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If
you think that slapping on a sunscreen is all you need to protect
yourself from skin - damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays, you're sorely
mistaken. In order to get the most out of your sun protection, there
are some steps you need to take.
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Apply protection to every exposed area. People often forget
the parts in their hair, the tops of their jaws and around their
bodies' corners and curves, but these areas are still vulnerable to
sun damage. Use easy-to-apply sun protection sticks or sprays on
these spots.
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Be aware of how much sun exposure you're getting. Sand
reflects 60 percent of UV rays. So even if you sit under water,
sidewalks, car windshields and boat decks
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If you're prone to burning or have sensitive skin, use a sun
block instead of a sunscreen. The best products for sensitive skin
area those that contain zinc oxide or titanium dioxide-physical
sunblocks that cause rays to bounce off the skin. Sunscreens, on the
other hand, contain chemical ingredients (like personal 1789) that
react with the skin to filter out UV rays.
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When using a chemical-based sunscreen, apply at least one
(preferably two) layers 30 minutes before sun exposure. It takes at
least that long for the chemicals to react with the skin an offer
protection. Also, when manufacturers study how well their products
work, they always allow a 20-minute window between application (of
two layers) and exposure.
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When in doubt, use a higher SPF. SPF 45 only increases
protection about 2 percent as compared to an SPF 30, Sire says.
There is some debate over whether higher SPFs are better, but that 2
percent can add up over 30 years.
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No sunscreen
is waterproof. That's why starting December 2002, U.S. Food and Drug
Administration regulations will require sunscreen manufacturers to
use the terms "water resistant" or "very water
resistant" instead. But, like "waterproof," these
terms only mean that the product protects for up to 40 or 80
minutes, respectively, in the water. Once you get out of the water
and dry off (which rubs off the sunscreen), you'll need to reapply.
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When in doubt, use a higher SPF. SPF 45 only increases
protection about 2 percent as compared to an SPF 30, Sire says.
There is some debate over whether higher SPFs are better, but that 2
percent can add up over 30 years.
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Limit
total sun exposure. If possible, stay out of the sun between 10 a.m.
and 2 p.m (when the sun's rays are most intense), and avoid
so-called "gradual tanning" (building up a base tan, then
slowly developing a deeper one). This type of tanning is no better
for your skin. It still damages it-just at a slower rate.
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