by Mia Barnes
6 Surprising Ways the Sun Can Affect Your Skin — and What to Do About It
Do you slather on sunscreen each day? You should, for more reasons than reducing your cancer risk. The sun can affect your skin in surprising ways. Fortunately, protecting yourself is as simple as covering up and choosing the right SPF. Why should you bother? Here are six reasons you should treat safeguarding your skin from the sun seriously.
1. Photoaging and Premature Aging
It’s no secret that too much time in the sun can result in the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and an uneven complexion. The term “photoaging” refers to the cumulative effects of radiation from the sun or artificial ultraviolet (UV) sources. It results in collagen breakdown, which causes deep wrinkles, sagging skin, “hollow” cheeks and other signs of aging older individuals experience.
2. Hyperpigmentation and Other Skin Conditions
Hyperpigmentation refers to the appearance of blotchy or mottled skin with alternating patches of light and dark. This condition can have various causes, and sun damage is one of the most common — hyperpigmentation spots are also sometimes called “sun spots.”
Aside from hyperpigmentation, sun exposure and excessive sun damage can lead to vitiligo and mole growth.
3. Eye Damage
You should wear sunglasses as well as sunscreen when in the sun. The skin around your eyes is more prone to damage, and UV light exposure can also damage your vision. For example, women account for 63% of age-related macular degeneration cases, and failing to protect your eyes is one of the biggest and most preventable risk factors.
4. Sunburn
Sunburn doesn’t feel good and spurs premature aging, photoaging and hyperpigmentation while upping your chances of disease. Having five or more severe sunburns throughout your life doubles your skin cancer risk.
Keep yourself safe by slathering on sunscreen and pay attention to the type and when you apply it. Sunscreen can take up to 15 minutes to absorb into the skin, so make sure you apply it a bit before you head out for the day.
5. Skin Dehydration
Dehydrated skin looks flaky and ashy, making you look older and more tired. Furthermore, you sweat more in the sun, accelerating moisture loss.
Keeping yourself hydrated is key. While the general rule is to divide your weight in half and consume that many ounces of water per day, you may need more if you spend a lot of time outdoors.
6. Heat Rash
Those little angry red bumps on your chin might not be pimples. Heat rash occurs when your eccrine glands, which let sweat escape from your skin’s surface, become blocked. The result is tiny, red, inflamed bumps that can itch like crazy.
Treatment includes cooling yourself down in a shower or pool and applying topical anti-itch creams. As heat rash often occurs where fabric meets your skin, opt for breathable cotton over synthetics that prevent airflow.
Is the Sun Ever Good for Your Skin?
In some cases, the sun can be good for your skin. For example, mild exposure prompts your body to produce natural vitamin D, which boosts your mood and improves immune function.
Furthermore, some people with autoimmune diseases do better with mild sun exposure. The trick is finding the right amount of exposure to improve symptoms without prompting a severe flare-up.
How the Sun Affects Your Skin
The sun affects your skin in multiple ways. Understanding the risks prompts you to take simple proactive steps, such as applying sunscreen and wearing other forms of sun gear. Protect yourself before you venture out and enjoy a healthier, more glowing complexion for life.
Cover Photo by Mikhail Nilov
Inside photo by Lukas Rychvalsky
by Dennis Richardson
Cowritten by Anthony C. Stafford
The Hyatt Regency Irvine may be known by many for what it was previously, and that old image is also a great way to remember hotels of yesteryear. But a three-year closure has birthed what can only be described as a new hotel standard that improves upon nearly every aspect of what guests expect from their stay. From the lobby’s first impression to market experiences, Hyatt Regency Irvine brings renewed excitement to the travel experience for adults and kids alike, whether coming from nearby or afar.
Photo Credit: Logan Pratt / Hyatt Regency Irvine
Hyatt Regency Irvine General Area Manager Sid Ramani spoke with us, answered questions, and provided deep insight into what goes into a transformation of this magnitude. While it may seem a $55 million grand reveal may only truly be appreciated by those who witnessed the original look, the faces, reactions, and expressions of newcomers — ourselves includes — said otherwise. Upon entering, Hyatt Regency Irvine delivers a refreshing take on America’s hospitality sector. Pulling inspiration from regional neighbors and international highlights, the lobby wows with its vast spaciousness, high ceilings, intricate details, massive screens, and purposeful design. Surprise, awe, and excitement set in, as we likened what we saw to a luxury hotel in Tokyo. A plethora of seating options decorate the first floor to suit any lounger’s mood, whether reading, eating, waiting, watching, or chatting, there’s something for everyone. A warm, inviting lobby is surrounded by contemporary common areas, and an expansive 56,000 square feet of fresh event space to ensure a beautiful blend of urban sophistication, comfort, and functionality.
A Market For All
The Marketplace is possibly one of the only things we disagreed with during our time at the property – solely because it’s something much more than just a market! Instead, it is rather a place to get lost in for a while with its expansive, open-faced presentation. Offering a neatly stocked wall of beverages, spirits, snacks, hot, cold, healthy, and exciting food options, Hyatt Regency Irvine even pushes the envelope further and rightfully so, with numerous international snacks. For example, South Korean banana milk, and Japanese Ramune sodas make an appearance, among many more specialty items worth experiencing. Upon first glance, it strikes disbelief that a hotel could have such a wide variety of options, but it is a welcome feature that international travelers could always use more of to feel “at home” and domestic travelers for an opportunity to have a culinary escape.
