Waterproof products work for ninety minutes; protection with water-resistant sunscreens lasts thirty minutes. They need to be applied/reapplied twenty minutes before entering the water so that the product can bond with the skin.
Those who work out of doors might need frequent application of a sunscreen with a high SPF.
UVA rays are reflected from all light surfaces, including water, sand, snow, ice, and even concrete.
Children younger than six months old should not wear sunscreen but instead be covered and kept out of the sun.
Exposure to the sun produces the formation of molecules in the skin called free radicals. These molecules attack healthy skin cells, damaging and interfering with the production of new collagen. With the destruction of collagen fibers and hyaluronic acid molecules—both of which are responsible for preserving the volume and resiliency of the skin—skin loses its firmness, resulting in wrinkles. The sun can also damage the eyes and affect the immune system. UV rays can damage white blood cells and Langerhans cells, both essential to the skin’s ability to fight viruses and other diseases.
For more information and to learn of new developments in sunscreen protection, these Web sites, listed recently in a
New York Times
article, might prove helpful.
Environmental Working Group (lists products with UVA protection) www.cosmeticsdatabase.com
The Skin Cancer Foundation www.skincancer.org
American Cancer Society www.cancer.org
American Academy of Dermatology www.aad.org
British Columbia Centre for Disease Control www.bccdc.org
Sunscreen Application
Apply sunscreen at least once a day, and use an adequate amount of the product.
Clean the skin before application.
Apply to cool, dry skin twenty to thirty minutes before exposure. Cool, dry skin allows sunscreen to bind effectively. When sunscreen is applied to warm skin, the open pores can become irritated, and rashes can develop.
Two applications help cover any missed spots.
Apply moisturizer and makeup over sunscreen.
Reapply during the day, depending on your rate of perspiration and the amount of sun exposure you get.
Tip
Use the equivalent of a shot glass of sunscreen — that’s two tablespoons — to cover skin from head to toe.
Skincare Glossary
There are many terms and ingredients associated with skincare products. What follows is only a basic list. While there are no miracles when it comes to the skin, a clear understanding of how ingredients function will help you select the right skincare products.
ALPHA HYDROXY ACIDS (AHAS) are naturally occurring acids found in fruits and milk, used topically to reduce the appearance of fine lines. AHAs help speed up the skin’s natural exfoliation process, helping it shed dead skin cells. They can improve the texture of skin, unclog pores, and help prevent breakouts. Glycolic acid is one of the commonly used AHAs. Do not use products containing salicylic acid (a beta hydroxy acid), which is too harsh for general exfoliation, as they are intended for use only on problem skin areas.
ANTI-AGING: The best anti-aging formula is a healthy lifestyle. Nothing will stop the clock. Poor diet, excessive drinking, smoking, lack of exercise, and sunburn all accelerate the effects of aging on the skin.
ANTIOXIDANTS help protect the skin from damage caused by free radicals, molecules with an unpaired electron. They cause oxidation that can damage cellular material. Vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, green tea, and grape seed extract are all highly effective antioxidants.
BALMS are super-rich moisturizers that target dry patches of skin on face, hands, feet, and body. Look for ingredients such as avocado extract or shea butter. For a subtle glow, I warm some in my hands and pat on the cheeks after applying makeup.
BASE is a term that generally refers to a product applied under foundation to smooth and protect the skin. Bases often contain a mix of vitamins, antioxidants, and anti-aging ingredients.