It's Summertime -UV Safety

Since I launched Age of Grace, I have been singing the importance of protecting your skin in several articles. First skin protection from ultraviolet (UV) radiation, reminding you that is important all year round, not just during the summer or at the beach. Secondly, my new beauty regiment – dry skin brushing, that remove toxins from the body, and lastly my personal story about controlling my ashy skin.  Now it’s summertime, one great thing is the extended hours of sunshine, but with those supplemental hours of rays come additional UV rays upon one’s skin.

It'sSummertime UV Safety

July is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month and UV Safety Month on another health awareness calendar. No matter which calendar you follow, it’s makes sense to once again focus on the sunny side of skin care. Ladies and the few gents, if you remember nothing else about skincare, please know that unprotected exposure to the sun causes wrinkles and prolonged unprotected exposure skin cancer.  Bad enough the we loose elasticity in our skin muscles so who wants to contribute to a faster downfall by not using sun protection factor (SPF.)

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the United States. Ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun are the main cause of skin cancer.  UV damage can also cause wrinkles and blocky skin.

Wearing J.Crew dress, with old J.Crew Factory pearl necklace, J.Crew straw clutch and Mui Mui gold pumps
Wearing J.Crew pleated flare dress (on sale now), with old J. Crew Factory pearl necklace, J.Crew straw clutch and Mui Mui gold pumps

Because of the staggering statistics and the prevalence of skin cancer, the The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) back in December 2012 provided updated guidelines to help consumers select and use sunscreens appropriately, the final regulations include these additional labeling provisions:

  • Sunscreen products that are not broad spectrum or that are broad spectrum with SPF values from 2 to 14 will be labeled with a warning that reads:  “Skin Cancer/Skin Aging Alert:  Spending time in the sun increases your risk of skin cancer and early skin aging.  This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.”
  • Water resistance claims on the product front label must tell how much time a user can expect to get the declared SPF level of protection while swimming or sweating, based on standard testing.  Two times will be permitted on labels:  40 minutes or 80 minutes.
  • Manufacturers cannot make claims that sunscreens are “waterproof” or identify their products as “sunblocks.”  Also, sunscreens cannot claim protection immediately on application (for example, “instant protection”) or protection for more than two hours without reapplication, unless they submit data and get approval from FDA.

 

Sunscreen 101 FDA new regulations with sunscreens
Sunscreen 101
FDA new regulations with sunscreens

Not only am I doing my part to bring about awareness to prevent skin cancer and reduce the risk of UV damage but  J. Crew jumped on board as well in promoting sun safety, for every tweet or Instagram tagged with # jcrewsmartsun, J. Crew will donate $1 to the Melanoma Research.

My main focus is not for those going to the beach but coverage to protect your skin everyday regardless of sunshine or not. There is a plethora of sun care products available, the best protection is broad spectrum which includes UVA and UVB protection.  Check-out the following products that provide everyday protection right in your foundation if you wear it. Since my job requires me to be outside everyday, I use La Roche – Posay 50+, it’s light and non-greasy and works well with my oily skin.

Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 30  Foundation, many shades available
Clinique Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Foundation, many shades available
Kiehl's BB Cream - Actively Correcting and Beautifying with SPF 50, different colors available
Kiehl’s BB Cream – Actively Correcting and Beautifying with SPF 50, different colors available
La Roche - Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral tinted
La Roche – Posay Anthelios SPF 50 Mineral tinted

Since it’s  summertime, take the necessary basic steps everyday to protect your skin and reduce your risk of skin cancer:

  • Stay out of the sun between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
  • Wear clothing that covers arms and legs
  • Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher, and both UVA and UVB protection
  • Wear a hat
  • Wear sunglasses that wrap around and block UVA and UVB rays
  • Avoid indoor tanning
  • Check your skin regularly for changes.

It’s summertime, enjoy the sun but be wise, safe and protect yourself and others.