Tampa and Lakeland Summers  – Protect Your Skin This Season

With the sun-kissed skies always beaming in Tampa and Lakeland, it’s time to implement strategies to protect your skin from the sun’s damaging rays. Here are some tips to put in your arsenal to prevent premature aging, skin cancer, sun spots and leathered looking skin.

While there’s no such thing as complete protection from UV rays to prevent skin cancer, using a sunscreen with SPF 15+ that provides both UVA and UVB protection will reduce the risk of skin cancer. Apply it liberally and let it dry for about 30 minutes before going out in the sun, even when you’re just driving to work. If you’re swimming at the pool or beach, reapply sunscreen every two to three hours. Clothing can also help block the sun from getting to the skin. Dark, woven clothing is best or clothing with UV protection is another choice. The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends using the laundry additive SunGuard, as it gives clothes an ultraviolet protection factor of 30.

Take extra care from sun’s rays by sitting under an umbrella while at the beach and pool or lounging on your patio. Don yourself in a wide-brim hat and sunglasses that block both UVB and UVA rays. And don’t forget to wear a protective lip balm.

Cosmetics can go a long way in protecting your face from UV damage. Keep in mind that these products must have the right ingredients and be applied properly. Look for moisturizes that are labeled “broad-spectrum SPF 15+.” The moisturizer should contain avobenzone, and zinc oxide. Use an eye cream that has an SPF of 15. The next line of defense is in your foundation. Choose a foundation with an SPF rating between 8 and 15. Then, top it off with a powder. Face powder has tiny pigmented talc particles that deliver more sun protection and will help your sunblock and moisturizer stay on longer. Don’t forget your lips either. Opaque lipsticks provide better protection than high-gloss lipsticks. Choose one with an SPF rating of 15 or higher.

Living in the Sunshine State comes with a lot of perks – white powdery beaches, sunny skies and outdoor adventures all year long. Just be sure to take steps to protect your skin from the sun.