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Sun smarts: 6 bright ideas to save your skin

     

Take a shine to sun safety

 

Fortunately, there's a lot you can do to protect yourself and the ones you love. Here are six tips to heed — day in and day out.

 

Keep an eye on the clock. The sun's midday rays tend to be most dangerous. If possible, schedule your outdoor activities before 10 a.m. or after 4 p.m. And, when you're outside, seek out the shady spots.

 

Cover up. The less skin that's exposed to the sun, the less damage done. If the weather allows, wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt. Choosing dark colors and tightly woven fabrics — and keeping clothing dry — can also help. A wide-brimmed hat is a must, too. It can help protect your face, ears and neck. Another attire tip: You can also look for specialty clothing that is designed to help block the sun's rays.

 

Slather for safety. Use sunscreen every day — applying it at least 15 minutes before going outdoors. And, be generous. Most people don't use enough. Around 1 ounce — about a palmful — is usually needed to cover exposed skin. Look for a broad-spectrum product with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. Many experts recommend an SPF of 30 or higher. Skin cancer can develop on lips, too. So, use a lip balm or lipstick that includes sunscreen. And, keep in mind that no sunscreen product protects you completely. So, it's still best to avoid the sun when you can.

 

Go back for seconds. When outdoors, reapply sunscreen every two hours — and more often if you're sweating or swimming.

 

Accessorize. Wear sunglasses that block 99 percent of UV rays. They'll help protect your eyes — and the skin around them.

 

Don't be fooled by Mother Nature. Sun damage can happen in cloudy and cool weather, too. So, stick with protection every day — even when fall and winter roll around. In fact, the sun's rays can even be stronger when they reflect off snow. And, swimmers, boaters and beachgoers, take note: That's true for water and sand, too!

 

What about tanning booths?

 

Tanning beds and sunlamps also give off harmful UV rays. Even if you don't burn, they damage your skin and contribute to skin cancer.


 
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