
Spring break season is in full swing and spring is just right around the corner. Soon we'll all be trading in our boots and heavy sweaters for tanks, t-shirts, shorts, sundresses, and bathing suits. What about that skin though -- that skin that's been hidden under wraps for several months without a hint of sunlight? You need to protect it, but are you sure you know how?
Here's an article that discusses some of the common sunscreen myths. Many beach bums believe they can apply sunscreen once and be done with it, but actually you need to keep applying it throughout the day.
Meanwhile, the commonly perceived thoughts on sun are changing. A few minutes of sun a day -- without sunscreen -- may actually do your body good by helping it manufacture vitamin D and
this interesting study found that tanning may, in fact, have a bit of protective value to skin. A sunburn, however, is harmful to
anyone, so the key here is to remember your sunshine limit and to slather on the sunblock if you're going to be soaking up rays for more than a few minutes.
If the chemicals found in most conventional sunscreens worry you, consider looking for a chemical free sunblock. Made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide, these "physical" sunscreens sit on the skin to protect it, rather than being absorbed by the skin. The old fashioned versions used to be quite thick and uncomfortable, but new formulas are so light that you won't notice the difference.