Protecting the skin from sun damage

Here are some tips in order to prevent further sun damage or even worse, skin cancer:

• Avoid the sun! This is especially true during peak hours- 10am-3pm. If you have to be in the sun during these peak hours, try to stay in the shade or under an umbrella. It is true that the sun is stronger in the summer than the winter; however, UV rays can still cause damage in the winter. And dont be tricked into thinking that there are no UV rays on cloudy days. While the UV penetration is less, it can still contribute to aging of the skin.

• Cover up! Wear clothing that covers the arms and legs- tighly woven clothing is preferrable. Wear a wide brimmed hat and sunglasses.

• Wear sunscreen! You should put sunscreen on the face every morning. A minimum SPF of 15; higher is recommended. Today there are many SPFs in the 30-50 range. You want a sunscreen that blocks both UVA (the 'aging' ray) and UVB (the 'burning' ray) rays. And remember to continue to wear the sunscreen in the winter and on cloudy days.

• Apply sunscreen 30 minutes before going out in the sun. Apply the sunscreen liberally. Applying little amounts will not be as effective as charging heavy amounts.

• Use higher SPF on sensitive areas such as nose, ears, lips, etc.

• Reapply sunscreen after swimming of excessive sweating; do this even if the sunscreen is water resistant.

• Be especially careful if you are taking photo-sensitive medications such as Accutane or certain antibiotics.

Take these precautions! It is worth avoiding skin cancer and premature aging.