Sunscreen: Myths vs. Facts

That golden glow you get from a tan is really just evidence of skin damage. We know there's no safe way to tan. Sun exposure not only results in premature aging but possibly pre-cancerous changes. Sunscreen can be both a look-saver and a lifesaver. This article illuminates a few facts that may help save your hide.

MYTH: You can skip the sunscreen when it's cloudy.
FACT: Don't take the day off. With up to 80% of the sun's rays penetrating cloud cover, maintaining vigilance against skin damage is

essential. Make sunscreen a part of your morning routine, as you would cleansing and moisturizing, and do this whether it's the height of summer or depth of winter. A good "broad spectrum" choice (filtering both UVA and UVB rays) is DermaCeutical’s lotion. It's wonderfully lightweight, packed with pure Vitamin E and can be used on both face and body.

Going to the Matte
MYTH: Sunscreen blocks your pores and leaves your face shiny.
FACT: Only if you're using the wrong product. Heavy sunblocks, or those meant for the body, aren't best on the face, especially oilier complexions. Look for "non-comedogenic" and oil-free formulas that don't clog pores and leave you reaching for your blotting papers all day. I love Neutrogena's Dry-Touch technology — it goes on weightless and waterproof, leaves a matte finish and packs a hefty SPF — it's an invisible powerhouse of protection.

Watch Your Mouth
MYTH: Lipstick will protect your pucker.
FACT: The skin on our lips is quite delicate and very vulnerable to the ravages of UV rays. You'll want a much stronger shield than a swipe of gloss can provide. Luckily there's an array of gorgeous lip colors out there that protect as they beautify. Avon's got one of the best — rich with antioxidant vitamins, jojoba oil and allantoin — and it boosts your lips' moisture by 220%. All this and sun protection, too? Now that's something to smile about.

The Daily Dab
MYTH: If you have a darker complexion, you don't need sun protection.
FACT: Au contraire. While more melanin (skin pigment) means you may be more protected from UVB rays, it doesn't mean that you're safe from UVA rays that leave you susceptible to wrinkling and other premature aging. A daily foundation formulated with sunscreen of at least SPF 15 is a safe bet for everyone, not just those with light complexions. L'Oreal offers a flawless finish liquid foundation with high intensity pigment, yellow undertones and SPF 15. It goes on quickly and keeps your skin smooth, supple and properly protected

Give It Time
MYTH: Just a quick slather and it's out the door.
FACT: Hold your horses. Sunscreen chemicals need to bind with your skin, and this takes some time. Give yourself 15 - 30 minutes between application and exposure. It's tempting to get outdoors when the swimming pool beckons or the picnic basket is packed, but let your product activate first.