Protecting Yourself from the Sun

Tips for keeping your skin healthy

By Nancyann Rella -

The hot, hazy days of summer are just around the corner -- and so is overexposure to the sun. Contrary to popular myth, a good tan is not a measure of good health, but actually a sign of skin injury.

Too much sun can cause sunburn, wrinkles, freckles, skin texture changes, dilated blood vessels, rash problems and worst of all, deadly skin cancers.

The American Academy of Dermatology offers these suggestions on how to enjoy the sun safely:

• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of at least 15 on all exposed skin, including the lips, even on cloudy days.
• If exposed to water, either through swimming or sweating, a water-resistant sunscreen should be used.
• Reapply sunscreen frequently.
• Wear a broad-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
• Sit in the shade whenever possible.
• Wear protective, tightly-woven clothing.
• Plan outdoor activities early or late in the day to avoid peak sunlight hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.