This is an urgent podcast episode! Last week, an independent lab, Valisure Labs, announced it discovered potentially harmful levels of benzene, a known carcinogen, in several popular sunscreen products. Now, Valisure Labs is calling on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to recall the affected batches. In a report released May 24, they analyzed 294 batches of sunscreen and after-sun products from 69 brands. Benzene was detected in 78 (over a quarter) of those batches—and 14 of them contained more than the FDA’s limit of 2 parts per million (ppm). Neutrogena, Sun Bum, CVS Health, and Fruit of the Earth were among the brands with the highest levels of the carcinogen, per the lab’s results.

WHAT DO WE DO NOW?

Dr. Erum Ilyas is here to answer any/all questions for redheads + everyone else listening! Her focus is on adult and pediatric medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, and skin cancer prevention and treatment. She has practiced dermatology in the Philadelphia/Boston areas for over 15 years and has served as Assistant Professor of Dermatology at Drexel University College of Medicine and the System Chief for Dermatology of the Main Line Health Hospital Systems. She is a Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology, Diplomate of the American Board of Dermatology, Fellow of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, member of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology, Pennsylvania Academy of Dermatology, and Philadelphia Dermatological Society. Dr. Ilyas has served with the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgeons as a State Advocacy Leader. She has visited Capitol Hill with the AAD to advocate for restrictions on tanning bed usage for pediatric patients, increased research funding for rare diseases and increased access to pharmaceuticals at affordable prices for patients. She recently worked with local state leaders to successfully push for legislation permitting students in the state of Pennsylvania to apply sunscreen in school without a doctor’s note.

Dr. Ilyas is the founder of AmberNoon, a contemporary UPF clothing line that protects skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays. She designs a diffusion line for QVC, AmberNoon II by Dr Erum Ilyas, for which she also serves as the spokesperson. Dr. Ilyas lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and three teenage children.

She answers the following important questions:

Valisure, a lab and online pharmacy that regularly tests consumer products, explains it analyzed 294 batches of sunscreen and after-sun products from 69 brands. Benzene was detected in 78 (over a quarter) of those batches—and 14 of them contained more than the FDA’s limit of 2 parts per million (ppm). What does the report mean exactly? Should we be worried?

As a skincare professional yourself who has really dedicated her life to sun protection, did this news surprise you?

What are your top 1 or 2 recommended sunscreens?

So many people do not want to talk about skin cancer. But, it’s real and it’s serious. Redheads are said to have melanoma more than any hair color because of the MC1R gene -- even without exposure to the sun. What do you know about these facts?

So many of us are now worried about sunscreen being harmful too. But, wearing sunscreen is always essential. What tips do you have for redheads who are now scared to wear sunscreen?

We love UPF clothing! Can you tell us about your contemporary clothing line that protects skin from harmful rays, AmberNoon?

Articles mentioned in podcast:

Post about contaminated sunscreen: https://howtobearedhead.com/what-to-know-popular-sunscreens-contaminated-with-carcinogen-2/

Why higher SPFs aren't better: https://howtobearedhead.com/redhead-sunscreen-why-highr-spf-is-not-always-better/

Full podcast notes: https://howtobearedhead.com/benzene-was-found-in-popular-sunscreens-what-now/

Do you have frizzy red hair? Does your red hair sometimes fade in the summer sun? Did you receive the Oribe Power Drops Color Preservation Booster in your Winter Deluxe H2BAR Box and want tips on how to use it? If you said "yes" to any of these questions, this podcast episode is for you!

Today's guest is Adam Livermore. He is Oribe’s Global Educator and resides in NYC. He works at Muze Salon and also works freelance on editorial, celebrities, fashion etc. At Oribe, he teaches hairstylists cutting, styling, and product knowledge, and works closely with new product development on testing and developing new products. Celeb clients: Cher, Tilda Swinton, Jake Gyllenhaal, Meg Ryan, Naomi Campbell. He is also a hybrid model redhead myself. He has a red beard and blond-ish hair. He said, “Red hair is special, I love it.”

