HEALTH & WELLNESS
Smart Sunning
By Vicki Bennington
Top photo courtesy of Coolibar sunwear Bottom photo by Dan Jackman / WENN . com
Sunshine is beautiful , uplifting and life-giving , but it can also be dangerous .
Lurking in that brilliant glow are ultraviolet rays that filter through the air ( even in the shade ) to damage your skin , your eyes , and possibly lead to serious health complications . That doesn ’ t mean you can ’ t enjoy it . Here are a few facts to keep in mind that will help you stay summer-safe and sun-smart .
• When spending time outdoors , wear sunscreen . Even cooler months , shady spots and cloudy days do not keep harmful rays at bay . Ultraviolet A rays cause your skin to tan , but also lead to wrinkles , dark or light “ sun ” spots , and thicker , tougher skin . Ultraviolet B rays lead to sunburns .
• According to the Skin Cancer Foundation , nonmelanoma skin cancer is treated in about 5.4 million cases in the United States every year . Melanoma is diagnosed in about 87,000 Americans each year . Sun exposure is the most likely culprit in both melanoma and nonmelanoma .
• Both UVA and UVB rays can cause skin cancer . Every time you tan or burn , damage builds up in skin layers , and chances of developing skin cancer increase .
• Be diligent about examining your own skin for changes that could indicate skin cancer . Case in point : Actress Michelle Monaghan of “ Mission : Impossible III ” had skin cancer a few years ago , discovered after she had a suspicious mole on the back of her calf checked ( her husband happened to see it ). Areas like the backs of legs and torso are hard to check on your own , so yearly visits to the dermatologist can help detect areas that are normally out of sight .
• Be especially diligent with sunscreen if in or near the water , which can reflect the sun onto areas like the face , shoulders and head . Even winter sports , like snow skiing , can double the danger of sunburn when rays reflect off of white snow . Not only can sunscreen provide protection from cancer , but it is estimated that people who use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher each day show 24 percent less skin aging than those who do not use sunscreen daily .
• Sunscreen alone doesn ’ t always keep you from burning . Some are labeled “ waterproof ,” but still need to be reapplied after two or three hours , after you get in and out of water , or when sweating heavily .
• Even with sunscreen , try to limit direct sun exposure to mornings before 10 a . m . and afternoons after 3 p . m ., when the sun ’ s rays are not as strong .
• Use Sun Protection Factor clothing to protect skin from UVA and UVB rays even further . Shirts , pants , swimsuits , hats and other accessories are available at retailers like Coolibar , which has received The Skin Cancer Foundation ’ s Seal of Recommendation for sun protective clothing . Visit coolibar . com .
SAVVY I SOPHISTICATED I SASSY 83