Over exposure to sun causes many of the wrinkles and age spots on our faces and is the number one cause of skin cancer. UV reflection from sand, water, pavement, cement and snow doubles the amount of ultraviolet exposure. Here are some tips:
- Check your local paper or radio station daily for the UV index. The higher the number, the greater the need for eye and skin protection.
- Wear Sun Protective Clothing
- Stay out of the sun between 10am and 3pm, when the sun’s rays are strongest.
- Wear a sunscreen with a minimum of 15 SPF, even on cloudy days.
- Wear sunscreen under your clothing; a standard T-shirt only provides SPF protection of 5 to 8.
- Apply sunscreen at least 15 minutes before going outdoors and reapply every two hours, especially during exercise or swimming.
- Be sure your sunglasses have UVA and UVB protections, which should filter at least 80% of the sun’s rays.
- Use wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a long-sleeved shirt and pants in addition to sunscreens.
- Don’t forget to apply sunscreen to your lips and ears!
- Be aware of reflections of water, snow, glass, sand, cement and any reflective surfaces as these may increase exposure to ultraviolet lights significantly.
- Those who have to be out in the sun should try to move around as much as they can.
- Apply sunscreen even if you’re wearing makeup with sun protection.
- The so-called “physical blockers” such as zinc and titanium tend to offer the best protection against both UVB and UVA, the forms of solar radiation that damage skin the most.
Men are notorious for not wanting to wear sunscreen because they don’t like the way it feels, or they perceive it to be greasy. For both men and women who fall into these categories, sprays or gels can be utilized. The higher alcohol content in these products is often more tolerable than creams or lotions.
Some prescription medications, such as acne treatments and birth control pills, increase your skin’s sensitivity to the sun. If you’re taking these medications, increase your sun protection.
Many people assume that a tan protects them, when in fact a tan is actually a sign of skin damage. Tanning is the skin’s reaction to UV radiation from the sun or an artificial tanning bulb. When skin is exposed to UV rays, it tries to protect itself by producing a brown pigment called melanin, which darkens the cells of the outer layer of skin (epidermis). Tanning is your skin’s imperfect defense mechanism against further damage, and darker tans cause the most permanent damage.
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