Cruel, Cruel Summer....

Sun Damage Prevention

Aging skin, freckles, dark patches, sun burns, dry lips....Melanoma. All these things no one wants, but we all want to look healthier and sun kissed. No matter what race or skin color you are, your skin can be sun damaged. 

There are three main ways of protecting your skin from the suns harmful UV rays: 

1. Sun Avoidance - Who can resist the beach? The pool? The warmth of the suns rays on that first sunny day in spring time? This one is hard! Especially for those who love to be in the sun (like me!) If at all possible, shade yourself. Also, avoiding the times of day when the suns rays are the most intense. From 10AM -3PM, is when you accumulate the most sun damage.  Having a family, pets, or any kind of summer event (picnics, parades, BBQ's, family get-togethers) makes this a difficult task! We all love good weather, sunshine and summertime!
2. Sun Protective Clothing - Wide brim hats (which can be very stylish!), long sleeved shirts, longer pants, etc. There is also the option of UPF protective clothing, which is like clothing with sunscreen! Wearing darker clothing, clothing with less stretch and not getting wet (dry fabric) helps protect you better. Now there is even a company that sells a Sunscreen Detergent (click here). (Since my husband is a red head and works outside often, I'm going to buy this and give it a try. Check back for an update!) Now there are so many options, you should be able to find the one that fits your lifestyle the best. Reasons to wear UPF clothing, extended exposure to the sun, if you're very fair skinned, children, or spending extended time at high elevation, in equatorial regions or on reflective surfaces (such as snow or water). Not everyone needs UPF clothing, this is a completely personal choice.
3. Sunblock/Sunscreen - The most popular option! Sunscreen does protect you from damaging UV rays. I find that even when I put on sunscreen, I still get a tan gradually. Which is my preferred option! My family has a pool in the backyard and we also have access to beaches nearby. Being outside in the summertime is essential! The sun just makes me feel better, but skin cancer runs in my family and many others. Sunscreen, sunglasses, lipbalm with sunscreen and hats are always an option for me! It's very important to put on sunscreen and let it absorb into the skin BEFORE you head outside. You should always use an SPF of 15 or greater and re-apply often for the best protection. 

      There are two different types of sunblock, chemical and physical.  Chemical sunblock is exactly what it sounds like, chemical. No one chemical blocks the harmful UV rays, so it's a combination of different chemicals that block different regions of UV rays. Physical is actually a physical sunscreen in lotions, make up and other sunscreen products. Usually it's zinc oxide and titanium dioxide that are the blocking elements and they are also all natural sunscreens.

      Sunscreen should be applied 15-20 minutes before going outside into the suns rays, this ensures the proper absorption and full protection. They should also be applied frequently and immediately after getting out of the water.

How you want to protect your skin is up to you, just remember it's essential to do so for long lasting, beautiful skin!

~Sara