Here are some of the questions we ask him:

1. We have to ask! Did you grow up with red hair? You have a red beard!

2. As Oribe’s Global Educator, we know you must love so many Oribe products. We actually featured Oribe’s Gold Lust Power Drops Damage Hair Repair Booster in our Winter Deluxe H2BAR Box (www.h2barbox.com). Who is a good candidate for this product? What are the best tips for use?

3. Let’s talk roots! We see Oribe has an Airbrush Root Touch-Up Spray for Red. Do you recommend this product for natural redheads who now dye their hair to make it more vibrant AND redheads-by-choice who dye it?

4. Let’s talk about fading red hair amongst natural redheads. Our audience asks about this more than anything else. What are your top tips to keep red hair vibrant?

5. Frizz! What is your top tip for eliminating frizz this summer?

6. How about curls? Is there a certain technique you recommend when caring for your red curls?

PODCAST NOTES: https://howtobearedhead.com/podcast-s3-ep12-summer-hair-tips-for-redheads-with-oribes-global-educator-adam-livermore/

Want to help us spread the news about the How to be a Redhead brand and this podcast? Please give us a 5 star review and tell your friends (redheads and everyone else) to subscribe! You can listen to this podcast directly on HowtobeaRedhead.com, on Apple iTunes, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to look at the podcast notes to find links with products mentioned.. and so much more. Rock it like a Redhead!

There is so much misinformation on the web! Do redheads feel more pain or less pain? The answer is: redheads feel less pain and the reason why is fascinating. The brilliant Dr. David E. Fisher MD, PhD. is our special guest for this episode.

Dr. Fisher is an internationally known researcher, clinician and academic, who is Chief of the Massachusetts General Hospital Department of Dermatology at Harvard Medical School in Boston, Massachusetts (USA). He also serves as Director of the MGH Cutaneous (Q-taneous) Biology Research Center and Director of the Melanoma Center at MGH. A Professor of Dermatology and of Pediatrics at Harvard Medical School, Dr. Fisher came to the MGH from the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where he previously Directed the Melanoma Program.

Dr. Fisher's research has focused on understanding the molecular and genetic events which underlie formation of melanoma as well as skin pigmentation. As a clinician, he has worked to translate these understandings into advances in diagnosis, treatment and prevention of human diseases related to the skin and associated disorders. A graduate of Swarthmore College with a degree in Biology and Chemistry, Dr. Fisher is also an accomplished concert cellist and received a degree from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia. He received his PhD under Nobel Laureate Gunter Blobel at Rockefeller University and his Medical Degree at Cornell University Medical College under Dr. Henry Kunkel.

Dr. Fisher's specialty training in Medicine, Pediatrics, and Oncology were carried out at Harvard Medical School. He recently served for three years as President of the Society for Melanoma Research, the largest international society dedicated to the study of melanoma.

New research led by investigators Dr. Fisher at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) provides insights on why people with red hair exhibit altered sensitivity to certain kinds of pain.

He will answer the following questions:

1. There has been confusion amongst social media. We want to get to the bottom of it. In very simple terms, can you break down what you do, what you focus on and the new research that you came out with surrounding the MC1R gene? We want to know if redheads feel more or less pain!

2. Redhead mice have the MC1R gene -- is that true?

3. What should redheads in general take away from this study? Will pain management be different or should be different?

4. How about the MC1R gene in conjunction with melanoma?

READ MORE! Podcast notes: https://howtobearedhead.com/new-study-redheads-feel-less-pain-and-the-reason-why-is-fascinating/

Want to help us spread the news about the How to be a Redhead brand and this podcast? Please give us a 5 star review and tell your friends (redheads and everyone else) to subscribe! You can listen to this podcast directly on HowtobeaRedhead.com, on Apple iTunes, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to look at the podcast notes to find links with products mentioned.. and so much more.  Rock it like a Redhead!

We're big fans of NBC's "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist". The main character/redhead is Zoey Clarke (played by actress Jane Levy). The show is centered around the ability Zoey has to hear people's thoughts in song. Her redhead character is stubborn, determined, and loving. She's also gorgeous and her makeup is always on-point!

