout the entire weekend from today, Friday June 18th through Sunday June 20th.

JUST FOR HIM - If your dad has had a busy weekend of golfing or even if he spent last night watching the NBA championships, this package may be the perfect gift!  This package includes a 50 minute sports massage plus a 30 minute hydrotherapy soak for $99.00.

HIS CHOICE - Perhaps your dad, husband or brother is looking for some head-to-toe relaxation. In that case, this package will be perfect for him. This package includes a 50 minute massage combined with a 50 minute body treatment OR facial for $175.00.

ROYAL DADDY - For the father who really deserves that deluxe treatment, we’re offering an special package. The ROYAL DADDY package includes a 50 minute deep tissue massage and a 50 minute hydrafacial treatment for $245.00.

Our hydrafacial is our newest treatment at the OLEHENRIKSEN FACE/BODY SPA. It applies an innovative technology that is the most recent advance in non-laser skin resurfacing. The hydrofacial works on wrinkles, hyprepigmentation, acne, congested pores, and uneven skin tone without injections, discomfort or downtime. Typically, this treatment runs for $245—so, you’re really getting a massage for free!

Call to book at 310.854.7700 or book online here. You know he deserves only the best! Happy Father’s Day!

beauty to go for the traveling pro!

Summer is upon us and we all know what that means—it’s the peak of travel season! As a well-traveled chica, I’m always looking for a new way to whiz through the dreaded security line. Carry-on bag in tow, I never want to leave behind my favorite beauty products needed for the trip!

The Transportation Security Administration allows travelers to bring as many 3 fl oz containers of liquid or gel that can fit into a plastic zip top bag. And, boy, do I have some exciting news for all of you OLEHENRIKSEN loving travelers! The vast majority of our product line comes in containers or jars that are under 3 fl oz just for your traveling convenience! For example, each starter kit provides you with a complete AM and PM beauty routine that will last you approximately 3 months. Or, if you’re looking to take along some body products, all of the goodies in our worship your body kit are 2 fl oz.

We are dedicated to selling high quality products for the traveling and carry-on pro! Now you can save time in the security line…forget the baggage claim, be a pro traveler–and get it all done with beauty and grace!

summertime and the livin's easy...

The sun can be our best friend, providing our bodies with many essential vitamins; but, it can also be our worst enemy causing painful burns, life-threatening sun damage, or those unattractive age spots. Also known as “those things we all try to avoid like the plague!”

The June issue of European Men’s Health Magazine mentions OLEHENRIKSEN’s hands forward creme as a way great way to impress the ladies! They talk about how a swanky restaurant and smooth moves will come to nothing if your hands look like they’ve gone toe-to-toe with a meat grinder!

And let me tell you – it’s true! For a man, your hands signal to us ladies how well you take care of yourself!

“The hands are always exposed to the elements on a daily basis and therefore are more prone to showing the signs of aging if not properly cared for,” says Ole, “and if you want to tell a person’s true age, all you need to do is look at their hands!”

Here at OLEHENRIKSEN our hands forward creme – SPF 15 is a sun care product specifically designed for your hands! Not only does the hands forward creme soften and smooth your skin with shea butter, but it also stimulates cell renewal with sugar maple extract.

Now, are you sitting down for this one? One of the main ingredients in the hands forward creme is kojic acid which is known to fade discoloration, even skin tone and correct/prevent hyper-pigmentation.

So don’t worry ladies and gents! If you haven’t been using SPF on your hands and you happen to have a little sun damage, our creme can reverse the signs of aging!

How about that for good news on a Wednesday?

The Healing Powers Of Honey

When you think of honey, what comes to mind? Is it a sweet drizzle atop your favorite treat? Or do images of cute teddy bear containers run across your head? I think of my great-grandmother making me a big cup of warm water with honey and lemon juice, her cure-all for any ailment.

Turns out there is some truth behind my great grandmother’s home remedy. There are so many benefits to not only eating honey, but also using honey on your skin and body! Are you ready to be surprised by all the amazing powers of honey?

Honey has three main super powers:

1. Honey is a natural humectant: What this means is that honey naturally attracts and retains moisture. Having hydrated skin is important for maintaining that youthful, supple and soft appearance. Also, honey is great for preventing the appearance of scaring on the skin because it preserves moisture while also allowing for new skin tissues to grow. Amazing, right?

Did you know that honey is great for all skin types? Dry or dehydrated skin benefits because honey is the queen of sealing and locking moisture into the skin, oily skin benefits since honey yields moisture without added oil, and sensitive skin benefits since honey is known for having non-irritating properties!

2. Honey is naturally antibacterial: Honey contains a naturally occurring enzyme that prohibits the growth of bacteria. This anti-microbial agent is excellent for preventing and treating minor acne because it goes right to work attacking bacteria while also moisturizing and rejuvenating the skin!

3. Honey is full of antioxidants: Antioxidants are important in combating free-radicals in the body and outside damages from environmental agents like the sun. Antioxidants also help supply nutrients for the growth of new skin tissue!

Here at Ole Henriksen, we put honey in quite a few products like our sugar glow face scrub, our african red tea indulgent body mask, and our micro mini peel kit (step one: almond polish)! Even Cleopatra of Egypt took regular baths where she diluted honey and milk into the water to maintain a youthful appearance. Check out this recipe from Ole’s kitchen for a honey nourishing mask.

Have you ever used honey for anything other

than eating? Share your honey tips in the comments below!