Sun Protection Tips
Other than applying sunscreen, here are some good habits to follow:
- Apply sunscreen on your neck. Many people forget. The ‘turkey neck’ can’t be surgically corrected later (no ‘face lift’ for the neck). Be aware that perfume sprayed on the neck & decollete makes the skin more photosensitive. That area will become more prone to pigmentation.
- Apply sunscreen on your hands too. Age spots on hands are hard to remove.
- Wear gloves while driving. Even if you put sunscreen on your hands, UV is so intense it will still penetrate the skin and cause spots.
- Keep extra tubes of sunscreen in your car, where you work (e.g. desk, locker), and in your purse/work bag/tote/gym bag/carryon. You are much more likely to use sunscreen if it’s within easy reach. Also much more convenient for re-applying when you need more.
- Wear sun protective hats & clothing with UPF 50 if you’ll be in intense sunlight (e.g. beach, ski slope) or outdoors for a long time. If you’re hard core, carry a UPF sun umbrella when you’re walking around.
- Choose tightly woven fabrics for hats and clothing. Darker colors are better at blocking UV.
- Choose sunglasses with UV protective coating lenses. The skin around the eyes is thin and delicate, and therefore more prone to wrinkling.
- Avoid being outside between 10 am – 2 pm, which is when the sun is strongest.
- Check the UV index from your local weather source, and stay indoors when the UV index is high.