If you are over the age of sixty, you grew up during a time when little was known about the dangers of excessive sun exposure. Now, dermatologists are predicting that the number of people who will get skin cancer will escalate because it can take up to forty years for damage to appear. Don’t panic, though, because it is never too late for sun protection. Cell creation slows during the aging process and skin gets drier and more sensitive. All this leads to mature skin being more susceptible to sun damage. Skin will also take longer to recover from a sunburn. Certain medications can also make skin sensitive to sunlight. People who are older or who have sensitive skin should take precautions to limit their sun exposure. The sun accelerates the aging process and evidence of excessive exposure will reveal itself through wrinkle and age spots. A single product cannot provide one hundred percent protection. It is wise to combine products with sun safe measures for ultimate sun protection. Here are some safe sun tips to practice:
* Seek shade whenever possible but especially between the hours of 10:00am to 4:00 pm when the sun’s UVB rays are the strongest.
* Wear a hat with a brim of at least three inches that will shade the face, ears and neck. Wearing a hat is particularly important to protect the scalp if you are balding or have thinning hair.
* Wear sun protective clothing. Great protection is possible by wearing clothes with a high UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor). A UPF of forty and above is considered “excellent” and a UPF of fifty plus is considered “the ultimate in sun protection”. UPF clothing comes in a variety of styles and colors. These clothes are lightweight and wrinkle resistant which makes them great for traveling. Newer styles even have the added feature of mesh panels for increased air circulation and built in insect repellant.
* Use a sun umbrella. Great for the sun or rain, sun umbrellas can reduce the temperature under the umbrella up to ten degrees.
* Wear sun sleeves and sun gloves. Hands and arms are two of the most exposed parts of the body. Both products offer great protection and can be worn during any outside activity. Gloves are especially important for hands. UV radiation causes the skin to become thinner and more freckled.
The greatest threat to skin is sun damage. Remember to cover up and be diligent in avoiding as much sun exposure as possible. Make protecting yourself a daily regimen. No matter what your age, it is never too late to be sun safe.
