Canyon Ranch (Arizona)
Having a healthy glow sure ain't what it used to be.
According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency there has been a staggering 1,800 percent increase in malignant melanoma cases since 1930. And recent years showed an alarming rise in skin cancers among people in their twenties and thirties.
However, before you pull the blinds and resolve yourself to a life of pallor, you should know it is possible to stay sun safe and still look fabulous.
Proper use of a sunscreen will keep your complexion from darkening. However, if you miss having a tan there are many effective topical self-tanning creams on the market that will produce great results. Avoid using a tanning bed to darken your complexion, since they have the potential to cause serious skin problems.
How does sunscreen work?
Simply put, sunscreen contains unique chemical components that absorb ultraviolet (UV) light. When sunscreen is applied to the skin, the chemical molecules form an invisible, protective layer that repels the penetrating UV rays. Besides protecting you from sunburn, sunscreens help prevent premature aging and pre-cancerous growths.
Use a broad- or full-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB and has a minimum SPF of 15 and a maximum of 45. Always look for sunscreens that list at least one of the following ingredients: titanium dioxide, zinc oxide or Parsol 1789. These ingredients offer extreme protection for the skin from the harmful rays.
Some sunscreens contain antioxidants that can significantly reduce the signs of sun damage while protecting your skin at the same time. Look for sunscreens that contain the following antioxidants: vitamin E, coenzyme Q-10 and vitamin C. Remember to apply sunscreen not only to your face, neck and décolletage, but the entire body, not forgetting your hands.
A little bit of sun can do some damage
If you're participating in outdoor activities, apply sunscreen three or more times daily. Cover up as much as possible with hat, sunglasses, and protective clothing. Even if your sunscreen is waterproof, reapply after swimming or breaking a sweat. Remember, incidental time in the sun such as driving the car can also add up to long-term damage. If you get sun protection from your makeup or cosmetic foundation, you should decide on a case-by-case basis whether you need a touchup or complete reapplication.
Mineral sunscreens and makeup contain micronized titanium dioxide and micronized zinc oxide as their active ingredients. Using minerals for sun protection will not clog the pores or dry the skin. They're ideal for sensitive skin, provide instant protection and are water resistant.
UV what?
The two main UV rays that impact the skin are Ultraviolet A (UVA) and Ultraviolet B (UVB). UVA rays are responsible for aging and affect the lower layers of the skin. UVB rays are responsible for burning and have been linked to melanoma and other forms of skin cancer; it's important to always choose a broad- or full-spectrum sunscreen to protect yourself from both kinds of rays.
How much SPF is enough?
The SPF rating was developed to describe the amount of protection that a sunscreen provides. The higher the SPF number, the more protection.
Select an SPF of 15 for daily use and an SPF of at least 30 for outdoor activities, such as golf or hiking. If you'll be swimming or sweating, be sure to use a sunscreen that's also waterproof.
When applying your sunscreen, it's important to remember that SPF values can't be added to increase protection. For example, if you apply a sunscreen with an SPF of 10 and then an SPF of 15, you will not have a protection factor of 25. You'll only have the SPF protection of the highest number applied, which, in this case, would be 15.
Don't forget the lip balm
Besides protecting you from sunburn and other skin damage, lip balm can keep your lips supple for many years to come. As with sunscreen, choose a lip balm with titanium dioxide and an SPF of 15 or higher. Not only will lip balm protect your lips from burning, the moisturizers will help to prevent chapping and dryness as well.
Buck the trend
Don't be part of the rising skin-cancer statistics. You have plenty of options to keep your skin healthy and protected. In addition to sunscreens, make hats and cover-up clothing part of your everyday wardrobe. Your skin will thank you for it - year after year after year.
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