Many moisturizers and liquid/cream makeup have a sunscreen already in them, and this is fine for everyday activities with a few minutes here and there in the sun. However, if you work outside, or spend a lot of time outdoors, you need a stronger, water-resistant beach-type sunscreen that holds together on your skin.

It is best to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen offering protection from UVA & UVB rays. Look for chemical ingredients such as benzophenone, oxybenzone and/or avobenzone. And most importantly apply 30 minutes before sun exposure to ensure efficacy. And remember to apply to the tops of your hands too. Reapply at least every two hours while in the sun.

Quick skin cancer prevention tips:

• Wear a sunscreen (at least 15 SPF) every day with chemical and physical blockers

• Stay out of the midday sun

• Wear protective clothing, including a broad brimmed hat & polarized sunglasses

• Watch the UV index (the higher it is the more protection you need)

• Use cosmetic bronzers or self tanners. Just remember to exfoliate your skin before you apply

• Avoid sun beds/tanning booths and sun lamps

• Do the shadow test (if your shadow is shorter than you-seek shade as it means that the UV rays are very high)

• Do not burn

• Apply 1 oz (2 tablespoons) of sunscreen to your entire body 30 minutes before going outside. Reapply every two hours and always after swimming, toweling off, etc.

• Keep newborns out of the sun. Sunscreen should only be used on babies over the age of six months

• Examine your skin head-to-toe and particularly look at moles each month

• See your physician every year for a professional skin exam

Remember a tan is not a healthy sign; it’s a sign of skin damage, which inevitably leads to premature aging. To avoid the sun altogether would be completely impractical but a bit of sun know-how and common sense could save your life. And as an added bonus you’ll stay looking younger longer! So play safe in the sun and keep your skin healthy.

(© 2008 The Skin Cancer Foundation; retrieved 15 April 2008 from www.skincancer.org)

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