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· Protect your head. If you've lost your hair, the exposed skin has never seen sunlight before and will burn easily. The best thing is to wear a hat, otherwise, use a good zinc sunblock.. Don’t forget your ears! · Apply topical vitamin C before sunscreen or makeup. Sold in liquid form, it can protect your skin against sunlight damage. Choose the ones that come in brown, light-sensitive bottles as the vitamin C is easily destroyed by light. · Use an indoor tanning lotion if you want a deep tan. Just remember that the color you get won't protect you from the sun. · If you have a fresh surgical scar, keep the area well covered. It can get pinker, then darker, if it's exposed to the sun. · Don't rely on the SPF ratings you see on makeup or face lotions to protect your skin. If you're going to be outdoors for longer than a trip to the supermarket, use a sunblock or sunscreen. · Remember that most T-shirts give you a sun protection factor of only about 8. · If you're going through radiation treatment, protect your skin from the drying effects of chlorinated pool water by using a barrier product like A&D ointment or Vaseline petroleum jelly. · After underarm lymph node dissection, try to avoid poison ivy, bug bites, cuts, or any other outdoor risks for infection or allergic reaction. · If you're currently in breast cancer treatment, avoid hot tubs, as it can put you at risk for “hot tub folliculitis.” Hot tubs/saunas may also put you at risk for developing lymphedema. · Don’t forget to protect your eyes from the sun —choose sunglasses that are labeled to block 99% to 100% of UVA and UVB radiation. With a little care, summer really can be a day (or week) at the beach! |
