How to Protect Your Skin from Sun Damage

Before you enjoy the outdoors on a beautiful, sunny day, take the time to protect your skin first from the sun's damaging rays. Doing so can help prevent serious sunburn, skin cancer, loss of pigmentation, and even premature aging of your skin.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Be sure to buy sunscreen which has an SPF of 15 or greater to protect your skin. Also, choose sunscreen that has been approved by the American Academy of Dermatology or the Skin Cancer Foundation.

2. Apply sunscreen at least a half hour prior to going outdoors. This will allow the lotion to be fully absorbed into your skin. Be sure to apply sunscreen to your face, your hands, forearms, lips, and ears to prevent sun damage. These are areas of your skin that are susceptible to melanoma and are also the first to show visible signs of aging.

3. Reapply sunscreen every time you come out of the water or towel off. Even though the sunscreen states that it is waterproof, the lotion wears off the more you swim and the more you sweat.

4. Apply sunscreen even if you are working or relaxing in the shade. The sun's rays can still reflect off of surfaces. Don't assume that because it is a cloudy day you won't get sunburned. Ultraviolet rays cab still pass through clouds and cause damage to your skin.

5. Always make sure you protect your eyes as well using sunglasses with the appropriate UV protection.

Tips & Warnings

• Treat a sunburn with a moisturizing aloe vera lotion, or other sunburn soothing cream.
• Seek medical attention if you have symptoms of heat stroke which include fever, chills and headache.

Resources

• How to Buy Sunglasses with the Right UV Protection
• How to Spot the Warning Signs of Skin Cancer

[braintees]

on 11/16/2009 Fun read.... Thanks! Excellent ways to protect your skin from sun damage and premature aging.... Because once it's damaged - there's no going back! Prevention is key! 5*