On and off stage, Natalie Cosco is the woman behind Jane Levy's redhead makeup looks. Natalie is an accomplished makeup artist in both film, print and TV. Her career spans 30 years of achievements including iconic productions as: "Smallville", "Fear the Walking Dead" - Season 1, "The Mountain Between Us", "The Edge of Seventeen", "30 Days of Night (Dark Days)", "The Man in The High Castle" and "The Art of Racing in The Rain."

We are so excited to ask Natalie the following questions and for you to hear her answers/tricks/techniques:

1. Let’s talk about redhead makeup! Besides your current work on "Zoeys Extraordinary Playlist", we know you worked on so many films and TV shows throughout your career. What do you love about working on a redhead? Are there any special products, shades etc. that you use when working on a redhead?

2. We LOVED the look you did on Jane Levy at the Golden Globes this year. For those who didn’t see it (and we’ll post it on HowtobeaRedhead.com), Jane Levy was wearing a navy blue dress. She had on a colorful lip, a smokey eye and great brows. We’ll break down those choices in a minute. But, the difference with this look is that the 2021 Golden Globes was virtual! Did the virtual nature of the show play a part in Jane’s makeup look? Should you do your makeup differently when on Zoom? If so, how?

3. Her smokey cat eye was gorgeous! What products do you recommend for achieving this look?

4. How about her lip color? We love a pink shade for the spring and summer months ahead and know a lot of redheads may be afraid to rock a bold lip with their red hair already making a statement.

5. As a makeup artist, what is your go-to makeup product?

6. What is your favorite concealer and how should you prep your under eye area before applying this product? And, how do you deal with creases in the concealer?

Head to podcast notes to see product recommendations: [https://howtobearedhead.com/redhead-makeup-with-natalie-cosco-jane-levys-makeup-artist/

Want to help us spread the news about the How to be a Redhead brand and this podcast? Please give us a 5 star review and tell your friends (redheads and everyone else) to subscribe! You can listen to this podcast directly on HowtobeaRedhead.com, on Apple iTunes, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to look at the podcast notes to find links with products mentioned.. and so much more. Rock it like a Redhead!

Redheads are prone to melanoma more than any other hair color. Sunscreen knowledge is so essential and if you've listened to our podcast (or read HowtobeaRedhead.com for the last decade), you know we're passionate about skincare for redheads. The month of May is the beginning of Melanoma Awareness Month and we're kicking it off with a very special Saturday episode!

Our guest is Evelynn Moz from VERTRA Premium Suncare. She is the Product Line Manager and passionate about sunscreen.

It's scary because a recent study found that many of the American sunscreen products labeled as “broad spectrum” block UVB rays but don’t block UVA rays. UVA penetrates the skin more deeply than UVB. Vertra is committed to creating a premium sunscreen line that is infused with non-nano, mineral UVA/UVB blockers that meet the maximum 80-minute FDA water and sweat resistance ratings. They’re also paraben-free and great for redhead skin.

*Hint, Hint*: The May H2BAR Box ships today and VERTRA is one of the sunscreen brands inside! Subscribe: www.h2barbox.com

For over a decade now Vertra has provided the ocean’s best athletes with superior UV protection with a patented processes. Vertra is now considered the ultimate skincare for anyone who enjoys the outdoors.

We talk with Evelynn about her work with Dior, Chanel, Estee Lauder, Kate Somerville and now VERTRA. As an athlete herself, she was a competitive soccer player in her teens and even played in two world cup tournaments in Europe, so she knows how bad sunburns can be.

We discuss about the following:

1. Let’s talk about VERTRA! Tell us a bit about the brand? Why was it created?

2. Although the brand has roots in the professional surf industry, the products that Vertra makes can be used not only for any sport, but also for daily wear.  Vertra is so beneficial for young athletes, so that they are better protected and more knowledgeable than the generations that came before us. We heard you were a competitive soccer player in your teens and even played in two world cup tournaments in Europe!

3. We’re so excited to have your Pearl White Sticks 50+ a part of our May H2BAR Box. It’s an amazing product. Why is this product so unique?

4. Why is reef-safe important?

5. Not a lot of consumers know the difference between all the ingredients in sunscreen. Why is Octinoxate & Oxybenzone harmful?

