beauty tuesday: how to choose the best sunscreen

Hello everyone! Did you guys know that May is Skin Cancer Awareness month? More than 90% of all types of skin cancer are caused by exposure to the sun, so we want to do everything possible to protect ourselves from what is another cancer that we can possibly prevent. As a medical student interested in ObGyn, I have a very very limited knowledge base about dermatology, so I'm so excited to have Dr. Joyce, who is a dermatology resident at NYU, here today to talk a bit about why sunscreen is so important, and what you should look for when choosing a sunscreen. 

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With the sun finally coming out in NYC announcing the long awaited arrival of spring, I have been spending more and more time outside enjoying the rays and getting some vitamin D on my lunch breaks. I use sunscreen daily all year round, but since I'm getting more UV exposure lately, I've been especially vigilant about good sunscreen application and not relying solely on tinted moisturizers or other cosmetics with some SPF. Here's what YOU need to know to protect your skin from skin cancer AND aging this spring.

Why do I need sunscreen?

This is the basic question that I hope I can answer for you today. The sun's rays produce ultraviolet (UV) radiation, invisible waves on the electromagnetic spectrum that cause harm to the skin. UVA radiation causes photoaging, meaning sunspots, wrinkles, leathery, sagging skin (check out this INCREDIBLE photo of sun-induced aging on just half of this truck driver's exposed face here). UVA is the one associated with indoor tanning, and has been found to exacerbate UVB-induced damage as well. UVB radiation, associated with sunburns, causes DNA damage that can result in skin cancers. So the basic reason of why you need sunscreen is that topical application blocks these harmful UV rays from reaching your body and damaging your skin. Think of it as your invisible shield.

How do I choose and apply sunscreen?

Great question! I just made a vlog about this very topic, covering what sunscreens are suited for which skin types - check it out here!

In a nutshell: Dermatologists recommend using a broad spectrum (meaning blocks BOTH UVA and UVB) sunscreen that is at least SPF30. Sunscreen is supposed to be reapplied every 2 hours, but you and I know that that goal is extremely difficult to achieve. I find reapplication difficult because I have makeup on, and it's hard to put greasy sunscreen on over it. My personal philosophy is that if I'm going to be outside for a prolonged period of time in direct sun, I will apply SPF 50 sunscreen over my moisturizer and under my foundation, and wear a broad brimmed hat and large sunglasses. Beyond that, choice of sunscreen is in part a personal decision. Will you be in the water or sweat a lot? Consider using a waterproof sunscreen. Sensitive skin? Look for sunscreen that is fragrance free or consider formulations gentle enough for babies. More on choosing the right sunscreen for your skin type on my blogpost here. 

Why do I look chalky white with sunscreen?

There are two types of ingredients - physical blockers like zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that offer broad spectrum protection by reflecting the sun's radiation and then chemical blockers like cinnamates and salicylates that block radiation by absorbing it and converting it into heat energy. The caveat about chemical blockers is that they block UVB but need to be combined with other UVA blocking ingredients. The active ingredients in physical blockers can appear chalky and white on application, which I know people don't like! If you fall into this camp, don't despair, Try looking into newer models of sunscreen use micronized ingredients, which reduce the chalky appearance, or choose chemical blockers.

Is sunscreen actually safe to use? I've heard some rumors...

Hold it right there. I have also heard of these reports about the dangers of sunscreen ingredients, and I took a look at the scientific literature to evaluate that myself. What I found is that there is NO good evidence in our research that supports the claim that any ingredients in sunscreens are dangerous. Check out my full report here.

What do you look for in sunscreens?

This could be a whole post! In fact I am going to do a whole series of posts in which I review my favorite and not-so-favorite sunscreens and what I like or don't like about them. The qualities I look for in my sunscreens include:

• broad spectrum, SPF 30
• easy to apply, meaning not too chalky and not too greasy
• mixed with moisturizer because I have super dry skin (I still put moisturizer on first though!)
• lightly tinted for some thin coverage, nothing too cake-y because I want to look professional at work

Stay posted for my sunscreen reviews on www.teawithMD.com!

