Sun Care

Sun care means protecting your skin from the sun. Everyone needs to protect themselves while in the sun. Did you know even on a cool day or when it's cloudy, the sun can cause lasting damage?

Some sunlight is important because our skin needs it to produce vitamin D, which is the vitamin important in maintaining and building strong bones. However, your skin can be damaged if you get too much sun.

The sun radiates three types of UV (ultraviolet) rays: UVA, UVB, and UVC. UVA and UVB rays can get through the ozone layer and have been linked to skin damage.

What are the types of skin damage?

...Short-term skin damage can include a sun tan. UV radiation stimulates your skin to produce more pigment, which protects against damage. A tan shows that your skin has been damaged and is trying to protect itself - even when your tan fades the damage remains. Of course, a sunburn is another sign that your skin is being damaged. Heat stroke is another symptom of over-exposure to the sun.

...Long-term skin damage from the sun results in aging (wrinkles and sagging) of the skin. Your risk for skin cancer increases when you're exposed to UV rays, especially from spending long periods of time in the sun.

How do you protect yourself from sun damage?

1. Wear a cover-up and a wide-brimmed hat.

2. Wear sunglasses with 100% UV protection, which equals UV 400 (check sunglasses for UV protection).

3. Wear sunscreen. You should make sure your sunscreen has an SPF of 15 or higher. SPF tells you how good the sunscreen is at filtering out the UVB rays. There is no measure of protection against UVA rays. Also, you will not get full sun care protection from sunscreen, as some UV rays will always get through. However, you will get more than 90% protection from UVB rays with SPF 15. You need to re-apply the sunscreen every 2 hours or more often if you go swimming or are sweating! You need to apply BEFORE you go in the water because the water reflects the sun to any part of the body that is exposed outside the water, intensifying the sun's rays.

...Why not get the tan you desire with sunless tanning lotion and then protect your skin with sunscreen when you're out in the sun?

Click here to go to Sunscreen information

Click here to go to Self Tanning Lotion information


PRODUCT RECOMMENDATIONS for sun care to keep your skin safe from the sun's harmful rays while also softening and moisturizing:

1. SPF 30 Sunscreen, $14 - A light-weight, oil-free sunscreen for face or body that provides UVA/UVB protection. Waterproof and sweat-resistant for up to 80 minutes. Click here for information on how and when to apply sunscreen.

2. After-Sun Replenishing Gel, $12 - formulated with botanical extracts and rich and soothing antioxidants, the gel absorbs quickly, replenishing vital moisture to the body. Does not contain sunscreen.

3. Lip Protector with Sunscreen SPF 15, $7.50 - formulated with beneficial moisturizers and antioxidants, helps keep lips protected and guarded from the drying effects of sun and wind. Helps seal in moisture so lips feel soft and supple. Use it alone or under lipstick or lip gloss. Waterproof.

4. Mary Kay Subtle Self-Tanning Lotion, $16 - gives skin the moisture it craves while subtly enhancing its natural tone for a healthy-looking glow. It smells GREAT, too (not stinky like many other brands). Does not contain sunscreen or protect from sunburn.

...For complete sun care, all you need are the products above and your protective clothing and sunglasses, and you are set to go have fun in the sun!


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