Fall Suncare Tips
Just because summer is over, you shouldn’t forget about sun protection. In the fall, as much as 80% of UV rays can pass through clouds, even when it’s overcast. Dr. Patricia Agin of the Coppertone Solar Research Center offers these suncare tips.
Protect your Face – While arms and legs are generally covered during cool seasons, your face is one part of the body that can receive year-round sun exposure. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen and apply it to the face, neck and chest before leaving the house.
Don’t Forget the Hands – If you aren’t wearing gloves, the skin on your hands is just as susceptible to sun damage as the skin on your face. Smoothing on a sunscreen lotion daily may help moisturize dry skin and can help protect the skin from unintentional damage, helping to prevent premature skin aging.
You’re Never “Above” Damaging Sun Rays – Whether you are hiking up mountainous terrain or speeding down the slopes, the sun’s rays become stronger as altitude increases. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV exposure increases 8-10% for every 1,000 feet of elevation; therefore, choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Skiers are especially susceptible to “goggle burn” as the snow reflects 80% of UV rays.
Be Sun Smart – UV rays are present year-round, reflecting off water, concrete and sand. The sun is the strongest between the hours 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Some after-school sports take place when UV rays are strongest, so whether you are playing on the field or watching from the bleachers, it’s important to protect yourself from potential sun damage.
Make Sunscreen a “Family Affair” – Most parents understand the need to protect their children from the sun. According to the 2008 Coppertone “Sun IQ” survey, 82% of parent respondents agreed it is important that their children use sunscreen with an SPF above 30. Unfortunately, these parents are not practicing what they preach as 45% were not using sunscreen themselves. To encourage healthy sun habits for the whole family, keep a bottle in the bathroom and next to the door for easy, on-the-go application.
One of my favorite Coppertone products is their Oil-Free QuickCover Lotion Spray. It’s waterproof, won’t clog pores and it’s easy to use. Plus it has SPF 30.
Photo credit: Coppertone
I always make it a point to put sunscreen on my face in the summer and have started to use a moisturizer with sunscreen in it during the winter.
However, I never thought about my hands. Thanks for the tip on including sunscreen on my hands. It never occurred to me that my hands are succeptable to the sun and are part of the aging process.