To learn more about sunscreen and how to protect yourself from UV radiation and skin cancer:

https://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/sunscreens

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen

http://www.skincancer.org/prevention/sun-protection/sunscreen/the-skin-cancer-foundations-guide-to-sunscreens

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So as you can see, sunscreen is super important in our daily skin care routines. Big thanks to Joyce for covering me while I am a bit stretched thin at the moment between a busy rotation, studying for my last shelf exam of the year, and prepping for boards. Make sure to check out her blog and follow along on instagram to catch some of the behind the scenes of a busy derm resident!

top three [05.15.2016]

med school wardrobe: fleeces and baby white coats (my new fleece is from Patagonia and I'm obsessed!)

medicine

• The discovery that HPV, human papilloma virus, causes cervical cancer was a huge discovery in the field of gynecology, with the changes thereafter resulting in cervical cancer going from being the second most common cancer in women to not even being in the top ten.  The fact that we now have vaccines that can prevent some types of cervical cancer, and that we have the screening tools to detect pre-cancerous changes early, is amazing. After spending a few days on GynOnc this week, and seeing women my age be diagnosed with cervical cancer because of irregular screenings made me so sad, so this is another reminder that if you are due for your pap, please go see your doctor! It's a quick test that could save your life. 
• The search for what caused cervical cancer was a long one. Published research goes back several hundred years that noted that while prostitutes where more likely to develop cervical cancer, it was very rare for a nun to develop it. This is where the hypothesis that sexual contact causes cervical cancer may have originated. 
• An interesting fact about HPV and the changes it causes is that some of those changes can regress - your body fights off the infection. That's why the guidelines have changed in recent years, so that younger girls (under 21) don't typically get pap smears because even if they have HPV, it may regress with time. Another situation where there may be spontaneous regression of abnormal cervical cytology is after vaginal deliveries. 

on the internet

• Elyse conducted what may be my favorite interview thus far - she asked a bunch of questions I've never really answered before, so if you want to know more about my pre-med route, the differences between osteopathic and allopathic medicine, what it's like to date a med student, and more, check out the interview here!
• Merritt shares her tips for growing your blog. This makes me wish I had more time to dedicate to this little hobby, rather than it sometimes falling wayyy to the back burner.
• Loved this casual outfit on Nikki (and how her beautiful hair looks against those flowers!).

spotted

• How precious is this dot skirt from J.Crew?! I love the burnt orange version and would 100% wear it with a striped top and cognac accessories. And then a white tee. And then a polka dot tee. And then a chambray top. So basically I just convinced myself to order it (once a better sale comes along, of course!).
• I'm all about easy in the summer, so I love this simple but adorable perforated LBD from J.Crew Factory. It would be cute on it's own for those hotter days, with a cardigan, or even a blazer for work! 
• Kinda loving this lace detailed top from Caslon - can't decide if I like the white or green version more. White, right? ;)
• ps. just found this blue slight peplum top that I immediately ordered after spotting it - I'm obsessed! 

ask me anything

• What's your best tip to stop compulsive buying? I think I have that fear of missing out so I am always looking out for a sale or something cute that I saw on a blogger.
• Honestly, starting a clothing budget is what stopped my overshopping/spending. I used to go shopping every single weekend, and I was just spending all my money on stuff I didn't even really like. I have my clothing budget now, and it really has kept me in line these past four years. Here's my post on how to set a budget, and how it's helped mine (and other bloggers!) lives and closets!
• How do you feel about bargain brands? I recently went to the store shopping for a spring wardrobe and felt the compulsion to step in to every store - like Forever 21 and H&M - and while I may like some things in there, it's an overwhelmingly huge store and I feel like the quality of clothes is poor. Would you suggest sticking to a select number of "tried and true" stores? I've had a lot of success with places like LOFT and Ann Taylor but sometimes they don't have a piece of clothing I'm looking for (a white sheath dress). How would you suggest finding items if I'm looking for very specific things?
• Over the years, I've kind of moved away from bargain brands, for several reasons. For one, stores like F21 or H&M generally don't carry items in taller sizes, which is something I at least like having the option of trying. I also realized that whenever I did closet clean outs, those items were always the first to go. They just didn't hold up, didn't fit me right, or were trendy items I no longer liked. I just personally found the effort that goes into finding items from there was not always worth it (although I do think they generally have a pretty great accessories section). That is not to say that people shouldn't shop there, because so many people find great items there, I just have found myself going more towards "professional clothing" stores since that's what I have to wear. I also think with the sales that places like Loft and Gap have, that you can get items for prices close to places like H&M, and they generally hold up longer too. Now to answer your question about finding a specific article of clothing, have you tried using ShopStyle? You can type in what you are looking for, set the perimeters (how much you want to spend, what colors) and a bunch of options come up.
• I'm on the market for an everyday kind of cross body bag to reward myself for finishing my first year on dental school! I don't want to break the bank because, you know, loans, but I want it to be a quality item. I'd love for it to be large enough to fit my Kate spade wallet and transition between seasons.
• Congrats on finishing your first year, that's so exciting! I have a few suggestions, depending on what you are looking for, all under $100! The most classic cross body I found, and my personally favorite, is this slick number from Street Level. If you're looking for a real leather purse, KC Jagger has a really cute option that is now on sale (and comes in several different colors!). And lastly if you want a something a bit more brand name, Kate Spade's cross body bags are always a good bet!