6. We know the VERTRA products are 80 minute water-resistant. What does that exactly mean?

7. What are some tips for after-sun care?

Want to help us spread the news about the How to be a Redhead brand and this podcast? Please give us a 5 star review and tell your friends (redheads and everyone else) to subscribe! You can listen to this podcast directly on HowtobeaRedhead.com, on Apple iTunes, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to look at the podcast notes to find links with products mentioned.. and so much more.  Rock it like a Redhead!

On February 5th, we launched Finally Have Brows®! Over the past few years, we have been working behind the scenes to develop an eyebrow gel for redheads. We had a hard task at hand. We wanted all redheads to be able to use the same shade, we needed it to be paraben-free/cruelty-free/vegan, made in the USA, sleek packaging, custom brush for coarse brow hair (a trait amongst most redheads).. and so much more. We talk about how we developed Finally Have Brows®, the reaction when it dropped on February 5, 2021 and the reaction of redheads everywhere after the release!

Shop + read the rave reviews: https://shop.howtobearedhead.com/products/finally-have-brows-tinted-redhead-eyebrow-gel

Exclusive in the podcast notes, we wanted to showcase some of our favorite reviews:

We're back to finish Season 3 of the How to be a Redhead podcast! It's also the 10th birthday of HowtobeaRedhead.com's launch!

Like most of the world, we paused in March of 2020. We, Adrienne and Stephanie Vendetti, the co-founder's of How to be a Redhead, are catching you up on what we have been up to. We discuss our personal lives, the new How to be a Redhead makeup line (first product dropping soon!), a reflection on the past 10 years, and some sneak peeks of future episodes.

We're so happy to be back! Thank you for an incredible decade!

Exclusive discount for our listeners! Use code: PODCAST for 15% off at www.h2barbox.com

We, Adrienne and Stephanie, are live at the H2BAR warehouse. We (with the help of our amazing team) are getting the sold-out March Deluxe H2BAR Box prepped and out the door; so we wanted to sit down and talk with you about what subscribers can expect *and give you some spoilers*!

Exclusive discount code for our listeners! Use code: PODCAST for 15% off at www.h2barbox.com

Note: Inside all Deluxe H2BAR Boxes is a special info card titled:

"Your H2BAR Box has been thoroughly sanitized"

We have taken extra special precautions and would like to update you on the hygiene procedures in accordance with the latest CDC   guidelines:

1. All employees used hand sanitizer or washed hands with soap & water for at least 20 seconds. They continued these practices the entire time. All employees are healthy.

2. All employees wore masks and gloves from start to finish.

3. The H2BAR staff implemented current cleaning protocols throughout warehouse space & all items in this order were wiped down/sanitized.

We are continuing to be proactive and staying positive.

We're all in this together! Enjoy your 'Redhead Friendly' item(s) knowing we have your best interests in mind, always!

Stay tuned for Episode 8 to go live in April! We're taking a few weeks off for a little (redhead) spring break of our own.

Want to help us spread the news about the How to be a Redhead brand and this podcast? Please give us a 5 star review and tell your friends (redheads and everyone else) to subscribe! You can listen to this podcast directly on HowtobeaRedhead.com, on Apple iTunes, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to look at the podcast notes to find links with products mentioned.. and so much more.  Rock it like a Redhead!

Those with natural red hair have thinner skin than people with darker hair. Redheads are prone to what doctors call “couperose skin.” Couperose skin is defined as visibly dilated capillaries; these capillaries are most likely to show up around the nose and cheek area and can look and feel similar to rosacea. Because a redhead’s skin is thinner, you might even feel like you bruise more too.  Characteristics of this skin type: 1. Capillaries can be seen on the cheeks and nose. 2. Red patches on the face, neck and décolleté. 3. Uneven and blotchy skin tone. 4. Sensitive skin prone to irritations. 5. Skin is dry and feels tight.

We’re excited to talk with No B.S. Skin Care CEO, Diana Briceno, because she can speak to the importance of caring for the largest organ on our bodies, especially for those who are more likely to be impacted, like redheads. She founded No B.S. for every type of skin tone as a "no b.s." solution, natural and cruelty-free -- it's revolutionizing skincare with clean formulas, real results, and radically honest beauty culture.

