By now you undoubtedly know that the sun is your enemy in your war against wrinkles and skin discoloration. Though studies say that 85 percent of our cumulative sun damage occurs in childhood, there’s still a lot we can do to reverse and prevent it.

The Sun’s Killer Rays

There’s no getting around it, the sun is to blame for much of the wrinkles on our faces, hands and other body parts. Over the years, the sun’s effects break down collagen and elastin fibers, making it increasingly harder for the skin to hold moisture. The result is saggy, lined and dry skin that can unfortunately resemble a leather handbag. Further, the sun’s UV rays damage the skin’s melanin, causing brown spots on your face and body. Unfortunately, the more sun damage you have, the higher your risk of skin cancer.

No One is Immune

Although fair skinned people with light eyes tend to burn the easiest, no one is exempt from sun damage. While UVB rays cause burning and short-term damage, UVA rays contribute more to skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. Until fairly recently, sunscreens mainly blocked UVB rays.

Protect Yourself!

To protect yourself, always wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen or sunblock with an SPF of 15 or higher. Studies show that frequent use of sunscreen can reverse some of the damage you already have and stop more from occurring. Be sure to also use sun protection in cloudy weather and even inside your car - glass doesn’t block all UV rays.

Don’t be stingy when applying sun protection. Slather it at least 30 minutes before sun exposure and 15 minutes before applying makeup. Reapply every two hours - studies show that sunscreens’ protection levels off after that time.

Sunscreen vs. Sunblock

Although the words are often used interchangeably, there is a difference. Sunscreens contain chemicals that absorb UV rays. Avebenzone (Parsol) is an example of an effective chemical sunscreen. Filters like Mexoryl and Tinosorb are thought to be the most effective sunscreens right now. However, they are not FDA approved or available in the U.S.

Sunblocks reflect UV rays instead of absorbing them. Zinc and Titanium dioxide are the most common chemicals in sunblocks. Unlike the thick white pastes of yesterday, today’s sunblocks are sheer, due to ingredients like Z-Cote and Micronized Zinc. Sunblocks are often a good choice for those with acne or sensitive skin conditions like Rosacea, due to their anti-inflammatory properties.

Non-chemical Ways to Protect Yourself

Here are some more ways to keep your skin safe and healthy:

·    Don’t sunbathe.

·    Stay out of the sun during its peak hours ( 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.)

·    Wear as much protective clothing as you can stand during sun exposure: long pants, long sleeves, wide-brimmed hats and UV protective sunglasses.

·    Don’t go to tanning salons or use tanning beds.

·    Learn to love the shade!

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