on franish

• on the blog: how to trick people into thinking you have thick hair
• on the instagram: isn't our room the cutest? ;)
• on the twitter: seriously, someone make me one please. 

notable sales

• Kiehl's: 20% off everything
• My absolute favorite item is their heat protection smoothing cream. I use it every time I wash my hair and seriously have a stock pile.
• Before I started using my tretinoin cream, I used to use the overnight recovery oil and it made such a difference in my skin. Highly recommend (a little goes a long way!).
• On my wish list: a leave it treatment for my hair - those highlights aren't exactly good for it ;)
• Loft: 30% off everything (40% if you have a Loft card)
• While this wrap skirt is a bit too short for me to wear to work, I just think it's so darn cute for summer. I love that it's a bit different from your typical skirt without being too different. 
• A simple black lace tee shirt dress that has full short sleeves? Sign me up. 
• I haven't tried any accessories from Loft before, but I'm tempted to try out their new saddle bags - I love how sleek they are!
• Old Navy: 40% off everything
• I've seen similar scalloped suits for 2-3 times the cost of this version, so it could be a good option if you like that style!
• How adorable is this pleated dress?! Plus it's now on sale, so it's even more inexpensive than it is. 
• Old Navy's compression pants are my favorite, so I'm digging them in a palm print. 

personal

• I can't believe this rotation is already half over - it's crazy how quickly rotations go when you are really enjoying them. This week I spent time on GynOnc, maternal fetal medicine, and spent time in the clinic. I'm so happy to be seeing parts of ObGyn that I haven't seen before, although these are usually the sadder parts of the speciality as well. 
• After this rotation is over, we have a dedicated month of studying for Step 2. I finally completed my study schedule and am half looking forward to have control over my time, but also dreading how much I have to cram into 2.5 weeks of studying, with 3 board exams at the end. Yikes!
• It was my first full week in the dorms, and it was actually very nice! My roommate is a friend of mine, so on that side of things, we both got really lucky. It's so nice to just walk upstairs and be at work, but it is also a bit strange to never go outside. On the other hand, I like that I never have to cook anything, sooooo I'll take not always knowing the temperature in exchange ;)

review: all the loft things

Hey guys! Sorry I've been a bit MIA lately (although I know none of you are waiting with bated breath for a post of mine, haha) - this rotation has been really busy (in a great way!) and when I get back to my dorm at night, I've really been trying to study as much as possible. Combined with the fact that I brought six shirts with me for the month, and wear scrubs half the time, there aren't a lot of things to share. BUT, I did get a Loft order in right before I left, and stopped at a story with my girlfriends last weekend, so I wanted to share my thoughts on a few of the things I tried!

beauty tuesday: how to trick people into thinking you have thick hair

I've mentioned this a ton of times before, but when it comes to my hair, it has taken me a while to find ways to trick people into thinking I'm good looking that I have thicker hair than I do. I have a lot of hair, it's just very fine and thin, so it just lies flat without help. There are a ton of products that give your hair volume, but I've found that a lot of them leave your hair super crunchy or sticky or dirty looking. Over the years, I've found a few products that not only give my hair volume but also make it look naturally thicker. I kind of think of them in tiers - from the ones I use every day for a bit more volume, to the product I only use for certain occasions when I really want my hair to look thicker and stay voluminous.

The first one is the Aveda volumizing tonic. I did a full review on this last fall, but basically, I use spray this onto wet hair, and it just gives your hair really natural volume. It doesn't leave your hair crunchy, and to be honest, I don't really know how it works, all I know is that I'm running low and am definitely buying a second bottle (this one lasted about nine months, using it 2-3 times a week). If you are looking for an easy way to add volume, this would be a great place to start.

Now if you want to up the ante a bit, a texturzing spray is the way to go. I've tried several, but keep going back to the Oribe Dry Texturizing spray. I use this two ways - I first spray just a bit on the ends of my hair before curling - I've found that this really helps my hair hold the curl a bit more. Then once I'm all done, I'll spray a bit more at the crown for volume. Because it is so expensive, I try to be conservative with my use of it, but this goes such a long way. If you aren't ready to commit to a texturizing spray, simply using dry shampoo, even the day you wash you hair, will add enough product to your hair to give it some oomph. What did people ever do before dry shampoo?!

