WEAR SUNSCREEN

From the Houston Chronicle:

By JOY SEWING

After the many warnings about the dangers of the sun's ultraviolet rays, some people still aren't getting the message.

While sunscreen can help reverse sun damage and prevent skin cancer, Yarosh says most people don't apply enough to adequately shield their skin from the sun's dangerous rays.

"People put on so little they only get half of the benefits of SPF. So when they use an SPF 60, they are actually only getting the benefits of SPF 30," he said. "They should put on twice as much as they are used to using."

A 5-ounce tube of sunscreen, for example, should be used in a weekend outdoors.

And protective clothing is just as crucial as sunscreen, Yarosh says. "We have to change our behavior and not put all of our eggs in the same basket by using just sunscreen."

Wide-brim hats, long-sleeve shirts, pants and sunglasses offer added protection. Also, many designers and clothing companies are introducing clothing with SPF.

"It's simply not worth the irreversible risks tanning poses to your health," Marks Papock said.

Experts say tanning beds can do the most damage.

According to the dermatology academy, tanning beds increase the risk of skin cancer because the lamps emit UVA and UVB radiation at levels often stronger than the sun and at closer distances. Also, many tanning salons are not regulated.

The reality is there is no safe way to tan, Yarosh said.

There are plenty of alternatives such as bronzers and self-tanners, as well as a host of other skin-care products with SPF, to give you a healthy glow.


Some people may be relieved to know the "supertanned" look is out, says Marie Claire beauty director Ying Chu. She suggests using a tinted moisturizer for a subtle glow.

"Everyone is playing up natural skin tone for summer," she said."It's a nice turning point for beauty."

SUNSCREEN 101

• Choose a product that provides broad-spectrum coverage against both UVA and UVB rays.

• Mexoryl SX is one of the best sunscreen ingredients.

• Apply sunscreen to dry skin 15-30 minutes before going outdoors.

• Be generous. Most people apply only 25 percent to 50 percent of the recommended amount.

• Reapply every two hours, even if the sunscreen is water-resistant.


Wearing sunscreen every day helps prevent wrinkles later in life so you don't have to spend all that dough on expensive anti-aging creams. I am so glad I was born with ivory skin because it's forced me to always wear a lot of high-SPF sunscreen. I can't wait till I'm 50 and I have half the wrinkles of my friends. It's worth all the Casper jokes!