Skin Care Basics

Even if you don’t consider yourself a sun worshiper, beware. Damage from the sun is cumulative, and can take place within minutes if you don’t adequately protect yourself. The next time you catch yourself running out the door without having applied sunscreen, consider the following:

• Exposure to ultraviolet light from sunlight accounts for 90% of premature skin aging.
• One in five Americans will develop some form of skin cancer during their lifetime.
• The risk of developing cancer doubles with five or more sunburns.
• 70-80% of the sun’s ultraviolet rays penetrate clouds on overcast days.
• Use sunscreen faithfully; select a broad spectrum SPF 15 or higher and apply at least 30 minutes before sun exposure.