SUN PROTECTION
Nearly everyone loves a day at the beach. Laying
back, enjoying the sun chatting with family and
friends is a great way to relax. But did you know
that the sun can do considerable damage? Over
exposure to the sun can cause not only premature
aging but can also be a leading factor in skin
cancer.
We
all want a nice golden tan, but we also have to
remember that although the tan is not permanent; the
damage it can do to your skin may have lasting
effects. Tanning beds or the new self tanning
creams and lotions are alternatives you should
consider. These will give you the tanned look that
you desire without the negative side effects of skin
damage.
But
remember, too much time on a tanning bed can be just
as dangerous because it can also prematurely dry out
your skin.
Some exposure to the sun is necessary for good
health but only a moderate amount is required and a
good SPF sun protection lotion should be applied to
the skin at all times when outside in sunny
conditions. Most medical experts recommend 15 to 20
minutes a day as a safe exposure time, and many TV
weather personnel are giving a sun factor during the
summer months.
Other damage from exposure to the sun such as
discoloration and sun spots will make you look more
aged. While there are many excellent treatments
such as skin peels and laser resurfacing that can
help in reducing these blemishes, the best solution
is to avoid them in the first place. Although these
treatments can remove the sun spots or
discoloration, you skin will not be in the same
condition it was before the damage occurred.
Skin damage from the sun not only affects your
face. Your hands are an area that is also
constantly exposed to the sun. A lot of this
damage can come through the windscreen of your car
when you are driving, so make sure you have
sufficient sun protection on your hands. Another
alternative to harmful rays of the sun on your hands
when driving may be the use of driving gloves
especially if you live in a sunny environment.
If
you like sitting outside, enjoying the summer
warmth, get an oversized patio umbrella, working in
you garden, wear a hat and sunglasses. But the most
important rule is to protect your skin using a good
sunscreen, the higher the PF factor the better, a
good moisturizer to keep your face moist, and to
drink plenty of water to keep the body from
dehydrating...
Start your children at early age using sunscreen and
wearing hats. Early prevention is the best possible
lesson to learn, then as we are age gracefully we,
hopefully, will not have to worry about the aging
effects of the sun.
A
few simple steps will let you enjoy the summer
months
©
2008
Michele Winslow
