Summer’s back—and so is fun in the sun! But before you hit the beach or stage a
friendly water gun fight in your backyard, keep in mind that ultraviolet rays
from the sun can do a number on your skin; in fact, they are the most common
cause of premature aging. Here are some simple ways you can protect yourself—and
your loved ones—and still have fun in the sun.
sourced from our field monthly products feature:
Reduce Sun Exposure During Peak Hours
UV
rays are strongest and most dangerous between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., so the less
time you spend outdoors during these hours, the better. That doesn’t mean you
have to ditch out on all the fun. For instance, instead of heading out to the
pool at 2 p.m., wait a few hours and go at 5 p.m. The sun will still be up and
there’ll be plenty of light out. And don’t be fooled on an overcast day—you can
still get burned because up to 80% of the sun’s UV rays can penetrate through
the clouds. If you can, stay in the shade.
Cover
Up
Be fashionably smart. Wear protective clothing that covers as
much of your body as possible. Remember to cover your hair and head with a
wide-brimmed hat. You might even consider carrying an umbrella for shade. The
more protection you have the better off your skin will be.
Protect Your Eyes
Always wear sunglasses. Not only are
they great for complementing your wardrobe, they also deflect harmful UV rays
that reflect off of water, sand, and other surfaces. This helps reduce the risk
of cataracts and other eye conditions. And, you won’t have to
squint!
Apply Sunscreen Generously
Don’t be shy. Apply a liberal amount of sunscreen evenly on all areas
of the skin—and don’t forget your lips, nose, ears, neck, hands, feet, and head
(if necessary). Do so at least 20 minutes prior to sun exposure and remember to
re-apply every two hours, especially after
swimming.
Arm Yourself with
Antioxidants!
What’s the big deal? Environmental assaults such as
sunlight, pollution, stress, and even normal metabolism produce free radicals in
our bodies, that can damage cells, alter DNA, and cause skin to age prematurely.
Phytonutrients such as carotenoids and flavonoids—antioxidants found in fruits,
vegetables, and plants—combat these free radicals and protect your body against
cellular damage. So be sure to include lots of antioxidants in your diet. Your
skin—and your overall health—will thank you.
Our Products
Can Help You All Summer Long
In addition to providing broad-spectrum
UVA and UVB protection, clinically proven sunscreens
contains a triple-patented nutrient rich complex—a synergistic blend of seven
targeted antioxidants that produces results much greater than the sum of each
ingredient alone. In other words, it protects against premature older-looking
skin.
sunhat flickr image credit
