So, Summer is finally here and we all rush outdoors to enjoy the long awaited warmth. The only problem is most of us don't think about the hidden danders of skin cancer caused by the sun (or tanning beds for those who couldn't wait). Skin cancer (Melanoma in particular- The most prevalent in Woman in their 20's) is a scary thing to think about but has doubled in the past 20 years due to negligence of proper skin protection and ignorance of prevention information.
Don't be a statistic!
There are simple ways of protecting yourself this season as well as all year round.
TAKE NOTES!
A lot of people, especially woman, use SPF infused moisturizer or make-up. Sounds like a great idea in theory but in reality most of these products don't give you more than an SPF of 7. Even when it says 15. And they don't last you the whole day. And who is really going to reapply every 2hrs with so much going on in our busy schedules?
Your best bet is to mix an SPF with your moisturizer or layer your moisturizer on top of your SPF. (That means your SPF goes on FIRST!)
A few great products to consider adding to your safe sun routine would be: (All with helioplex and UVA/UVB Protection)
Neutrogena Spectrum+ Advanced sunblock lotion SPF 55, 70 or 100 Helioplex 360
Oxidative damage protection.
Neutrogena ultra sheer liquid daily sunblock SPF 70
Lightweight. Works alone or under moisturizer and make-up.
Neutrogena Healthy defense daily moisturizer SPF 50
Lightweight moisturizer that nourishes and softens skin. Provides anti-aging protection.
Neutrogena Ultimate Sport sunblock spray SPF 100+/ Sport Face SPF 70
Water proof. Sweat proof. Wont rub off or wipe off. (Personal favorite)
M.A.C Cosmetics Prep add Prime Face Protect SPR 50
Feather weight. Fast absorbing. Oil free. Invisable.
YES. Tanning beds cause cancer.
NO. They are NOT a good source of Vitamin D.
Don't believe the hype that tanning beds are safer than the sun. They are actually worse. They leave you with skin damaged for the rest of your life. (No matter how many minutes spent) And increase your cancer risk by 75%.
The Ultraviolet radiation is proven to cause premature aging.
Self tanners and/or Spray on tanners would be the better alternative.
Some suggestions:
Decleor Self Tanning Milk and Gels for face and Body
Hydrating. Non-streaky. Non-Orange. A bit of shimmer.
Adonia Bronzing Serum
Great scent. No streaking. Non-orange. Gentle on skin. Easy application. Doesn't stain clothes.
Neutrogena Instint Bronze sunless tanner and bronzer in one streak free foam
Flawless coverage. Non-Streaky. Develops natural looking golden tan. No orange finish. Absorbs quickly.
Being sexy doesn't mean putting your body or health at risk for skin cancer so use extra precautions when in the sun. Hat and sunglasses are great additions. And be sure to check your skin for new or changes in freckles and moles. These may be signs of melanoma.
This post is for EVERY skin color. Yes. That means you too my darker skinned friends.
UVA= Burning rays that cause skin cancer
UVB= Premature aging and DNA changes
