Why protect yourself against the Sun?

Protecting
your skin against ultraviolet (UV) rays, one of the leading causes of
skin cancer, also prevents skin damage, wrinkles, premature aging and
adverse changes in skin texture according to the American Academy of
Dermatology (AAD). UV rays are an invisible form of radiation from
sunlight, and are capable of changing the structure of skin cells. So
if cancer isn't enough to scare you into protecting your skin, then the
thought of aging quickly and having wrinkles should!

Becoming SPF savvy –

SPF
stands for sun protection factor that protects against UV rays. The AAD
explains the higher SPF, the greater protection from having a sun burn
caused by UV rays. Sun protection products work by absorbing,
reflecting, or dispersing the sun's rays according to the Center for
Disease Control (CDC). Sun protection is an integral part of the
ongoing fight against aging. Choose a bottle of sun protection that has
a broad spectrum (it should be labeled) or look for ingredients such as
oxybenzone or avobenzone (Parsol 1789) to protect against UVA and UVB
rays according to the AAD.

Head to Sephora to pick up a Sun
Safety Kit for $22.50 (valued at $110), packed with summer skincare
must haves. This package will help you find the perfect army of skin
protection for the summer. In addition, 100% of the net profit from
sales will be donated to The Skin Cancer Foundation.

Some
cosmetics also include SPF – like Covergirl's Smoothers Tinted
Moisturizer and Revlon's Super Lustrous Lipgloss. The CDC recommends
that unless it has SPF 15, it should not be used as the only form of
protection.

Sun smart accessories –

Wearing
sunglasses and hats has always been sound advice for avoiding the
harmful damages caused by the sun, however you should still be
fashionable about it. Make sure that your sunglasses protect against UV
rays, try Kate Spade's Veronica Lenses in green for a classy touch this
summer. Going for a long day of shopping a hat might keep you cooler
while preventing sun damage, I recommend Juicy Couture Women's Packable
Straw Hat, the light colors will keep you cool as you enjoy the
outdoors.

Prepared with this information, the right
accessories and sun block, you'll be able to enjoy the summer sun
knowing you are decreasing your of risk of aging due to the sun and
skin cancer. It's trendy to be sun safe.

Tips for staying safe in the sun –

Always wear sun block and reapply according to directions

Sun block expires! So remember to check the expiration and always shake the bottle before applying

Some medications leave skin more sensitive to UV rays, check your medications before heading out

Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, especially during 10 to 2, when the sun is the strongest

Water, snow, concrete and sand reflect the rays of the sun, which can increase your chance of sunburn, so take extra precautions

Don't forget glasses with UV protection and a wide rimmed hat that will protect your neck and face

If you're going on a long drive, remember that UV rays can pass through windows, so apply sun block

If a mark or a mole changes in appearance, have a dermatologist check it out

Seek shade whenever possible