The Oaks at Ojai
The days have been gloomy. You pour over websites and brochures for tropical paradises. You long to try on and buy all of the shorts, swimsuits and skimpy sundresses. Yes, it's officially that time of year when we crave the feeling of summer's warmth.
However, the sun isn't our friend. If you still believe that you can lounge poolside minus any thought to the damage you're doing to your skin, you're in for some terrible surprises. Often the damage of overexposure to the sun doesn't show up for a few years or even a decade. Many people who ignored sensible advice about being out in the sun too long are now coping with premature aging skin, wrinkles and skin cancer.
But you don't have to give up those luscious warming rays and you do not have to tempt fate by turning to a tanning salon. Here are some sun tips to keep you safe and save your skin:
*Always wear sunscreen, even on cloudy days. Most dermatologists suggest anything under an SPF 30 is insufficient. Find a variety that you'll wear under makeup and that doesn't interfere with the smell of your perfume. Some sunscreen varieties are especially designed for outdoors people and they don't feel greasy, burn the eyes and are waterproof. Check the ingredients and ask your pediatrician about sunscreen for the kids.
*Cover up. If you love gardening as much as I do, then you know that time flies when you are puttering among the flower and vegetable beds. But the damage the sun can do to the hands, arms, and even the top of your head when you're in the yard is real. A large brimmed hat and a good waterproof sunscreen for the legs, arms, hands, neck, face and ears is essential. If you're wearing light-weight clothing, you'll also want to smooth on a film of sunscreen for your shoulders, chest and back since the sun's rays do penetrate fabric.
*Choose your times. Unless it's essential choose the times when you're out in summer's rays. Midday is the time when the rays are the most powerful. If you walk, run or cycle, go earlier in the morning or in the early evenings, always wearing light-colored clothing and being intelligent about safety if you're near roads. If you're visiting a sunny location, keep the kids off the beach, away from the pool and indoors during the middle of the day unless you can make sure they're fully protected with a hat and sunscreen.
Keep in mind that at high altitudes, the sun rays are more powerful. On foggy and cloudy days, the rays still can affect you. While it might seem you can't get away with even a little time outdoors without the fear of being burned, that's not true. Select clothing, times and activities to keep your skin healthy. You'll want to look at your body, all over and in a three way mirror, at least every six months. If there are any new or different spots or dots, regardless of how benign they seem to you, have them checked out by a dermatologist. If you were a "sun worshipper" or "sun baby" long ago, be especially skin-smart and make an appointment as soon as possible to be checked out by a medical professional. Skin cancer is on the rise. Be smart and stay fit for life.
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