Nearly everyone loves a day at the beach. Laying back, enjoying the sun chatting with family and friends is a great way to relax. But did you know that the sun can do considerable damage? Over exposure to the sun can cause not only premature aging but can also be a leading factor in skin cancer.
We all want a nice golden tan, but we also have to remember that although the tan is not permanent; the damage it can do to your skin may have lasting effects. Tanning beds or the new creams and lotions which give the appearance of a tan, are alternatives you should consider. These will give you the tanned look that you desire without the negative side effects of skin damage. But remember, too much time on a tanning bed can be just as dangerous because it can also prematurely dry out your skin.
Some exposure to the sun is necessary for good health but only a moderate amount is required and a good SPF sun protection lotion should be applied to the skin at all times when outside in sunny conditions. Most medical experts recommend 15 to 20 minutes a day as a safe exposure time, and many TV weather personnel are giving a sun factor during the summer months.
Other damage from exposure to the sun such as discoloration and sun spots will make you look more aged. While there are many excellent treatments such as skin peels and laser resurfacing that can help in reducing these blemishes, the best solution is to avoid them in the first place. Although these treatments can remove the sun spots or discoloration, you skin will not be in the same condition it was before the damage occurred.
Skin damage from the sun not only affects your face. Your hands are an area that is also constantly exposed to the sun. A lot of this damage can come through the windscreen of your car when you are driving, so make sure you have sufficient sun protection on your hands. Another alternative to harmful rays of the sun on your hands when driving may be the use of driving gloves especially if you live in a sunny environment.
If you like sitting outside, enjoying the summer warmth, get an oversized patio umbrella, working in you garden, wear a hat and sunglasses. But the most important rule is to protect your skin using a good sunscreen, the higher the PF factor the better, a good moisturizer to keep your face moist, and to drink plenty of water to keep the body from dehydrating...
Start your children at early age using sunscreen and wearing hats. Early prevention is the best possible lesson to learn, then as we are age gracefully we, hopefully, will not have to worry about the aging effects of the sun.
A few simple steps will let you enjoy the summer months and keep your skin healthy and glowing.
(c) 2008 Michele Winslow
When word gets around about your command of Ethical facts, others who need to know about Ethics will start to actively seek you out.
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