The last tier of volume producing products is the Aveda hair potion. I mentioned this in my April Favorites video, but basically, this is a powder you sprinkle into your hair and it creates almost a stickiness that thickens up your hair. Unlike the other two products, this one does make your hair feel like you have product in it, so I don't use it every day because I really try to minimize how often I wash my hair. I'll use this if I'm putting my hair half up (so I have more volume at the crown that also stays there) or if I have a special occasion.

And that's it! How to trick people into thinking you have thick voluminous hair when you really don't ;)

top three [05.08.2016]

spring = denim jacket time

medicine

• Smoking is not good for you, we all know that. I mentioned a few months ago that smoking has been shown to be protective in ulcerative colitis patients. I learned this week that pregnant women who smoke have a lower risk of developing pre-eclampsia than those who don't smoke. That being said, smoking is awful for the fetus, but it is interesting how it seems protective in certain situations.
• Angelman syndrome is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by jerky movements, a lot of smiling, and a happy demeanor. 
• Xerostomia: dry mouth

on the internet

• Nicole shares her tips about being a bridesmaid - I'm sure this is applicable for many of us!
• My utility jacket is one of my most worn jackets, so I loved Audrey's post about ways to mix it up a bit. 
• I know weight gain is something most of us have probably experienced, I certainly have. I love how honest AJ is about her struggles, and her tips in the end (purses always fit!)

spotted

• I love that this BB Dakota dress comes in so many different colors. Need a dress for your bridal shower? It obviously comes in white. Looking for the cutest LBD? Have always wanted a cute emerald dress? There are a ton of options. 
• With shorts season soon approaching, I'm so glad that I tried out Loft's scalloped shorts. With a 4 inch inseam, a thicker fabric, and a cute pattern, I have a feeling I'll be wearing these all summer. If you are in between sizes, I'd suggest maybe sizing down. 
• I'm kind of obsessed with this olive boyfriend shirt from Express. It would be such a good alternative to my now dead chambray shirt. 

ask me anything

• I've been following your blog for a while now and I really admire your posts about fashion, beauty, and school. This is a very different type of question. It doesn't seem like you went through this personally, but do you have any advice for dealing with break ups during med school? I just got dumped by my long distance boyfriend and I'm having a terrible time. It's worse with all the work we have piling up (currently working our way through the last half of neuro/psych). I feel like I can't motivate myself to perform and it's hard to get through school now when I feel so sad/lonely. I know it'll pass but any advice would be appreciated. 
• Oh man, I am so sorry this is happening to you right now. This actually did happen to me. I moved away from my boyfriend of almost six years to go to medical school. Three months in, we just both realized it was not going to work out, for a whole variety of reasons. It is really hard to have a long relationship like that end, and it really did hit me hard. I almost failed a class, I wasn't really eating much, all in all, it really sucked. I guess I never talked about it on here because I was embarrassed, although break ups are something almost all of us go through! Here's the thing, and it's something you know already...it's going to get better with time. Unfortunately there isn't anything I can say that will make the hurt better now. My biggest pieces of advice are to surround yourself with people you love, get rid of anything that reminds you of him (pictures, clothes, smells), hide/delete him from social media, don't listen to sad music, and power through it. You may not get the best score ever on neuro (that ish is hard enough as it is on its own!) but eventually you'll be in a better place. For me, it was hard to let go of a relationship that I had spent the majority of my twenties in, but you know, my life with CR now is such a better experience and I'm grateful every day that I went through all that I did because it made me realize what I want in a relationship. I hope that some time soon you'll be able to look back on that time and see what wasn't working, and realize there is better out there. 
• I need a dress for a friend's wedding this June! My biggest insecurity is my upper arms, so if you could give some sleeved options, I'd be grateful!
• I feel you, I hate my arms so I'm always looking for sleeved options. The issue is that a lot of "sleeved" options have those damn cap sleeves - so annoying. Here are a few options, at varying price points. The first one is this cobalt version from Target, which would be really pretty! Another affordable option is this flirty version from ASTR - this would be a great way to show off your legs with some nude sandals! In the $100+ range, a few good options include this lace sleeved dress from Karen Kane (great for a more fancy wedding) or my personal favorite, this flutter sleeved version from Chelsea28 (wear it with colorful shoes and accessories!). Now if you want to get real crazy, I can't recommend the Nue by Shani line enough - I wore one of her dresses this past winter and it is gorgeous. My favorite of her current options is this ombre blue version - so gorgeous (but expensive, so I totally get if that's not an option. I just checked eBay though and they have some of her dresses for cheaper!). 
• I'm not a med student but my roommate is. He'll be finishing up his second year and taking boards in June and then starting his rotations. I always try to be very considerate of noise since I know what he's doing is incredbly hard and I respect his work ethic. He's always studying! What are some things I can do for him to show he's an awesome roommate and a soon to be awesome doctor?
• You are such a sweet roommate! I think what you're doing is already being a great roommate - the less distractions, the more he'll appreciate it! I don't know if there are specific things you can really do to help other than be a good friend! Maybe bring him a coffee sometimes if you stop at Starbucks for yourself, or offer to order in pizza sometime. Otherwise, just continue to be a friend and maybe sometimes force him to get out of his studying bubble to get one drink or go watch a movie (although it's hard to convince us at this point to leave our books!). Otherwise, right now his life kind of sucks, but he'll be through it soon enough, and then you can take him out to celebrate :)

