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Sun smarts: 6 bright ideas to
save your skin
Take
a shine to sun safety
Fortunately,
there's a lot you can do to protect yourself and the
ones you love. Here are six tips to heed — day in and day out.
Keep
an eye on the clock. The sun's midday rays tend to be most
dangerous. If possible, schedule your outdoor activities before 10 a.m.
or
after 4 p.m. And, when you're outside, seek out the shady spots.
Cover
up. The less skin that's exposed to the sun, the less damage
done. If the weather allows, wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt.
Choosing dark
colors and tightly woven fabrics — and keeping clothing dry — can also
help. A
wide-brimmed hat is a must, too. It can help protect your face, ears
and neck.
Another attire tip: You can also look for specialty clothing that is
designed
to help block the sun's rays.
Slather
for safety. Use sunscreen every day — applying it at least
15 minutes before going outdoors. And, be generous. Most people don't
use
enough. Around 1 ounce — about a palmful — is usually needed to cover
exposed
skin. Look for a broad-spectrum product with a sun protection factor
(SPF) of
at least 15. Many experts recommend an SPF of 30 or higher. Skin cancer
can
develop on lips, too. So, use a lip balm or lipstick that includes
sunscreen.
And, keep in mind that no sunscreen product protects you completely.
So, it's
still best to avoid the sun when you can.
Go
back for seconds. When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two
hours — and more often if you're sweating or swimming.
Accessorize.
Wear sunglasses that block 99 percent of UV rays.
They'll help protect your eyes — and the skin around them.
Don't
be fooled by Mother Nature. Sun damage can happen in cloudy
and cool weather, too. So, stick with protection every day — even when
fall and
winter roll around. In fact, the sun's rays can even be stronger when
they
reflect off snow. And, swimmers, boaters and beachgoers, take note:
That's true
for water and sand, too!
What
about tanning booths?
Tanning
beds and sunlamps also give off harmful UV rays. Even if
you don't burn, they damage your skin and contribute to skin cancer.
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