One of the hats I wear is as a health person. I started my career as a health writer and with books such as Younger by the Day and The Love-Powered Diet, I’m still very much a part of that world. With summer starting today (or yesterday, depending upon what calendar I consult), this seems like a fine time to share some summer skin-saving reminders.

Summer skin protection…

I saw a nanny pushing a stroller and the little boy in it was baking in the sun (she didn’t have the shade down on the stroller so she could use it for carrying gear). Of course I said something (I lied and told her I was a nurse) but she did nothing. (Don’t get me started on some of the nanny stuff I see in this city….) The plight of that baby did remind me that I should be telling you – regardless of your skin type but especially if you’re Caucasian and fair – that this is the season to step up the sun protection. Here’s what I know:

A barrier block (avobenzone, oxybenzone, zinc oxide) as opposed to a chemical block (PABA, Parsol, Mexoryl) can be applied immediately before you go out; if you’re using a chemical block, it needs 20 minutes to provide protection. (Mexoryl has only been legal in the US for a couple of years. It is believed to provide the best protection for those aging UVA rays.)

Life is short: The life of sunblock on your skin, even if you don’t sweat or swim, is 2-3 hours. After that you need to reapply. That’s a problem is you’re wearing makeup, although your SPF-containing foundation may be reapplied. Another way around this is to use a tinted SPF moisturizer instead of foundation, or touch up every couple of hours with a sun-blocking pressed powder.
 
Should all those places be forgot…Protect the forgotten places, notably the area between you bra and your chin. This is one of the most aged areas on most women’s bodies: clothes cover much of the rest, and the face get sunblock, a hat, whatever, but this no-woman’s-land ends up discolored, blotchy, and noticeably damaged. Also protect your hands (use sunblock after washing and if you drive or ride a bike, wear gloves) and your arms (again, if you drive: your left arm in particular).

Lips aren’t immune. Dermatologists are seeing more skin cancer on lips since we’ve been protecting the rest of our face. Use a gloss with SPF.

Plan your day. What’s the line about mad dogs, Englishmen, and the noonday sun? Take heed. If you can do your jog or your errands in the morning or evening instead of midday when the sun is at the peak, arrange your life accordingly.

I know some of my readers believe that chemical sunblocks have problems of their own. I certainly respect that view. If it’s yours, use a barrier block like Dr. Hauschka, but do protect yourself. You’re important.