We ask her the following questions:

1. We feel like all redheads need "No B.S." in their skincare routine. Redheads suffer from so many breakouts and irritations. The topic for this podcast is all about couperose skin.  For those of us who have extremely sensitive skin, what should we know about caring for it?

2. In an industry full of miracle-in-a-bottle marketing, No B.S. Skin Care is revolutionizing skincare with clean formulas, real results, and a radically honest beauty culture. How did this come about? Did you see LOTS of B.S. in products and were sick of it?

3. On the LiveNoBS.com website, we saw that the FDA banned 11 toxic and harmful ingredients from skincare. And No B.S. banned 1,500. Wow! Can these toxic ingredients be causing those with couperose skin to have these common irritations? Tell us more about this.

4. Do products with no B.S. work? So many products like retinols or “miracle working” items are full of chemicals. We heard some scientists say that the chemical is what makes them work.  We also see No B.S. has a natural retinol. What do you say to those who say chemicals + all the B.S. make for good skin?

5. What is 1 product every person with sensitive skin needs?

PODCAST NOTES: https://howtobearedhead.com/couperose-redhead-skin-with-guest-of-no-b-s-skincare-podcast/

Want to help us spread the news about the How to be a Redhead brand and this podcast? Please give us a 5 star review and tell your friends (redheads and everyone else) to subscribe! You can listen to this podcast directly on HowtobeaRedhead.com, on Apple iTunes, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. And don’t forget to look at the podcast notes to find links with products mentioned.. and so much more.  Rock it like a Redhead!

Gua sha is a natural therapy that involves scraping your skin with a massage tool to improve your circulation. This ancient Chinese healing technique may offer a unique approach to better health, addressing issues like chronic pain*.  In gua sha, a technician scrapes your skin with short or long strokes to stimulate microcirculation of the soft tissue, which increases blood flow. They make these strokes with a smooth-edged instrument known as a gua massage tool. The technician applies massage oil to your skin, and then uses the tool to repeatedly scrape your skin.

With redheads being so sensitive, is gua sha a recommended practice?

We couldn't think of a better guest than Sandra Lanshin Chiu, LAc. We were first introduced to her via her viral YouTube video "Learn Facial Gua Sha from a Chinese Medical Skincare Professional" (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bc12OTFzua0). It has been viewed over 1.5 million times! We're so excited to welcome her to the How to be a Redhead podcast.

Sandra is an acupuncturist, Chinese herbalist and founder of Treatment by Lanshin. In practice for over a decade, she focuses on treating skin disorders and rejuvenating skin using the unique approach of Chinese medicine, which she believes will transform the future of skincare. Specially trained in herbal dermatology, she uses Chinese herbal medicine and acupuncture to resolve common skin problems like acne, rosacea, dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis. In recent years her work with skin and facial rejuvenation has also received increasing interest and media attention.  Through her initial success in treating pain conditions, infertility, digestive disorders, etc., Sandra observed her work also had a powerful impact on restoring skin quality and youthfulness in her patients. Today she applies the successful techniques she has learned and developed into her signature style of anti-aging work.

We ask her the following questions:

1. We love your YouTube videos! After applying your gua sha techniques to our skin care routine, we saw a real difference in our redhead skin. What are its benefits?

2. Who is a good candidate for gua aha? Can this technique help those experiencing rosacea and redness?

3. Let's talk about the gua sha tool, specifically your gua sha tool on Lanshin.com. Is the texture of the tool on purpose? The shape?

4. When should we practice gua sha?

5. How do you prep your skin for gua aha? Do you recommend certain skincare products to complement gua sha?

6. What about acne prone skin? Can a redhead with acne use gua aha on their skin? Good for all skin types?

7. How is gua aha different than jade rolling?

8. What are some key parts to your daily wellness routine?

9. What is your #1 skin tip for redheads?

10. You have highly demanded classes that have expanded to the general public. When can we go?!

11. Can you have botox and do gua sha?

PODCAST NOTES + PHOTOS: https://howtobearedhead.com/podcast-s3-ep5-what-redheads-need-to-know-about-gua-sha-with-guest-sandra-lanshin-chiu-lac/

*Always consult with your doctor before introducing gua sha or any other practices into your daily health routine.