From grueling business travel to exhausting vacations, sometimes guests need an “easy” option – and that easy option would be a place like the market to stash up on snacks, drinks, pastries, pizza, and more – while taking advantage of the fact that many items are also made right there in the kitchen! If you’re feeling adventurous, even the healthy dishes have great twists to them, like the veggie salads located next to the pastry window.
Of course, breakfast is also provided at The Market, with freshly made hot plates on the menu, but there’s even more. One of the highlights about The Market is that they also have featured menu items each day for breakfast and dinner, so keep an eye out for those to add some excitement to your own journey. Even more impressive is the commitment to supporting local businesses and artists, as seen through strategic and useful product placement throughout the hotel.
Designed With Purpose and Intention
The property boasts a total of 516 guest rooms and suites, each completely transformed with modern, thoughtfully designed interiors. These rooms not only feature distinct artwork, innovative light fixtures, and curated layouts tailored to accommodate various travel groups and lifestyles, but they are also designed with intention at the forefront. No corner goes forgotten, as thoughtful choices give purpose to even the most odd or small spaces.
Specialty suites include expansive hospitality suites with private kitchenettes, extended-stay suites with full kitchens, family-friendly layouts with bunk beds and adjoining rooms, and more, ensuring a comfortable and versatile stay for all guests. During our visit, we witnessed sports teams, families, and business people, check in, and after seeing each suite with details from Mr. Ramani, we couldn’t agree more that there is something for everyone. It is worth noting that the bunk bed suites are good enough to stir envy — even in us adults!
Zooming into the details, guests may notice fixtures that have a promising future – from technological installments that improve accessibility during their stay, to subtle and plentiful placements of outlets for the battery guzzlers in todays technology-plugged age. From the outside, the Hyatt Regency Irvine stands tall and distinctly, while its reimagined interior backs up its dominant posture.
Extras, Amenities, and More
For the guests who want to feel even more at home while reaping great benefits, the Hyatt Regency Irvine recently launched their new Regency Club, which grants access to exclusive amenities and private indoor/outdoor lounges. This includes fire pits, comfortable lounge seating, a sophisticated bar, and daily full-service dining.
Photo Credit: Logan Pratt / Hyatt Regency Irvine
The 24-hour gym is equipped with Peloton® Bikes, Life Fitness cardio equipment, free weights, and various weight machines. Guests can also benefit from exclusive access to private on-demand trainers through a collaboration with Future, tailored specifically for Hyatt Regency Irvine’s fitness center and equipment. Finally, located just two miles from John Wayne Airport and a short drive from major attractions like Disneyland, Knott’s Berry Farm, South Coast Plaza, and Southern California’s renowned beaches, Hyatt Regency Irvine serves as the ideal home base for exploring the area’s many offerings. It’s a great destination for those breaking away from the Disney Resort bubble and looking to achieve more exploration of the surrounding areas.
Innovation on the Horizon
Amazingly, there is even more to come as the property nears completion. A unique and elevated pool experience with dual waterslides, and an outdoor lounge space inclusive of a pool bar, cabanas, and massive LED TV screen to view sports games, movies, and more are on the way, and due to open in June. Just in time for summer, there are some great plans in store that will undoubtedly be a bow on the gift of travel for many guests.
And then there’s Warehouse 72 – a place where art and creativity are celebrated. This fine dining establishment will feature a modern bistro and bar to bring people together in a family-style atmosphere. Located on the first floor, it will ultimately enhance the openness of the property, while also breathing additional life that is sure to complement every guests first impression.
The Hyatt Regency Irvine is a marvel to appreciate in the hospitality landscape. Its reimagining is a welcome one in a world where we find ourselves plugged in more than ever, yearning to disconnect, and replug ourselves in new and different ways. In what could possibly set an example for other hotels, the property sets out to reach a new standard for guest experiences and expectations — doing so outstandingly. In a city with a massive and diverse population, plus attracting millions internationally on a yearly basis, Hyatt Regency Irvine successfully stands as a home away from home for everyone.
by Randy Dunbar
Sam Rubin, a notable figure in the world of entertainment journalism, particularly recognized for his long-standing role as an entertainment reporter for KTLA Morning News in Los Angeles has died. His career, which spanned several decades, made him a familiar face to anyone keen on Hollywood news and celebrity interviews.
His expertise was in in his deep understanding of the entertainment industry and his ability to engage with celebrities in a manner that elicited both informative and personal responses. His interviews would often go beyond the surface, exploring the nuances of an actor’s experience on set or the creative process behind a musician’s latest album.
What set Sam Rubin apart was his genuine enthusiasm for the arts, which was evident in his lively and insightful discussions. Known for his professionalism and his respectful approach to journalism, traits that have earned him the trust and respect of many in Hollywood. Rubin’s work not only informed his audience about the latest in entertainment but also enriched their understanding of the artistry involved in creating film, television, and music.
A fixture at local news channel KTLA 5, he was the kind of personality that you took for granted—he was always there—jovial, fun and indeed completely in the moment with his guests, he sudden death of a heart attack at 64 came as shock to the community.
