(BPT) – It’s time to embrace the pleasures of summer: long vacations, poolside lounging, and al fresco dining with great views. While soaking up the sun can be fun, it can also pose significant risk for your skin. According to research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the majority of Americans are not regularly using sunscreen to protect themselves from the sun’s harmful UV rays.
More than half of women are not using sunscreen regularly on their faces, one of the most exposed areas of the skin, according to the Melanoma Research Alliance.
Besides the fact that the sun’s UV rays can prematurely age your skin, exposure can also lead to melanoma, the deadliest type of skin cancer, and one of the most common cancers in young adults, especially young women.
“Wearing sunscreen every day is one of the most important steps you can take to help protect your skin and prevent melanoma. Applying a broad spectrum sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher every day can help keep your skin healthy looking and beautiful at any age,” says Dr. Rocio Rivera, L’Oréal Paris director of scientific communications.
As your hours in the sun increase this season, here are a few tips to help keep your skin protected – minimizing your risk and maximizing your fun.
Protect your face.
When you’re going to spend time outside, apply a broad-spectrum SPF 15 or higher to any exposed skin, even on a cloudy day. “It is important to apply and re-apply broad spectrum SPF sunscreen daily and every two hours if you are swimming or sweating to ensure proper continuous protection,” says Dr. Rivera. Also, incorporating skincare products formulated with broad spectrum SPF like Revitalift Bright Reveal Day Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30 from L’Oréal Paris is a cinch and ensures your skin is hydrated and protected.
Consider a faux tan.
If you are not a sun person, don’t worry. There are many self-tanning options that can help you get a natural-looking glow without baking in the sun or under the lights of a tanning bed. Try a wash-off bronzer or a self-tanning serum that can be mixed with your favorite SPF moisturizer. But always remember to apply SPF even if you are going faux.
Don’t forget eyes, ears, lips and hands.
Every part of your body that’s exposed to the sun needs protection, so don’t forget to wear lip balm with SPF and apply broad spectrum sunscreen to your ears. Along with being a chic summer accessory, sunglasses are a must for shielding your eyes from the sun. Some research shows that exposure to UV rays can damage your eyes, according to the organization Prevent Blindness.
Wear a hat.
A wide-brimmed hat is a classic summer look for good reason: it will block about half of UV rays. Since harmful rays can still bounce off surfaces, it’s important to think of a hat as additional protection, not a substitute for sunscreen.
Apply, reapply and repeat.
After a couple hours, the protection in sunscreen starts wearing off, even if you’re not doing anything athletic. Set a timer reminding yourself to reapply, especially if you are swimming or sweating.
This summer, don’t take a vacation from sun protection for your skin.
Since 2013, L’Oréal Skin Expert Paris has donated $750,000 to the Melanoma Research Alliance (MRA) to support the fight to prevent melanoma. For the next three years, L’Oréal Skin Expert Paris will continue supporting the MRA by donating $250,000 a year to this worthy organization. In addition to obtaining a “healthy looking glow” through Sublime Bronze products, remember to wear a broad spectrum SPF each day to help keep your skin beautiful at every age and help prevent melanoma. To learn more about the cause, visit www.itsthatworthit.org.
