Healthy Skin Care Tips: Sun Protection

According to the Mayo Clinic, a non-profit organization with an international reputation, most of the changes seen in aging skin are actually “caused by a lifetime of sun exposure”.

To protect yourself from the sun, they advise the following three methods (with maximum protection coming from using all three).

Avoid the sun during high intensity hours:

• the sun’s rays do the most damage between 10 am and 4 pm, so limit the time you spend outside during this period.

Wear protective clothing:

• wear long sleeved shirts, long trousers or pants and a hat with a wide brim. Remember that tight woven fabric (e.g. denim) offers better protection than loosely woven fabrics like knits.

Use sunscreen:

• go for a broad spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) higher than 15 and apply generously about 20 minutes before you go out and then every two hours. You will need to apply more frequently if you go in the water or sweat a lot.