Many people benefit from moderate exposure to the sun. Vitamin D in doses as little as ten minutes a day can improve your mood and is essential for maintaining proper calcium levels that promote strong teeth and bones! Much more than that, and you risk photo-aging by the sun. The sun’s radiation is partly responsible for aging and wrinkles so it’s important to protect yourself from the sun’s rays by applying sunscreen and using other protective measures.
Benefits of Sunscreen
A good sunscreen will not only prevent a sunburn, but also protect you from various skin cancers, photoaging, and several inflammatory conditions caused or worsened by the sun. Ultraviolet-A radiation, or UVA rays, are primarily responsible for premature aging, wrinkles and tanning. Ultraviolet-B, or UVB rays, can cause burning. Both types of rays damage the skin, potentially resulting in skin cancers. While older sunscreens were basically designed to protect against UVB rays, the newer generation of products also help block UVA.
The introduction of avobenzone revolutionized protection against UVA in the late 1980’s, and many advances have resulted in several more stable compounds and combinations that offer excellent coverage. Sunblocks that contain ingredients like titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are the most effective. A broad spectrum sunscreen with re-application every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating and using other protective measures such as protective clothing, hats, sunglasses and avoiding the midday sun all help to avoid the negative effects of the sun on the skin. Make sure the sunscreen you choose is at least an SPF 15 or higher.
Bronzers and Sunscreens
Bronzers make you look as if you have a tan, but they do not actually protect you from the sun. Make sure that you apply your bronzer first thing in the morning, after a shower, and let them sink into your skin. If you are going to be in the sun that day, apply sunscreen on top of the bronzer.
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