Blog Posts by Real Simple Magazine

Find the right product for you with this helpful list of sunscreen terms.
By Sally Wadyka

Patricia Heal


1. Active ingredients.
These are what absorb and/or reflect rays, as opposed to the ingredients that soothe skin or enhance the texture of the product. Avobenzone: A common active-chemical ingredient, it penetrates the skin's surface and helps absorb harmful UVA rays. If avobenzone is on the label, also look for ingredients such as octocrylene and octisalate, which stabilize avobenzone so that it remains effective longer. Some sunscreens contain Helioplex, a fancy name for a technology that stabilizes avobenzone. Zinc oxide or titanium dioxide: These "actives" are physical compounds. Rather than absorbing rays, they reflect them away from the skin. They're a good choice for those with sensitive skin.

For our sunscreen recommendations, plus seasonal skin-care advice, see The Best Sunscreens (and Summer Skin-Care Tips)

2. PA rating.
This Japanese rating system (which is growing in popularity in

Real Simple answers your questions.

Monica BuckQ. How do I keep my dog smelling fresh?
Cindy Mullis Hampton, Virginia A.

If repeated trips to the groomer don't keep the stench away, smelly fur may not be the problem; a medical condition, such as an ear infection, could be the cause. Unlike our straight ear canals, dogs' L-shaped canals are hard to clean, says Janet Tobiassen, a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association. Floppy-eared dogs, like cocker spaniels, are even more susceptible to infection than those with pointed ears. Be sure to check these breeds regularly. When you look at your dog's ears, observe the color. You should see a natural pink pigmentation. If the ears are red or look inflamed, call your veterinarian. Once a medical issue has been ruled out, turn to the bathtub. Use a gentle soap and a conditioner that is made specifically for your breed. In between washes, use an all-natural dog body spray, such as Lani Body Spray ($15, lanidigyourdog.com). Bonus:

Most people think they know the keys to career success: Keep your head down and nose to the grindstone. Avoid personal, emotional, or awkward subjects (in fact, any elephant in the room) at all costs. Well, guess again. Here, experts reveal five on-the-job maxims that are worth challenging.
By Patrick Doyle


Jetta Productions/Getty ImagesStay Away From Emotional Topics
In my opinion, you should always bring a problem out into the open, even if it's personal, difficult, or awkward. Say you and a colleague have different work styles or have clashed over a project, and as a result there is serious tension between the two of you. Tiptoeing around the issue may cause your productivity to suffer, so it's crucial that you confront your coworker. You can say, "You seem to dispute every point I make, and I don't understand. Did I do something to upset you?" If you talk about it, the situation won't spiral out of control or become a pattern.
Sean O'Neil is a management consultant based in Pelham, New York, and

If you're susceptible to air-, car-, or seasickness (wooaah), calm the queasiness with these doctor-approved solutions.
By Sharon Liao



Focusing on a Fixed Point
John Lawton
Best for: Mild dizziness and general nausea.

How it works: Motion sickness occurs when the ways your brain and your inner ear perceive movement don't match up. Your inner ear can sense that you're moving, but if your eyes are focused inside the vehicle (on the dashboard, for example), they will send a signal to your brain that you aren't moving, says Michael Zimring, M.D., the director of travel medicine at Mercy Medical Center, in Baltimore. Looking at a stationary spot outside the vehicle-say, a building in the distance-helps your inner ear and brain get in sync.

Good to know: Sit in the front seat if you can so it will be easier to focus on an object outside the vehicle.


Also See: Quick Cures for Kids' Illnesses


Acupressure
Grant CornettBest for: An upset stomach.

How it works: According to Chinese medicine,

Wish your powers of recall were as powerful as this elephant's? Here are nine mind-sharpening strategies that can help.
By Alice Oglethorpe

Christopher Griffith Memory lapses can be both embarrassing (what's my neighbor's kid's name again?) and troubling (is senility coming on?). But a few slipups don't necessarily doom you to a future of utter forgetfulness. A memory is made by linking two or more of the 100 billion nerve cells in your brain, called neurons, then solidifying the connection so you can use it later, says Neal Barnard, an adjunct associate professor of medicine at the George Washington University School of Medicine, in Washington, D.C. And "your brain continues to develop neurons and build new connections to strengthen memory as you age, a phenomenon called neuroplasticity," says Brianne Bettcher, a neuropsychology fellow at the University of California, San Francisco, Memory and Aging Center. "So it's never too late to improve your powers of recall." That's where these nine strategies

Want to avoid awkward moments with the hotel bellhop or your child's camp counselor? Simply follow this handy advice about when to pay a gratuity-and how much to fork over. Bonus: In a few instances, you won't even need to open your wallet.

By Yelena Moroz

Find out which bad habits might actually be good for you in the long run-in moderation, of course.

A version of this article originally appeared on Learnvest.com.

You swore off coffee-then caved when you hit a particularly stressful deadline. You don't eat any chocolate anymore-unless there's no one around to see you. We took a deeper look into ten bad-habits-that-aren't. Turns out all these little things you may have been berating yourself for can actually benefit your health, your money, and your motivation.

Anna Williams
1. Splurging
Study after study shows that money doesn't make us happy. We'll make an addendum: Money doesn't bring you lasting happiness, but there's no denying the rush of a splurge.

Research shows that our increase in happiness isn't proportional to the money we spend, so treating yourself to a $50 blouse may actually bring you less total happiness than spending the same money on a small accessory every week or two. After the initial wave of delight, we adjust to our new

Everyone loves s'mores, but these tasty marshmallow recipes offer inventive, gooey alternatives to the traditional fireside treat.
By Sue Li


Chocolate Chip Cookies With Marshmallows and Pistachios
Turn ordinary chocolate chip cookies into a fun dessert that will delight both kids and adults.
Serves 1 | Hands-On Time: 05m | Total Time: 10m
Levi Brown
Ingredients
-2 marshmallows
-2 chewy chocolate chip cookies
-1 tablespoon chopped salted roasted pistachios

Directions
-Heat broiler. Place the marshmallows on a foil-lined baking sheet and broil, turning once, until golden brown, 30 seconds per side.
-Top one of the cookies with the marshmallows and pistachios. Sandwich with the second cookie.

Calories Per Serving: 201

Also See: 20 Delicious Classic Cookie Recipes




Molasses Cookies With Marshmallows and Peaches
Give roasted marshmallows a sophisticated spin by pairing with sweet summer peaches and dark, spicy molasses cookies.
Serves 1 | Hands-On Time: 05m | Total Time: 10m
Levi Brown
Ingredients
-2