Summertime Skin Care

SUMMERTIME SKIN CARE

Sunshine feels great—especially after a long, cold winter. Many people report that getting some sun is the best way to improve their mood, energy level, and sense of optimism. A little bit of sunshine can also help your body produce vitamin D so it can help keep your bones strong. Just 10 minutes of outdoor light each day is enough to do the trick.

But too much exposure can be dangerous for everyone. It can cause skin cancer, cataracts, wrinkles, and painful burns that may permanently damage skin.. It can also make side effects of some chemotherapy worse. Intense sun exposure can also weaken the immune system even more than treatment has already.

Still, you don’t have to hide inside on bright summer days just because you’re in cancer treatment. According to dermatologist Margo L. Weishar, M.D., of Springhouse, PA, you can enjoy the sun if you take these precautions:

· Schedule your sun time for early or late in the day. Wear a tightly woven, wide-brimmed (5 inches) hat, and clothing that covers your body.

· Don’t step outside without your sunblock on! And apply sunscreen at least 20 minutes before going outside, because it takes time before it starts working.

· Forget the false notion that any sunscreen SPF (sun protection factor) higher than 15 is a waste of time. Go for the highest number you can buy. 45 SPF is recommended, in a waterproof formulation to combat sweat. If you swim, reapply even waterproof sunblocks after being immersed in water.

· For best face protection, use sunblocks that contain zinc. Some newer products contain tiny particles of zinc that block harmful rays, but are invisible when applied.

· Sunscreens are chemical sunblocks, not physical ones like zinc. They absorb—rather than deflect—harmful rays. If you buy sunscreen, choose one containing Parsol (chemical name: avobenzone). This is a chemical that does a good job of absorbing harmful rays.

· Skin in an area that’s receiving radiation therapy should be protected from the sun with a bathing suit or other clothing. Be careful: Sunscreen can further irritate radiated skin.

· Sun exposure during some chemotherapies leads to more skin reaction and tanning. So consider covering up if you’re on that regimen.