Fun in the Sun!

As the weather continues to be beautiful and I spend more time outside I thought that I would talk about tips to protect yourself this summer season. I know that as I spend longer runs in the afternoon sun, sunscreen has become my new best friend.

1. Be aware of what's in your medicine cabinet. Many times people don't think that the daily medications that we take can have an effect on our body and how our skin is able to react to the sun's rays. READ the labels!! Certain OTC pain relievers, birth controls, diuretics, and antidepressants can make sun more sensitive. Jordana S. Gilman, MD, a dermatologist in New York City says that naproxen (Aleve) is the biggest culprit but some ibuprofens have been reported to have the same effect too. So the moral of this story is to check your labels and if all else fails, reapply sunscreen every two hours.

2. Double up in hot spots. A shot glass's amount of sunscreen is enough for the whole body but some dermatologists say that you should add a second coat to your nose, lips, hands, ears, and tops of your feet. If you are anything like me, these are the pasty white areas that tend to burn all the time. You wont be doubling up your SPF but you might actually be receiving the SPF that is written on the label.

3. Shade is ok. While spending a day in the sun, take breaks and spend some time in the shade of a shelter or even under the umbrella. Too much time in the sun can lead to a summer cold and no one wants to suffer through that.

4. Fake it! Studies show that people who use a self-tanner are less likely to spend hours sunbathing or go to tanning salons. This will help save your skin.

5. Get your skin checked. If you have insurance, why not use it! IT is important to have your skin checked annually so that you can make sure that you get ahead of any potential cancerous risks.

The moral of the story, wear sunscreen and it will make your skin last longer and look younger.