How to Prevent Sun Damage
You've heard it before... too much of a good thing can actually be a bad thing. This is probably doubly true of the sun. Even though we all know it keeps us alive and well, it's also true that too much sun can be particularly bad for your skin. It not only can cause dry skin, flaky sun, and sunburn; too much sun can also lead to skin cancer, a potentially deadly disease that is on the rise in the United States recently. Everyone needs to take certain precautions concerning the sun, especially those of us who live for the next time we can get out in the great outdoors and enjoy all the summer activities we longed for during the cold winter months. Following are some tips from top dermatologists in New Jersey about the preventive measures you can take to avoid sun damage and protect your skin from potentially harmful UV rays.
Apply lip moisturizer
For many of us, our lips are the most neglected exposed area of our bodies, especially when we're outside enjoying summertime activities. But the fact remains that your lips age too and, if you're spending a lot of time under the suns harmful UV rays, your lips are probably aging at a greater rate. After all, when you're outside and your lips get dry, just like in winter, if you're licking your lips (and you know you are), they're only getting drier. Then you lick them even more, and they get even drier and, well, you know the rest. One of the most important things you can do for your skin during summer is to keep your lips well hydrated. Be sure to always keep on hand lip moisturizer that contains protection from the sun's rays. Reapply at least once an hour, whether you think they need it or not... because, well, they do!
Apply sun screen
Sun screen is a given in summer, but with the resurgence of bronzing as an American pass-time, it's becoming more and more neglected. Everyone needs sun screen, not just people who burn easily. Yes, those of us who are paler than others do require a sun screen with a more potent SPF, but that doesn't mean that folks who are naturally darker skinned can forego the sun screen altogether. Be sure to carry an effective sun screen with you wherever you go during those hot, sunny summer months, especially if you're someone who loves soaking up the sun on a regular basis. These days, many healthcare providers have increased their recommendations of SPF 15 or higher to SPF 30. This will depend largely on the type of activity, the area of the country where you live, and your skin type. Fair-skinned folks do tend to require higher SPF than those with darker skin tones. But don't let this fool you; those with olive and darker skin tones should also carry sun screen, apply, and reapply periodically throughout the day.
Avoid mid-day sun
Avoiding sun altogether in summer is not only unnecessary; it's just plain crazy. However, it's a good idea to avoid the sun as much as possible right in those mid-day hours when its rays can be most harmful. This typically occurs during the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. So how can you tell if you're smack in the middle of the worst time of day to be out in the sun? Let your shadow be your guide. If your shadow is short, either head for the indoors or for a part of the great outdoors that contains a nice, shady tree or other area that will shade your skin and protect it from those mid-day UV rays.
Preventing sun damage only takes a few minutes daily. It's not something that has to rob you of hours out of your fun in the sun. Employ just a few of the steps mentioned above, such as applying sunscreen periodically, moisturizing your lips, protecting your eyes and the skin around your eyes, and even simply wearing a hat to guard your head and body, and you'll likely have a summer full of fun outdoor activities that won't end until Labor Day. And, if you suspect you may be experiencing sun damage to any area of your skin, contact a top dermatologist in your area to be diagnosed and, if necessary to have any areas of sun damage treated before they progress.
Apply lip moisturizer
For many of us, our lips are the most neglected exposed area of our bodies, especially when we're outside enjoying summertime activities. But the fact remains that your lips age too and, if you're spending a lot of time under the suns harmful UV rays, your lips are probably aging at a greater rate. After all, when you're outside and your lips get dry, just like in winter, if you're licking your lips (and you know you are), they're only getting drier. Then you lick them even more, and they get even drier and, well, you know the rest. One of the most important things you can do for your skin during summer is to keep your lips well hydrated. Be sure to always keep on hand lip moisturizer that contains protection from the sun's rays. Reapply at least once an hour, whether you think they need it or not... because, well, they do!
Apply sun screen
Sun screen is a given in summer, but with the resurgence of bronzing as an American pass-time, it's becoming more and more neglected. Everyone needs sun screen, not just people who burn easily. Yes, those of us who are paler than others do require a sun screen with a more potent SPF, but that doesn't mean that folks who are naturally darker skinned can forego the sun screen altogether. Be sure to carry an effective sun screen with you wherever you go during those hot, sunny summer months, especially if you're someone who loves soaking up the sun on a regular basis. These days, many healthcare providers have increased their recommendations of SPF 15 or higher to SPF 30. This will depend largely on the type of activity, the area of the country where you live, and your skin type. Fair-skinned folks do tend to require higher SPF than those with darker skin tones. But don't let this fool you; those with olive and darker skin tones should also carry sun screen, apply, and reapply periodically throughout the day.
Avoid mid-day sun
Avoiding sun altogether in summer is not only unnecessary; it's just plain crazy. However, it's a good idea to avoid the sun as much as possible right in those mid-day hours when its rays can be most harmful. This typically occurs during the hours of 10:00 am and 4:00 pm. So how can you tell if you're smack in the middle of the worst time of day to be out in the sun? Let your shadow be your guide. If your shadow is short, either head for the indoors or for a part of the great outdoors that contains a nice, shady tree or other area that will shade your skin and protect it from those mid-day UV rays.
Preventing sun damage only takes a few minutes daily. It's not something that has to rob you of hours out of your fun in the sun. Employ just a few of the steps mentioned above, such as applying sunscreen periodically, moisturizing your lips, protecting your eyes and the skin around your eyes, and even simply wearing a hat to guard your head and body, and you'll likely have a summer full of fun outdoor activities that won't end until Labor Day. And, if you suspect you may be experiencing sun damage to any area of your skin, contact a top dermatologist in your area to be diagnosed and, if necessary to have any areas of sun damage treated before they progress.