sun smarts
What others are reading:
No related posts found!
Peg Cheirrett, a board member of the Melanoma Research Foundation, doesn’t let her two bouts with melanoma stop her from living an active life. But when she goes hiking or boating, she takes every possible precaution to protect her skin from the harmful rays of the sun—and so should we.
The National Cancer Institute has reported that incidents of melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, are on the rise among young women in the United States. Non-melanoma skin cancers have also increased among young women. So, as summer gets underway, it’s time for us to get back into all those good habits, like slathering on broad spectrum sunscreen, donning a hat and sunglasses, and avoiding the sun during peak hours.
When the temperatures rise, we tend to shed clothing, not add more. But experts suggest we rethink our attitude toward summer clothing, which can provide 100 percent of UV blockage. You can wear regular long-sleeved shirts or pants to shield your skin, or check out all the new clothing that’s made with Ultraviolet Protection Factor (UPF) sun protection. When it comes to your face, most cosmetic and skincare lines now offer products with Sun Protection Factor (SPF). The Skin Cancer Foundation notes that the SPF in many moisturizers is sufficient for everyday exposure. But if you’re going to be spending any significant time outside, your best bet is to apply a thorough coat of water-resistant sunscreen to your face and neck before applying makeup. With so many products out there to shield your skin, there’s no excuse not to play it safe.
If you get familiar with the freckles and moles on your body by checking your skin every six or eight weeks, you’re much more likely to notice any changes. Ask a friend or family member to help you with hard-to-see places.
how to do it:
Stand in front of a full-length mirror. Start with your head, and thoroughly examine your face, neck and even your scalp. Then move down your body. Check your hands and arms, then your torso. Use a handheld mirror to check the back of your neck, your back, buttocks, and the backs of your legs.
Examine your legs and feet, including the soles.
Measure and record anything that you see, plus the date, on a body map (see melanoma.com for a sample). Take the map with you the next time you visit your dermatologist.
Source: melanoma.com
Sun-safe worship
Seven finds for $50 or less
from top left:
Benefit “Hello Flawless!” Powder Cover-up with SPF 15, $34 • benefitcosmetics.com.
bliss Best of Skintentions with SPF 15, $35 • blissworld.com.
Lands’ End Solid Jersey Sun. Life Tee with UPF 50, $14.50 • landsend.com.
Neutrogena Ageless Essentials Continuous Hydration Moisture SPF 25, $15 • drugstore.com.
Columbia Sportswear Climber Canyon Hoodie Tunic with UPF 40, $50 • rei.com.
e.l.f. Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15, $1 • eyeslipsface.com.
the Balm Balm Shelter Tinted Moisturizer SPF 18, $25 • thebalm.com.
[...] out the website of Breathe magazine and read my two contributions to the latest issue: “Sun Smarts” and the “Health Bites” [...]