From Health magazine
You probably consider yourself a sun-savvy woman. You know to apply sunscreen, one with a high SPF, before exposing your skin to midsummer rays. You do your best to avoid the sun during peak hours (though a little sunshine can do you good—it’s a major source of vitamin D. Here’s why vitamin D is important to your health).
And you wouldn’t dream of stepping foot on the sand without your wide-brimmed hat. But what you don’t know could be raising your risks for bad burns, skin cancer, and aging wrinkles.
We uncovered several glaring holes in the average sun-protection plan and asked top dermatologists for clever ways around them. Here, five simple things you can do to safeguard your skin more effectively—and raise your SPF IQ.
1. Play it safe near windows
Think you’re safe behind UV-coated glass in your car? Even when your windows are up, damaging UVA rays can pass through the glass. Car windows filter UVB rays, which is why you don’t get sunburned. But only windshields block UVA rays, which cause damage beneath the surface of your skin that can lead to wrinkles and skin cancer.
In 2007, researchers at St. Louis University School of Medicine found that people who spend a lot of time behind the wheel tend to develop more skin cancers on the left side of their heads, necks, and arms—the side nearest the driver’s window. That’s why dermatologists say we all should wear sunscreen in the car.
Howard Fein, MD, a dermatologist in Palos Verdes, California, goes one step further, recommending that people who drive long distances or have medical conditions that make skin sensitive to the sun (like Psoriasis or Lupus) have UV-proof coatings—such as those by Llumar or 3M—applied to their windows.
“They block 99 percent of UVA and UVB rays,” he says. If that’s not in your budget (UV-film application starts at about $150), wear sunglasses and lower the sun visor for added face protection.
Next page: Don’t consider lip gloss
Comments (6)
I`d like to know more about anti aging creams (which ones are more secure for people over 40)
I`d like to know if radiofrequency is a good anti aging treatment,because It`s being used a lot in Argentina.I love Health Magazine,I`d like to subscribe,but,I don´t have credit card.If you could send me the bill,I`d pay it in a Bank in Argentina.If it is possible,I`ll subscribe right now.Thanks a lot.
I love the Made from Earth “Pure Aloe Treatment”.
It’s amazing. Here’s a little story:
Last summer was the first summer I noticed the beginning of sun damage. I worshipped the sun from the ages of 13-25. Being from a cold climate in the winter, I often enjoyed months of tanning booths. Even though I tan very easily and darken fast, I also freckle. I am part Italian (the dark skin part) and Irish (the freckle part).
During my second pregnancy, I developed something called a pregnancy mask. All around my cheekbones were dark patches and my freckles darkened everywhere as well. Since I am still nursing, the dark spots have returned this summer. I thought about getting a chemical peel from the doctor, but decided to try different face products first. I have always been a huge fan of finding new skin products.
Over the years, I have bought and tried so many anti-aging items. I clearly did not want to show my age or let sun damage get the best of me. I am 36 years old and have no wrinkles at all; however I do have the discoloration in my skin, thanks to my crazy hormones.
I came upon the Made from Earth PURE ALOE TREATMENT by typing in ‘harmful chemicals in skincare’ in the Google search. I read the reviews and thought I would try this out. I am so glad I did.
I use the Pure Aloe Treatment(works wonders, still have no signs of crow’s feet)and I noticed instant moisture to my face. Since I’m a stay at home mom, I apply this stuff all day long. I had instant results, as my face looked healthy and not dull. My discoloration started to fade and coloring all over has improved greatly. Also, since I don’t have any wrinkles on my face, I could not know if this was great for wrinkles. However, I do get morning creases on my chest (you know.. when you sleep on your side and you wake up in the morning with a big crease between your chest). I apply this on my upper chest at night and the creases do not show up in the morning.
My entire skin looks like it has taken a big glass of milk. Looks dewy and fresh. I love this stuff and will try out the rest of the Made from Earth product line. On top of that, the company that sells this line is very nice and has top customer service.
i’m 19yrs old.with a very funny skin. funny in the sense that it has different colours and has alot of pimples and acne. what do i do to have an even complexion and an acne and pimple free skin?i’d appreciate your comment and help.
thank you
HI green!try to eat healthy,avoid fatty food and chocolates.aloe is good for your face,and you have anti acne creams.sun isn´t good.sometimes it happens because of the hormones but symptoms dissapear after a period of time.relax,stress may be another cause which leads to acne
relax yourself &eat healthy diet with yoga,exercise make your skin shiny &glowing