The sun sustains life and feels good, but it can be your skin’s worst enemy.
While every sunburn can increase your risk of skin cancer, it’s not just those big days at the beach or ballgame that cause trouble. Each time you run out to get the mail, walk the dog or commute to work without sun protection also adds to the damage that can lead to skin cancer (as well as leathery skin, dark spots and wrinkles).
No single method of sun defense can protect you perfectly, though. That’s why we created this roundup of advice for you. The best path to beautiful, healthy skin is to adopt as many of these steps as possible into your lifestyle, and make them daily habits everywhere you go, all year long.
Shade your face, ears and neck with a hat. Choose a well-fitting broad brim hat which will protect the face and neck.
Caps and visors are not recommended as they don’t provide protection for the face, ears, and neck – places where skin cancers are often found.
Broad brimmed hats should have a brim of at least 7.5 centimetres wide. The brim width for children under 10 years should be proportional to the size of the child’s head, and ensure that their face is well shaded.
Legionnaire hats have a flap that covers the neck and meets the sides of the front peak to provide protection to the side of the face.
Bucket or surfie style hats should have a deep crown and sit low on the head. The angled brim should be at least 6 centimetres and provide the face, neck and ears with plenty of protection from the sun.
Wear sunglasses that meet Australian standard AS/NZS 1067:2016 and preferably have an Eye Protection Factor (EPF) of 9 or 10.Choose sunglasses which protect the side of the eye as much as possible and fit closely on your face. Sunglasses prevent the formation of cataracts and other eye conditions later in life.
You may want to also consider shatter proof lenses for safety. Remember, cost does not relate to quality or the level of sun protection.
While sunscreen is probably top of mind for you when the weather heats up, it’s actually good practice to wear it year-round.
“If you have acne or oily skin, make sure that your sunscreen is labeled as ‘non-comedogenic,’ which means that it has been shown not to block pores,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, director of cosmetic and clinical research, dermatology department, Mount Sinai Hospital. “If you have dry skin, look for moisturizers with sunscreen or sunscreens that contain hydrating ingredients.” (Think: hyaluronic acid or ceramides.)
For sensitive skin, opt for a physical, or mineral, sunscreen, says Emily Smith, MD, dermatologist at University of Missouri Health Care. Physical sunscreen features zinc oxide and titanium dioxide to protect skin; these two ingredients won’t burn or sting eyes, Smith says. They sit on top of your skin, forming a barrier to protect you.
Chemical sunscreen, on the other hand, is formulated with ingredients like avobenzone and oxybenzone that absorb UV rays to keep them from penetrating your skin. These ingredients can sometimes cause irritation if you’re prone to sensitivity, but they tend to be easier to apply. “Chemical sunscreens sometimes rub into the skin more easily, leaving less white residue,” notes David Fieleke, MD, Missouri dermatologist. (Keep in mind that Hawaii has passed a bill banning sunscreens with certain chemicals thought to damage coral reefs.)
