Sun Protection

With summer almost here its time to start thinking about summer dresses and tank tops, sandals and long lazy days at the beach. It also time to start thinking about protecting our skin from the sun. From fine lines to skin cancer it’s a proven fact that unprotected sun exposure causes more harm than good. That’s not to say that we should all avoid the sun and only go out at night, but we should all be doing our best to avoid overexposure and underprotection.

There are many ways to be safe and still have fun in the sun

Limit Time in the Midday Sun
The sun's rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. whenever possible; limit exposure to the sun during these hours. So go home and take a siesta.

Seek Shade
Shade is a good source of protection, but keep in mind that shade structures (e.g., trees, umbrellas, canopies) do not offer complete sun protection. Remember the shadow rule: Watch Your Shadow. No Shadow, Seek Shade!

Wear a Hat

A hat with a wide brim offers good sun protection to your eyes, ears, face, and the back of your neck - areas particularly prone to overexposure to the sun. Another bonus hats are big again this season.

Wear Sunglasses that Block 99-100% of UV Radiation

Sunglasses that provide 99-100% UVA and UVB protection will greatly reduce sun exposure that can lead to cataracts and other eye dama

ge. Check the label when buying sunglasses. Bonus: Glasses are an easy way to accessorize

Always Use Sunscreen
Apply a broad spectrum sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15 or higher liberally on exposed skin. Reapply every 2 hours, or after working, swimming, playing, or exercising outdoors. Even waterproof sunscreen can come off when you towel off, sweat, or spend extended periods of time in the water.

How to put on sunscreen

From cosmopolitan.com

You can't just slap a bit on your chest and shoulders and think you're good to go. You need to slather up properly.

Step 1: Put the lotion on 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors. This gives the sunscreen enough time to be absorbed into your skin and offer you ultimate protection.

Step 2: Squeeze out an ounce — the amount to almost fill a shot glass. That'll keep an average-size adult protected. "Coat your body in a thin, even layer; there's no need to frost yourself like a cupcake," explains Noah S. Heftler, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at Weill Medical College of Cornell University.

Step 3: Apply it all over. A good trick: Put it on while you're completely naked so you get it everywhere. Then, when your swimsuit moves around, the skin that gets exposed is still protected. Make sure your legs and upper back are covered; melanoma most often strikes these body areas in women.

Step 4: Be gentle to your face. It's fine to use the same product you use for your body, but if your face is prone to breakouts, invest in a sunscreen specially formulated to prevent blemishes.

Step 5: Reapply every two hours if you are lazing around outside; every 30 minutes if you're doing something active that's causing you to work up a sweat (which makes sunscreen less effective — yes, even if the label says it's waterproof).

Avoid Sunlamps and Tanning Parlors
The light source from sun beds and sunlamps damages the skin and unprotected eyes. It's a good idea to avoid artificial sources of UV light. A better solution- sunless tanner. They are available for every skin tone and you don’t have to worry about burning.