Skin care basics should always include a good sunscreen

Growing up, I'm sure we've all heard our mothers say "Go get some sun, you need your vitamin D." These days however, the risks of dry skin from sun damage are a very real concern. Ironically, skin care studies show that Vitamin D produced in the body with the help of exposure to sunlight is the very thing that can help the body to fight skin cancers. But exactly how much time is safe to spend in the sun without the benefit of any sunscreen? And what sunscreen is best for when we do spend a lot of time outdoors?

Research done in Britain recently, suggests that the exposure period to sunlight without benefit of sunscreen should be no more than 10 to 15 minutes at noon, when the sun is at its strongest. If the stronger intensity of the sun factors in, that figure likely would decrease to less than 10 minutes a day of exposure without sunscreen!

More research needs to be done, but it's a safe assumption that most people likely get their needed daily exposure to help their bodies produce Vitamin D during their walks to and from their cars in a given day.

Following any exposure in the sun, a dry skin treatment of a good quality shielding lotion should be used to rehydrate and lock in the moisture into the deeper layers of the skin.

These days, the manufacture of sunscreen is regulated heavily through the Food and Drug Administration, and it appears that no one type of sunscreen stands out over another, other than the choice of SPF amounts or for those with skin sensitivities.

Dermatologists recommend using a sunscreen that has a sun protection factor (SPF) of 15 or higher. Using a "broad-spectrum" sunscreen can protect the skin from both ultraviolet A and B rays also known as UVA and UVB.

Skin care is even more important for older adults or people with sensitive skin. Their skin tends to burn easily and they should use an SPF of 30 or stronger. People with sensitive skin or allergies should also consider the ingredients and make choices that are free of dyes, chemicals, alcohol, preservatives, perfumes and para-aminobenzoic acid or PABA.

If sun exposure will be particularly high, using a more physical sunscreen, like zinc or titanium oxide, might be the better choice, as it will stop all sunlight from reaching the skin. Sunscreen should be applied a half-hour before going out into the sun and should be reapplied every few hours. And if you are swimming, remember that 98 percent of the sun's rays pass through water, so without some sort of "water-resistant sun screen and frequent applications, a sunburn is inevitable.

Per FDA regulations, sunscreens touting "water-resistant" have to maintain the indicated SPF after 40 minutes in the water, unless it's rubbed off. Even if a sunscreen is water resistant, it needs to be reapplied frequently, especially if you are spending a lot of time in the water. Wet skin burns more easily. Keep in mind that nothing is entirely "waterproof" so products claiming such are likely only water-resistant and should be treated as such and should also be reapplied frequently.

Gone are the days of the artificially orange cast to the skin. Sunless tanners have come a long way in cosmetic appearance and are a viable option to get that "healthy glow" without the risks of sun damage. Above all, if there is something about the health of your skin that gives you reason for concern, don't hesitate to talk with your doctor or dermatologist. Skin care is essential to a healthy skin. Take good care of your skin, use sunscreen, a quality shielding lotion and follow smart skin care rules, and your skin will take care of you.

--- Author, Len Simpson, contributes articles on skin care for the National Skin Care Institute. For more information, visit www.skincarenet.org

Len Simpson, contributes articles on skin care for the National Skin Care Institute. For more information, visit www.skincarenet.org