Sun

In their forties, at times even sooner, some women will develop what are commonly known as “age spots” or “liver spots.” These brownish blemishes are a form of localized hyperpigmentation of the skin due to an increased production of melanin (brown pigments). They generally appear on the most sun-exposed areas of the body: face, neckline, arms, shoulders and hands.

It is a burn to the skin caused by prolonged, unprotected exposure to the UV rays of the sun. While a sunburn and its associated discomfort may be temporary, the damage it causes can be permanent. Premature aging of the skin due to UVA rays and skin cancer caused by UVB rays are two examples that come to mind.

Applying sunscreen has now become an integral part of our summer routine, but what about protecting our hair? Most of the time, we neglect it!

There is now growing recognition that protecting our skin from the harmful effects of the sun’s UVB and UVA rays is a must, especially when it comes to reducing our risk of premature skin aging and skin cancer. But understanding the importance of sunscreen is not quite the same as knowing how best to apply and use it!

From birth to about age 4, children have extremely delicate, sensitive skin. In fact, their skin’s protective barrier is especially thin, making it permeable to various chemicals and ultraviolet rays. So when it comes to our little bundles of joy, special loving care is needed for looking after their skin!

You’ve heard it a million times: the sun is one of your skin’s worst enemies! And since your face is always exposed, it is at a higher risk than the rest of your body. Here are a few tips to shield your complexion from those nasty UVA and UVB rays!

To choose a sunscreen that meets your needs , you must know your skin type and pay special attention to the type and length of exposure.

During winter, the cold, wind and low humidity can sometimes leave skin feeling dry, itchy and chafed. To prevent dry skin and sunburns, protecting your skin is a must...and that goes for children, as well!

Did you know that even the winter sun can damage your skin? Actually, just because it’s cold outside, doesn’t mean the sun is less dangerous for us. That’s why it’s important to protect yourself from its ultraviolet rays by using a sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15. In addition, you should protect your lips with a balm that also contains sunscreen. And don’t forget children. Their skin is three times thinner than adult skin, making it more vulnerable to the sun’s rays.

Nothing beats the great outdoors! A boat ride, lunch on the patio or a biking expedition – during summertime the possibilities are endless. And when it’s time to go back inside, a good after-sun routine can help prolong that sun-kissed glow. The pampering doesn’t hurt either!

Choosing the right sunscreen might not be as easy as it looks. SPF, UVA, UVB, Mexoryl, photostable – these are just a few of the terms you need to understand if you are seeking optimal sun protection!

Like most people, you probably missed the sun this winter. To make up for lost time, you might be thinking about dozing under its warm rays in the hopes of getting a lovely, sun-kissed glow. But before you do, read this.