Summer Sunscreen Mistakes, Myths and Solutions

(ARA) - Spring sun and the approach of summer remind many of us to get diligent about applying sunscreen before heading outdoors. But is that enough to protect your skin this summer? More than 1 million Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society.

"Changes in the environment and popular misconceptions make it more important than ever to take steps that will minimize your exposure to cancer-causing UV rays," says Dr. Jessica Wu, resident dermatologist at EverydayHealth.com, the number 2 health destination online, and a clinical instructor in dermatology at USC Medical School. "May is national Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention month and now is a good time to get educated about how to protect your skin from the sun."

Nearly half of all Americans will develop skin cancer by the time they're 65, according to the National Cancer Institute. Here are some common summer sunscreen mistakes and myths . . . and their solutions:

Mistake: Only applying sunscreen at the beach.

There are two types of Ultra-violet (UV) rays: UVBs, which cause sunburns and UVAs, which cause skin cancer. While UVB rays can't pass through glass, UVAs do and they're present year-round during daylight hours. You are exposed through the windshield on your drive to work, through the window in your office or when you go outside for lunch or to run errands.

What you can do: Remember to use sunscreen daily, not just on the weekends.

Make sunscreen a daily habit for your kids as well. "Sun exposure in childhood is closely linked to skin cancer risk," Dr. Wu says. "Research has shown that having more than five blistering sunburns in childhood will double your risk of developing melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, later in life."

Myth: Believing a higher SPF guarantees a stronger sunscreen.

Actually, a sunscreen with SPF 30 only gives you 4 percent more UVB (sunburn) protection compared to SPF 15.To give you adequate protection, your sunscreen should also provide UVA protection.

What you can do: To protect yourself, learn to read labels. Look for a sunscreen with at least SPF 15, and ingredients like zinc, titanium, or Mexoryl, which protect you from UVA rays. If you know what ingredients to look for, you can find a good sunscreen on any budget.

Mistake: Going to a tanning salon to get a "base tan" thinking it will protect you from sun damage and skin cancer.

The "safe" tanning beds many tanning salons claim to offer use mainly UVA rays, and block out UVB (burning) rays. You won't burn, but you'll be getting a large dose of cancer-causing UVA rays. One study showed that people aged 35 or younger who used tanning beds regularly had eight times the risk of developing melanoma compared to those who never used tanning beds. Another study showed that women who used tanning beds at least once a month were 55 percent more likely to develop melanoma, the most deadly skin cancer.

What you can do: Don't use tanning beds - ever. "There is no such thing as a safe tan, and tanning beds, because of the UVA rays they use, are particularly dangerous," says Dr. Wu.

Despite the risk, more people than ever - of all ages and both sexes - are using tanning beds. In fact, the number of Americans using tanning beds in the past decade has doubled. Some states have legislation to limit tanning bed use among minors.

Mistake: Not reapplying sunscreen.

With summer heat and humidity, sunscreen rubs off and sweats off; if you go in the pool or ocean, it washes off, leaving your skin unprotected.

What you can do: For optimal sun protection, remember to reapply sunscreen when you get out of the water and every three to four hours. If you're not able to wash your face and reapply your makeup in the middle of the day, try touching up with mineral powder (which has zinc, a natural sunscreen) or makeup that contains SPF to boost your sun protection.

Mistake: Forgetting to protect your eyes, ears and lips.

Ears and lips can sunburn quickly and a common sites for skin cancers.

What you can do: Be sure to apply sunscreen to your ears, especially if you have short hair or pull your hair back in a ponytail. Look for lip balm that contains SPF of at least 15. UV rays can cause cataracts, so be sure to wear sunglasses to protect your eyes, especially if you're out on the water, which can reflect up to 80 percent of UV rays.

To learn more about how to protect your skin from the sun this summer, visit www.EverydayHealth.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Summer Skin Beauty Essentials

(ARA) -- Summer is around the corner, and that means more time outside in the sun. While we are aware of the dangers associated with sun-bathing, many still long for that sun-kissed glow. So how can you achieve the look of a bronzed beauty this summer without risking the health of your skin? Use the right tools to enhance features and protect skin.

Here are six essentials every woman should keep in her make-up kit this summer to keep skin looking healthy, glowing and gorgeous:

1. Foundation that Offers SPF Protection

Do double duty - hide imperfections and be protected from the sun's ultraviolet rays. The Body Shop's Flawless Skin Protecting Foundation with SPF 25 is an innovative cream-to-powder foundation that provides medium to full coverage. A perfect color blend for a healthy-looking, flawless complexion and has a mineral defense shield to protect skin to boot. The unique formula contains Vitamin C to brighten skin and Community Trade marula oil to condition and moisturize.

2. A Bronzing Powder to Mimic that Sun-Kissed Glow

Housed in a retro-style compact, Sun Lustre Bronzer, which is part of The Body Shop's new limited edition Summer Make-Up Collection, comes in two colors: Bronze Gleam which is a natural sun-kissed bronze and Radiant Blush, a pretty, pink illuminating shade.

3. A Water-Proof Mascara

You never know when the mood might hit to take a spontaneous jump in the pool, and you don't want your make-up to suffer. Find a mascara that will survive the water, and also coat lashes with long-lasting color, while helping to condition and protect. The Body Shop's Waterproof Mascara is a great find, and contains Community Trade marula oil.

4. Bright Eyeshadow

Bright, bold, colorful eye shadow helps to enhance the sun-kissed look. The Body Shop's Summer Shimmer Cubes come in Sea Blue which is a deep ocean blue with a hint of silver; Fiery Red which is an intense, vibrant red with softer pink overtones; Green Meadow, a stunning, bright emerald green; and Golden Sun which offers a rich, warm, golden glow.

5. Sparkly, Sheer Lipstick to Brighten Up Face

Dark, heavy lip color is best worn in winter, for the summer months try a sheer color that still adds some color to your look. The Body Shop Sheer Lip Lustre is a pearlescent lip balms with a hint of sparkle. The Lip Lustres are infused with a "White Tea" fragrance for a deliciously summery scent and available in three different shades: Flush pink is a pretty pink with a hot pink sparkle. Golden Rose is a golden pink with a golden sparkle. Rose Shimmer is a rose shade with multi-colored sparkle.

6. Faking It - Self-Tanners Instead of Sun-Bathing

Because you still desire a deep-tanned look but are wary of exposing your skin to the sun's harmful UV rays to achieve it, use a self tanning product. The Cocoa Butter Everyday Summer Body Lotion from The Body Shop helps gradually build that even sun-kissed glow. Start by applying to dry and well cleansed skin, and allow to set in before dressing for your night on the town. The Everyday Summer Body Lotion uses Community Trade cocoa butter from Ghana to soften skin and improve elasticity, so you are helping to improve the texture of skin while also adding that 'fresh from the beach' glow.

Also, to enhance your look even further, smooth on a Body and Leg Shine to your arms, legs and chest before hitting the beach. It's a wash-off product that goes on with minimal blending to give you a slimmer, more toned appearance along with fabulous color. One of the key ingredients is Community Trade aloe vera which is known for its soothing and hydrating effects. There are shades available for fair to medium skin tones, as well as medium to dark skin tones.

Then at the end of the day when you return home from the beach, there's one more essential you don't want to be without -- a tube of The Body Shop's new Peppermint Purifying Foot Mask. Made with Community Trade Peppermint Essential Oil from the U.K that will leave your feet feeling cool, refreshed and fragranced, and Sesame Oil from Guatemala that moisturizes and protects the skin, the mask will deep cleanse and soothe tired, achy feet that have spent the day running across the hot sand.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

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