Defend Your Skin

Summer timelazy days, relaxing in the sun; winter dayscold

, brisk sunshinerefreshing! Damaging skinall year round!

We certainly associate sun damage with spring and summer but we are actually at risk ALL YEAR LONG. If the sun is shining, we are getting sun damage. While you may not give sun exposure too much thought, it might be time to "re-evaluate" your attitude.

When we "bask" in the warmth of the sun (or tanning bed), the ultraviolet light penetrates our skin and destroys living cells that normally make new skin. Whether an "attractive" tan or painful sunburn, the real danger is the slow accumulation of damage to your skin over the years (most long term damage occurs before our twenties). This damage results in our cells becoming dysfunctional, reducing the production of elastin and collagen, thinning the top layer of skin, affecting the pigmentation and increasing the risk of skin cancer.

Most of the "aging" of our skin is a result of UV damage, not our age. With the breakdown of the connective tissue (elastin and collagen), our skin loses its strength and flexibility; bringing the onset of wrinkles, creases and loose skin. If you want to compare your "damaged" skin, look at the areas of your body that are not exposed to sun damage (or tanning beds) as compared to the areas that have been exposed to UV radiation.

There are steps we can take to protect our skin from ultra violet light:

* Use sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and then re-apply every few hours

* Wear a hat and long sleeves when out in the sun for long periods

* Avoid direct sun during peak UV radiation hours between 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.

* Wear sunglasses with total UV protection

* Select contact lenses and cosmetics with UV protection

While we cannot "undo" the years of tanning and sunburn, we can help our skin repair and even reverse sun damage.

* Sunscreen, Sunscreen, Sunscreen

* Hydrate your skin with moisturizers (RaNisa Naturals Collagen Complete)

* Use topical retinoids (Vitamin A products)

* Be familiar with the moles and freckles on your body and look for any changes * Choose vitamin supplements andfoods with a focus on: Vitamin C, E, A and K, and Selenium * See a dermatologist for yearly exams and treatment options There are a variety of sunscreens, cosmetics and moisturizers to aid in your skin's defense; however, the best protection is self awareness and self care.

Rememberit's your lifeyour healthlive well.

Defend Your Skin

By: Kim Roberson

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