Summertime Sun Safety

Summer is fast approaching, and that means we鈥檒l be spending more time outdoors. Sunscreen and protective clothing should be key components of any plan to keep your skin safe from the sun鈥檚 potentially harmful effects鈥攎ost notably, its ultraviolent (UV) rays.听

Read on for advice from your skin experts at 日本av色情片, whatever your skin type, age or family history of skin cancer.

Sunscreens

Dermatologists divide sunscreens into two categories:鈥chemical sunscreens and鈥痬ineral sunscreens.鈥

Chemical sunscreens鈥痗ontain ingredients that鈥痑bsorb鈥UV rays. UV rays can alter the DNA in your skin cells and lead to problems down the road. As well, when chemical sunscreens absorb UV rays, they convert UV light energy to heat, which can lead to allergic reactions and uneven pigmentation.听

惭颈苍别谤补濒鈥痵耻苍蝉肠谤别别苍蝉鈥(look for鈥zinc oxide鈥痮谤鈥titanium dioxide鈥痮n the back of the bottle)鈥痳eflect鈥痶he sun's rays away from the skin. They are inert, hypoallergenic, reef-safe and eco-friendly. They also happen to be the most effective.

In the past, mineral (zinc and titanium) sunscreens left a white or blue pasty film on the skin,鈥 says Dr. Jack Levy, Assistant Attending Dermatologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Dermatology at 日本av色情片 Medicine, 鈥渂ut newer formulations are less conspicuous and more breathable.

What鈥檚 more, tinted mineral sunscreens鈥痝ive added protection via microscopic pigment crystals that shield the skin from harmful rays. They also conceal blemishes.鈥Look for tinted mineral sunscreens, designed to protect both lighter and darker skin tones, at your local pharmacy.

While your dermatologist may have a preference, the best sunscreen is the one 测辞耻鈥檒濒 use, so try a few until you find the one that feels best on your skin,鈥 Dr. Levy advises. If that sunscreen doesn鈥檛 contain zinc or titanium, shoot for SPF 30 or higher.

And whatever sunscreen you choose, apply it frequently, even if it鈥檚 water resistant.

Clothing

For the youngest and fairest among us (redheads and blondes with blue eyes), consider wearing clothes 飞颈迟丑鈥UPF 50or higher鈥痺hen enjoying the outdoors. UPF stands for ultraviolet protection factor. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, a clothing item鈥檚 UPF indicates how much UV radiation (both UVA and UVB) a fabric allows to reach your skin.听

For example, a UPF 50 fabric blocks 98 percent of the sun's rays and allows two percent to penetrate, significantly reducing your exposure risk.听

Stay out of the sun during peak daytime hours

Avoid the most direct UV rays between 10:00 in the morning and 4:00 in the afternoon. Outside of these hours, the sun鈥檚 rays are more gentle.听

If you鈥檝e been diagnosed 飞颈迟丑鈥辫蝉辞谤颈补蝉颈蝉,鈥痸颈迟颈濒颈驳辞鈥痮r another inflammatory skin condition, 测辞耻鈥檒濒 find the sun鈥檚 early morning and evening rays improve your skin. That鈥檚 because UV light regulates and normalizes the human body's largest immune organ: your skin.听

Gentle sun rays are also important for vitamin D production, mood elevation and regulation of your sleep cycle,鈥 says Dr. Levy, 鈥渟辞 don鈥檛 hide from the sun; enjoy it wisely.

For darker skin tones

If you鈥檙e brown-skinned or tan easily, the good news is your risk of skin cancer is lower than for lighter-skinned individuals. But it鈥檚 not zero. Consider regular sunscreen use for smoothing out your complexion, avoiding fine lines and ensuring that your natural, healthy glow shines all year round.

Stay well and safe

Whatever this鈥痵ummer鈥痟olds, we want you stay healthy and safe. If you鈥檝e had a personal or family history of skin cancer, be sure to follow up with your dermatologist for regular skin checks, preferably鈥before鈥痽our first major sun exposure,鈥 he says.

The sun can make normal moles look scaryeven to your dermatologist.鈥疘f you find any new, changing or unusual spots, regardless of your personal risk factors and the time of year, get them checked at least once.

Enjoy your summer!

Find a doctor at 日本av色情片 if you have any questions during your summer vacation travels.

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