Protecting Your Skin From Sun Exposure

A new season begins--Spring is here! The warmer weather is finally upon us, but the sun’s rays are stronger. While enjoying the sun with your loved ones, below is some helpful information and tips:

As you age, your skin grows thinner, more fragile, and less likely to protect and rejuvenate itself. Because sun damage is the greatest threat to human skin, people with sensitive, older skin must take diligent precautions to avoid as much sun exposure as possible.

While various methods and cosmetic topical products are effective, understand that no single approach is 100% successful in warding off ultraviolet (UV) radiation, a known cause of skin cancer and other skin-related diseases.

The best advice is to combine smart sun care tools and techniques to protect your skin from the harmful effects of the sun. Here are some tips to help keep you sun-safe all season long.

1) Pick Shade Over Sun
Whether you're at home or out walking, prevent sun damage to elderly skin by staying in shady corridors or porches, especially during the hottest part of the day. The sun's rays are strongest in North America between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

2.) Apply Sunscreen Daily
Sunscreen is the most powerful skin care product you can use to protect aging skin. Dermatologists recommend that you apply an SPF 30 formula to exposed skin daily, whether you'll be indoors or out. Sunscreen of this strength is scientifically proven to absorb 97% of harmful UV rays, which are able to pass through clouds and glass. Reapply sunscreen after sweating or showering and use it liberally.

3.) Don’t Forget to Moisturize
Keep skin moist with a high-quality lotion or cream. Elderly skin is already prone to dryness, which sun damage and hot temperatures can make worse. A good moisture barrier created by applying a skin care cream or lotion prevents water loss from the various layers of skin.

4.) Wear Protective Clothes
Long-sleeved pants and shirts create excellent, inexpensive sun protection for elderly skin. Using specially designed UV hats and clothing that provide extra sun safety for times when you wish to be outdoors is recommended.

5.) Use Protective Accessories
Fabrics and films that block UV radiation are also used to make umbrellas, sunglasses, window shades and car window tints. Shield your sensitive skin from sun damage with these items.

-Effie Marcantel