on franish

• on the blog: april's 4 faves and a fail (bloopers always included)
• on the instagram: the only snap of the week includes coffee, obvi. 
• on the twitter: that indian food only took 3 hours to get to me!

notable sales

• Ann Taylor: 40% off dresses
• My favorite of the bunch is obviously this white and black polka dot dress - I love that little flare it has! So cute. 
• Also an adorable option is this gingham dress - I have a very similar version that I can't wait to wear this spring and summer!
• And a great option for work would be their striped tie dress. I love that it's a feminine take on a masculine suit. 
• Anthropologie: 20% off sitewide!
• I am obsessed with this white lace top. How cute are those lace cutouts?! LOVE. 
• A belted shirt dress that comes in three colors - what more could you want?!
• How fun is this floral applique clutch? Definitely a conversation piece. 
• Kohls: extra 20% off everything
• Obviously, I'm going to recommend a few pieces from the REED collection. I have the Atlantique Satchel and love it. That neutral color is so pretty!
• I can't help but love all white bedding. I love that this Sonoma set has a variety of textures to make it seem less boring. 
• Summer = birkenstocks around here. My former roommate has these Birks and they are so cute on her that I may need a pair for myself. 
• Bonus: picks from Shopbop's sale section includes some really great denim on sale, some Clare V clutches on sale (that bright blue one is so fun!), and Sam Edelman sandals. 

personal

• This past week has been crazy. From moving to one place, then having to move out of it into the hospital dorms (long long story), two nights of night float, and driving four+ hours to see my besties, I've been all over the place! I miss my boys at home :(
• I drove up to New York to see my best friends, and it was so great to be together again (well, we were missing one, but it's hard when we all live in different states!). We went shopping, got drinks, had an amazing dinner, and all around just got to catch up. It was very much needed, especially with the craziness starting next month. 
• Happy Mother's Day to my favorite mom :) I'm so glad I got to see my mom last week, and am flying home in four weeks, so we just celebrated around the holiday. Happy Mother's Day to all the moms out there - you guys are amazing!

so good

Hello!

It feels like it's been forever since I actually wrote a post - the last couple of weeks have been so busy! Between finishing peds and taking the shelf exam, my family visiting, moving six hours from home for the month, and starting my new ObGyn rotation, it's been a bit crazy! I am so excited about this rotation though, which is why you may not hear from me as much this month. It's my first time working with ob residents, and working in a big hospital means we get to see the most acute of the acute cases. Not only has it been nice to learn a lot about the management of these acute situations, but it's been so helpful to be around residents who were in my shoes just a few years ago. I was on night float the past two nights, so while it's slightly draining to switch between day and night, while living in a dorm room, it's been so good. 

And speaking of so good....this J.Crew Factory dress. Unfortunately it looks like the polka dot version is currently not in stock, but definitely worth checking out in stores if you are near an outlet. I wore it a few weeks ago when CR and I went out to brunch and it was perfect for the occasion (back when it felt like spring, and not this weird cold stuff we have right now!). Like I mentioned in my review post, it is on the short side, so definitely a weekend-only dress for me, but it could be a fun work dress for the petite ladies out there. Wouldn't it look great with a tan blazer (the regent is still my number one wishlist blazer right now!).

Dress: J.Crew Factory [exact]

Jacket: Paige [similar]

Purse: Michael Kors c/o Shopbop [similar]

Shoes: Banana Republic [similar]

Watch: c/o Larsson & Jennings [exact]

J.Crew Factory has everything up to 60% off (+ 20% off if you buy 3 items). I'm ordering the white popover top (perfect for the summer with distressed jeans) and debating on that sweatshirt just because I think it's so darn cute. 

sweatshirt | shell top | popover

gingham shell | midi skirt | striped wedges

beauty tuesday: april four favorites and a fail

Becca highligher + Anastasia brush

Tula moisturizer (use code SHOP20 for 20% off)

Sephora clips

Aveda hair potion

(Drunk Elephant serum)