better living | health & beauty

Save your SKIN

... And still be brighter than the sun

By SYEDA JAFRI

SPRING IS IN ACTION, summer is just around the corner and with all the pleasures and the outdoor excitement it brings, sometimes we forget the common sense approach to looking and being healthy while sparkling in the sun’s rays.

In the Inland Empire we get hit hard with Mother Nature’s bright side, but the old saying, “shun the sun,” is about as realistic in Southern California as telling an Alaskan to “watch out for falling snow.”

It’s just not happening. From an environmental perspective, we know that ultraviolet radiation from the sun is reaching the Earth and that overexposure to UV rays may cause slight to extreme skin problems.

But simple steps can prevent over-exposure, especially for folks with lighter skin tones, and you can still look sassy when you are stepping out. Here are five quick and easy steps to keep you smart and sexy this summer.

Don’t forget the shades
Specifically look for sunglasses that are not only fashionable, but also protect your eyes from UV rays. The price of sunglasses or the darkness of the lenses has nothing to do with UV protection. Look for labels that indicate 99 to 100 percent UV blockage. Ask retailers questions and make the eyewear fit is as secure as its protection.

Don’t forget to cover up Without parading around in long pants and long-sleeve shirts in 100 degree weather, you can still be cool and protected in a light cotton shirt that reaches down to the elbows and in longer walking shorts which look hipper than hot pants, that are likely to result in sunburned legs and upper thighs. Shop for light colors such as soft pinks, powder blues, whites and alabaster.

With these two combinations, anything covering you will be stylish and work! Even a brimmed hat or sun visor can look chic when you’re on the golf course – if it’s worn right.

Sunbathing, just a no-no Even though you may want that gorgeous tan, don’t forget that sunbathing can be quite harmful, especially from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., when the sun’s rays are most intense.

Not sunbathing makes for fewer skin complications over time.

Don’t forget the sunscreen Probably one of the most important habits to help preserve healthy skin is dabbing on sunscreen or sunblock.

And don’t be shy about applying it often.

Depending on the pigment and sensitivity of your skin type, be sure to purchase lotions with a Sun Protection Factor of 15 or higher. The myth about lighter versus darker skin can be deceptive. Lighter skin tones show the scars of a sunburn or irritation and, in most cases, that damage is easily spotted, but people with ALLskin types should use sun protection. Just because you can’t see damage, doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.

Spread the knowledge! Children and teenagers have more sensitive skin than an average adult.

They need guidance and extra protection for the whole body. Most children and teenagers enjoy outdoor activities (beaches, amusement parks, camping, hiking, playing outdoor sports) and forget “little” things such as sunglasses and sunscreen.

Be sure to replace their lack of concern for protection with a little encouragement and a reminder that “sun safe” is cool for the summer.