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(ARA)
- With the arrival of summer, many people look forward to spending
time outside in the sun. Whether you're playing sports, gardening
or just lounging, using the proper skin protection products can
help prevent sun damage.
Ultraviolet (UV) rays are the
primary cause of skin cancer, which affects one million Americans
every year. As the sun intensifies during the summer, it is more
important than ever to prepare your skin, lips and hair to endure
these dangerous sunrays.
Following is a list of must-have
items for your beach bag this summer:
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1. Water resistant sunscreen
A water resistant sunscreen with
SPF 15 or higher will help protect your skin from harmful UV
rays. Sunscreens should be applied to dry skin at least 15 minutes
before going outdoors and should be reapplied after swimming
or perspiring. Typically, one ounce of sunscreen lotion is enough
to cover exposed areas of the body properly.
2. Medicated lip balm with
SPF
For lips, the best protection
against sun damage is a water resistant lip balm that keeps the
lips moist and has an SPF of 15 percent or higher. |
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A product such as Zilactin-Lip
medicated lip balm provides SPF 24 protection and is water resistant
for long-lasting wear in the sun. Zilactin-Lip medicated lip
balm also contains a non-greasy emollient to keep lips smooth
and supple.
3. Wide-brimmed hat -- Aside from providing shade for your
face, a wide-brimmed hat also can help protect hair from being
damaged by the sun, which erodes the outer layer of hair and
can cause coarse, wiry or brittle locks. Choose a comfortable-fitting
hat with extra covering that drapes down the back of your neck,
and sit in the shade whenever possible.
4. Spray-on sunscreen for
hair -- Another way to
protect the hair from sun damage is to use protective sprays
specifically created for hair. Leave-in conditioners and sun
sprays offer sun protection before, during and after outdoor
exposure.
5. Cold sore/fever blister
treatment -- Since cold
sores/fever blisters can be triggered by overexposure to the
sun, it is important to keep topical medications on hand for
unexpected breakouts. A product such as Zilactin Cold Sore Gel
helps speed up the healing process for fever blisters by sealing
in the medication and preventing spreading. Zilactin-L Cold Sore
Liquid is another option for treating cold sore/fever blister
outbreaks.
Don't let the sun ruin your summer
vacation. Stock up on these vital summer products at your local
drug, discount and grocery stores, or consult a family physician
for additional advice. |