Summer Sun Smarts

If summer hasn’t arrived yet where you live, it certainly is on its way! With it comes wonderful sunshiny days and outdoor activities.

Some sun smarts to be aware of to protect your skin and keep in beautiful:

• Use sunscreen. Make it a part of your morning skin care routine.
• Be sure not to underestimate an overcast day, being inside the car, or short exposure to the sun.
• Be educated on the difference between UVA (penetrates into deep layers of the skin) and UVB (penetrates outer layer of the skin) rays.
• Use high SPF sunscreens for the best protection. Choose sunscreens that are labeled with “broad spectrum protection”
• Reapply sunscreen as needed throughout the day. Water, sun, heat, sweat, and other factors can diminish the effectiveness of sunscreen.
• Use clothes, hats, and sunglasses to protect skin.
• For sensitive skin, use sunscreen that contain titanium dioxide or zinc oxide.
• Remember lips are exposed to the sun. Use lip balms with SPF of 15 or higher.

Sun damage occurs over time and the effects will become more noticeable with age.

Signs of moderate sun damage:

• Mottled hyperpigmentation, which is light, patchy discoloration that can include brown spots.
• Skin is rough instead of soft and supple.
• Fine line wrinkles and shallow indentations especially around eyes, mouth, and on forehead.

Signs of severe sun damage:

• Skin is loose and may have a sunken appearance.
• Skin color has changed from rosy to sallow or even pale.
• Deep lines and wrinkles with furrows and creases especially around eyes, mouth, nose, and forehead.

With a little extra care, summer sun at the beach, a backyard BBQ, or in the park can be enjoyed without sacrificing beautiful young looking skin.