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Protect Your Skin This Summer

Even though it's chilly out, the sun's rays can still damage your skin. In fact, wintry conditions can intensify the effects of UV radiation. Here are some tips from the Skin Cancer Foundation to save your skin this winter.

• Limit the time you spend in full sunlight, especially between 10 am and 4 pm.
• If you are outdoors much of the day, take breaks indoors to rest your skin.
• Drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration.
• Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants made of dark or brightly colored, tightly woven fabrics; these offer greater protection.
• UV exposure contributes to several serious eye disorders, including cataracts and macular degeneration. To cut down on UV from above and reflected off ice and snow, wear a hat and UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound or large frames. These protect not only your eyes, but your eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes.
• Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with a SPF of 15 or higher, on your face.
• Use a lip balm with a SPF of 15 or higher to protect against sun and wind.
• Spread sunscreen liberally (two ounces, a golf ball-sized amount) and evenly over all exposed skin.
• Be sure to cover often-missed spots: ears, around eyes, neck, scalp, hands.
• Reapply sunscreen at least every 90 minutes — more often after sweating or exposure to wind and snow.