Take Care of Your Skin in the Sun
From:
India-Jewel Jackson
129 days 10 hours 45 minutes ago
Did you know that May is Ultraviolet Awareness and Skin Cancer Prevention Month? Sadly, with the influx of (often incorrect) health information, consumers are sometimes confused about how to protect themselves and their families from sun damage., and ultimately skin cancer. As the weather grows warmer, it’s important to prevent unintentional sun exposure often gained by daily activities, including walking, biking or gardening. Dr. Beth Lange, senior director of the Coppertone Solar Research Center, can help educate readers as they prepare for the hot summer months and offers the following top suncare tips that can help:
1) Apply. Apply. Apply. Because the sun may cause damage immediately, don’t forget to apply sunscreen before you go into the sun. Remember to reapply every 80 minutes and after swimming, toweling off or sweating (even if the sunscreen is waterproof and sweatproof).
2) Double-Up.
When you think you have applied enough…apply some more. It takes at least one ounce of sunscreen to properly protect your face and body. That means over a weekend you could easily use an entire six-ounce bottle of sunscreen. With sun protection, more really is better.
3) Follow the shadow rule. If your shadow is shorter than you are, the sun’s rays are at their strongest. Cover up with sun protective clothing, such as a hat and sunglasses and head for the shade.
4) Choose a sunscreen that you’ll actually use. If it feels good on your skin and is easy to use, you’ll be more likely to reapply.
5) Products that withstand the elements are key. Whether you are playing volleyball, running on the beach or even surfing, use a sunscreen that is waterproof and ultra-sweatproof (so it won’t run into your eyes and sting).
6) See a dermatologist once a year for a skin check -- no matter what your age. If detected early, melanoma can be treatable (survival rates for patients with early detection are about 99% but decrease depending on how far the melanoma has spread).
~Melanie Nadeau
