Sun protection is more sophisticated and effective than ever before, with formulas addressing specific needs, skin types and sensitivities. But in the hustle and bustle of getting beach bound, don’t forget to protect often overlooked areas such as lips, ears and hands.
Lips
The skin on lips is thin — up to 11 times thinner than that of the face or body, and lips have no sweat or oil glands. The delicate nature of this skin leaves the lips prone to dryness and even more susceptible to burning than skin on the body. Wearing a lip balm or gloss with at least SPF 15 is an easy way to ensure that this delicate area is protected and healthy. Whether you’re planning an all-day visit to the beach or a short stroll through the park, for all outdoor activities, choose a sun block for your lips that offers broad-spectrum protection. Murad’s Energizing Pomegranate Lip Therapy provides SPF 15 protection in a shiny, sweet-smelling, pomegranate-rich gloss. Another good choice (especially for guys) is Neostrata Lip Conditioner SPF 15 as it has a balm-like texture and will protect lips during outdoor activities.
Ears
Curved and resting high on the side of the head, ears are highly prone to sunburn. One easy way to protect them is with a wide-brimmed hat, which shelters the entire head and face from the sun. But for those days when you’re outside jogging or lying poolside, be certain to apply sun block evenly to all exposed areas of skin around the ears, including behind the earlobe and on the outermost shell of the ear. Try M.D. Forte Total Daily Protector SPF 15, a vitamin-enriched formula with allantoin, perfect for delicate skin. For children who refuse to wear a hat, a sweat-proof, water resistant formula is a must especially for a day at the pool or beach. Mustela Sun Cream for Sensitive Areas SPF 50 offers high SPF protection in a non-greasy, photostable formula.
Hands
A driver’s side suntan is not the only by-product of warmer weather. Often the last area thought to need sun protection, the hands (especially the backs of the hands) are highly vulnerable to sun damage, especially when driving. During the warmer months, get into the habit of applying sun block to your hands before every outside activity — driving included. Cover the back of the hands completely, as well as the sides and each finger carefully with sun block and say goodbye to sunspots, premature wrinkles and discoloration. In the winter, the best protection is gloves, which will completely block all exposure to the UV light, as well as keep hands warm and comfortable.
Protect from the inside
To boost your body’s own natural protection against UV radiation, add Murad’s Pomphenol Sunguard supplement to your daily beauty routine. Rich in ellagic acid, this supplement boosts the efficacy of all sun block formulations from the inside out, flooding your skin cells with protective antioxidants and phytonutrients.
Regardless of your reasons for being in the sun, or the length of time, all exposed areas of the skin need to be protected. UV rays penetrate glass and are reflected off of surfaces like sand and concrete; they’re even present on cloudy days. With just a little forethought, properly protecting these areas before any sun exposure will ensure that your time in the sun is made in the shade.
See also:
Photosensitivity
Zinc Oxide
Is Your Sunscreen Safe?