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Sun Exposure
The dangers of sun
exposure should be no secret to anyone these days. UV radiation is
the leading cause of wrinkles and other signs of premature aging on
the skin. Does that mean you should stay inside or coat yourself in
a thick layer of sunscreen whenever you leave the house? Not
necessarily. Most of those who experience skin cancer are people who
tan on a regular basis, and purposefully expose their skin to more
direct sunlight than is normal. To put it simply, a tan isn't going
to kill you, but trying actively to keep a tan might.
Of course, there's also
the danger of sunburns. No one likes to get sunburned. It itches,
burns, you skin starts to peel - it's a good way to ruin a vacation.
If you expect to be out in the sun for a prolonged period of time,
make sure to put on some sunscreen (at least SPF15), and remember
that this goes for your face as well! Most guys only think about
sunscreen when we have to take our shirts off. The problem is
that your face is always exposed, and we usually don't take the
necessary precautions to keep our skin healthy in the place where it
matters the most.
It's important to choose
a facial sunscreen that will moisturize as it protects. The
sunscreen you use for your back and chest is usually not designed
for the more sensitive skin of your face. A good facial moisturizer
will do the job better and protect against other side effects of a
poor sunscreen, such as clogged pores and acne. You should not have
to slop on a thick layer of sunscreen in order to protect from sun
damage, but you should always reapply after an hour or two if you
plan to be spending a long time outdoors.
Despite all the dangers
of sun damage, don't forget that some limited sun exposure is a
good thing. Sunlight stimulates healthy blood circulation.
Vitamin D is produced as a result of UV exposure, and is necessary
for skeletal development, immune functions, blood cell formation,
and numerous other functions within the body. 5-15 minutes outside
will take provide proper levels of vitamin D for most people.
Naturally occurring Vitamin D is rare in the average diet.
Remember that other skin
treatments and some prescription medications can make your skin more
highly susceptible to sun damage. This is especially true for many
acne treatments. Make sure to take these factors into consideration
when spending time outdoors and consult a dermatologist if you're
unsure about any medications you may be taking.
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