ProForm teamed with Le Tour de France, the world’s leading cycling event, and created the ProForm Tour de France indoor cycle. This is now the official training bike of the event.

There are three nice features that allow the rider to experience indoor cycling as never before: iFit Live Technology Powered by Google Maps, motorized incline to 20% and decline to 20%, and Real Road resistance technology with power meter.

Riders of the new cycle can log on to ProForm’s iFit.com website to draw a cycling route anywhere in the world using the Google Maps tool. The bike has a built-in wireless Internet connection so the map is downloaded from iFit.com to the product. The Google Map appears on the product’s high-res console screen in Satellite View with a red line marking the cycling route and a marker that moves along the route to show the rider’s progress.

We face the world with our skin. Our body’s armor against harsh conditions, the skin withstand a lot of wear and tear.

But without proper protection from sun, pollution, wind and fluctuating humidity, the skin end up dry, wrinkled, or even diseased. Taking care of our skin is commensurate to maintaining our health and well being.

 Skin types

A key to a healthy skin is knowing what type you have. We take great care of our body when we know what matches its features. A lot of men and women unknowingly worsen existing skin problems by using products that do not fit their skin type. 

Those with normal skin have small pores and a smooth, even tone. They seldom have skin-related problems, such as scaly patches and grease.

Dry skin is rough, often itchy, and thinner than the average. This skin type is also susceptible to damage and irritation. The area consisting of forehead, nose and chin–also called the “T Zone”–is prone to dryness and flaking.

Acne is the most typical problem with having oily skin. People with oily skin usually have large pores that often get clogged, producing blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. More mature skin produce less oil and sweat.

Those with sensitive skin may have had to deal with allergies, rashes, and hives caused by various: triggers such as jewelry, bar soaps, colognes, heat and extreme temperate. Having this skin type require a lot of caution when using products.

Combination facial skin has both dry and oily patches. This type often exhibit both problems of oily and dry skin.

 Hydration and sun-protection

In our lifetime, our body shed and regenerate about 1,000 layers of skin. Keeping it healthy and hydrated is a long-term commitment that pays off in volumes.

To prevent dryness and flaking, we need to moisturize, especially during cold weather. Dry, frosty air damage the skin and may lead to cracking. Keeping our skin hydrated help the body cleanse and circulate nutrients. Since they are most prone to damage, the face and hands need regular moisturizing. 

Drinking the suggested amount of eight to twelve glasses of water every day keep our skin hydrated from the inside, helping it retain its natural moisture. Take water that is rich in minerals. De-mineralized drinking water sifts out the minerals that are helpful to your body. Sodas, which contain a high dose of sugar, is potentially bad for the skin.

No matter what season, we need sunscreen. Sunburns increase the risk of cancer and leave the skin vulnerable to diseases. Once the skin is weakened, it’s more difficult to protect it. Protecting our skin from ultraviolet rays also help prevent wrinkles and age spots.

There are moisturizers that include SPF protection. Make sure you are using natural sunscreen or lotion with a minimum of SPF 15. The best sunscreen contains zinc oxide and stabilizers, protecting us more comprehensively from UV rays.   

Though sun-protection is a must, we should not deprive ourselves of sunlight. The skin needs an average of 10 to minutes of direct exposure to the sun every day. The best time to do this is during sunrise and sunset when the sun is gentler and beneficial to the skin. The sun is most damaging to our skin between 10 a.m. to 4 pm.

Protect not just your skin but also your eyes. Wear sunglasses with 100 percent UV protection.

The skin around our eyes is thinner and more sensitive that other areas in our face. The traditional way of placing slices of cucumber has always proven effective. Eye creams also heal those dark circles and eye bags. 

The mouth is an area we sometimes take for granted. Lips balms are just as essential as lotion and facial moisturizer. Licking our lips doesn’t cover it. Lip balms and oil-based wax protect our lips from UV rays and prevent drying or cracking. Never share lip balms as this may cause cold sores.