Sun-Smart Skincare Tips

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It's time to face the fact: you look older than your age/ Premature facial lines have added years to your actual age, and this has caused some of the most embarrassing moments, like being mistaken for the older sister of your date. It takes only a few hours under the sun to cause damaged skin, premature aging and possible skin cancer. Ultraviolet light is the culprit. When one is exposed to the sun and becomes tanned or burned, individual cells and DNA become damaged. Excessive sun exposure hastens the deterioration of the skin. This is a common finding among patients in their 40s and 50s who seek facial rejuvenation. Here are some expert tips on how to protect your skin from premature aging and cancer. 1. Minimize sun exposure. Ultraviolet rays are most dangerous between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. 2. Cover up. If you can't avoid sun exposure, wear a hat, a shirt with long sleeves and long pants. 3. Use a sunscreen that has an SPF of at least 15 as this protects your skin from UVA and UVB rays. Reapply every two hours. 4. The lips are most vulnerable to skin cancer. Protect your lips by using a balm with an SPF 15. 5. Wear sunglasses with UVA and UVB protection. 6. Regular daily protection against the sun, combined with the regular use of skin care products, is also important in preserving the skin. Take better care of your skin with dermatologist-recommended Cetaphil Gentle Skin Cleansers. Specially formulated for all skin types and conditions, these don't irritate the skin the way regular soaps do nor strip it of its natural protective barrier. Cetaphil comes in the original liquid formulation for the face and the new bar for the body. Cetaphil Oily Cleanser is also available for oily skin.