Using Sunscreen Is Important
How many times have you heard a loved one or a friend tell you to put sunscreen on? As it turns out, using sunscreen is important, not only when it’s hot outside, but year-round. Whether or not you know it, the sun is constantly giving off harmful UV rays. Yes, even in the winter time, you are being exposed to this. Therefore, it is important that you always protect yourself.
All of us, in our lifetimes, will come across someone we either know personally or through someone else who has skin cancer. Prevention is better than cure. The worse thing you could do would be to walk around thinking that it would never happen to you. Today, it is not uncommon to come across someone who has skin cancer, and nine times out of ten if you talk to them, you will find out that they were diagnosed with it after they spent a considerable amount of time in the sun. What typically happens when someone has skin cancer is that skin is grafted from another part of their body to replace the infected skin.
Anyone can get skin cancer. Of course, this risk is higher for those who spend a lot of time in the sun and don’t properly protect themselves. For instance, many golfers and other athletes are at an increased risk. This is why it is so important to purchase sunblock (not sunscreen) for those days when you know that you’re going to be out in the sun for extended periods of time. Sunscreen is typically used for those people who want a minimal amount of protection from the sun but who also want to get a little bit tanned.
Tanning beds are also another thing that puts people at risk for developing problems. If anything, tanning beds are worse because you are getting direct concentration of UV light. If used properly, tanning beds aren’t that bad and can be safe. However, as is the case with a lot of other things, many people misuse or abuse this. When you use a tanning bed, you should still apply sunblock or sunscreen. Another thing worth mentioning is the fact that before you go out into the sun or before you use a tanning bed, make sure that you apply your sunscreen at least 30 minutes to an hour prior to exposing yourself to the sun’s harmful UV rays.
Whether you are out in the sun or not, you’ll also want to make sure that you have plenty of moisturizing cream and/or Aloe Vera around. When your skin is exposed to UV rays or harsh elements such as dry air, it dries your skin out, robbing it of essential moisture that it needs. When your skin dries out, this will often lead to cracking, peeling and the all too familiar sunburn. If you do get a sun burn, make sure that you apply plenty of hydrating lotion every hour. Remember, it is important to take care of your body; you’ve only got one!
2009 | Skin Care
