Invest in just a few efforts, and your skin can reap dividends. Sun damage is often the primary concern we have when we think of protecting our skin. There are significant reasons for this. The Centers for Disease Control proclaim that skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the U.S. In fact, the U.S. Cancer Statistics Working Group indicated that a whopping 45,625 people were diagnosed with melanomas of the skin in 2003 (the most recent year for which statistics were available, as published in 2006) and that 7,818 people died from skin cancer in 2003. On a more mundane basis, we see a glimmer of color become painful sunburn for those keen on improving bronze tones; we see leathery looks on peers who have labored in it or chosen to expose themselves to sun too regularly. The good news is that a multitude of products provide a range of solutions so we don’t worry about sun exposure, and timely tips remind us how to minimize risks beyond wearing protective layers.

When you choose products to improve your protection from the sun, look at product labels. Choose products which contain an SPF (sun protection factor) of 15 or higher – and make sure the products address both UVA and UVB rays. Think outside the summer/outdoors section: in moisturizer and makeup sections of the store, find products to do double duty (so you don’t have to purchase or apply multiple items). If you plan to enjoy the great outdoors for hours and activities, choose products to outlast the water from a swim or from perspiration. Many products now are sweat-proof and water-resistant, and some come in formulas which don’t resemble thick lotions of yesteryear – they may include gels,spray mists, and rub-on sticks.

Gardening or otherwise engaged inactivity with ‘full clothing’? Consider adding something to your clothes: SunGuard, a laundry additive. Made by Rit (known for over-the-counter clothing dyes), SunGuard is now endorsed by the Skin Cancer Foundation. The product claims to block 96% of harmful sun rays.This is a more economical alternative than current ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing (which is only manufactured by a company called Coolibar, in Australia).

Just to be clear, other ways to minimize sun damage risks include staying out of the sun from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; covering up and applying sunscreen; and ensuring sensitive areas (eyes, ears, nose, neck, and scalp, included) receive special coverage (like good quality sunglasses). Some of these sensitive areas have thinner skin, so the skin’s breakdown from irritants (and yes, the almighty sun’s damage is quite irritating) may be harsher and more rapid. To avoid these harms goes a long way to minimize sun damage – from the potential for skin cancer to the potential for leathery skin.The reality is that other protection for the skin is also helpful. Air pollution,nicotine, and makeup are just a few additional irritants. (Yes, makeup is on the list; most products include some extraneous preservatives, dyes, or other ingredients which contribute to dirtying the pores.)

Sometimes, ingredients we might believe are helpful turn into irritants; for example, mineral oil in makeup can eventually penetrate skin and may cause allergic reactions or generally irritate the skin through clogging of pores. Keeping this in mind, it is imperative to stick to a skin cleansing regimen. Then, providing protection to skin is a matter of choosing good products to ensure health of unblocked pores: antioxidants (like vitamin E) may work in supplements topically or internally, and some moisturizers offer a protective layer between you and external chemicals.

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