for your
health
DANN ILICIC
Protect skin
from the sun
ACCORDING TO THE Centers for Disease
Control and Prevention, skin cancer is the
most common form of cancer in the United
States. The organization points out that many
cases can be prevented by simple steps.
Exposure to the sun can also cause premature aging of the skin. Think wrinkles, lines, age
spots and leathery texture. You can try to avoid
exposure completely or simply don sunblock
or sunscreen whenever there’s a need to stop or
minimize the sun’s damaging rays.
Although people know they should apply
sun protection products before going to the
beach or a park on a sunny day, there are
other times when that need may not be readily apparent. Even a cloudy day presents risks;
UVA rays can penetrate the cloud cover.
And here’s something you might not have
considered: A recent medical study, conducted at St. Louis University, establishes a
link between men who spend a lot of time
driving and an increase in skin cancer, specifically left-sided skin cancers. Although many
cars come with windshields that filter harmful UVB rays (which cause sunburns) and
UVA rays (which can penetrate deeper into
the skin), side windows tend to filter UVB
rays only, leaving the driver’s left arm and face
vulnerable. Using sun protection, even while
driving, is recommended.
Sun protection products come in all
forms—lotions, oils and sprays. Some sprays
contain no oil or alcohol, dry almost instantly
and require no messy rubbing. Rob Takeuchi,
of KINeSYS Pharmaceutical, suggests looking
for a “broad-spectrum sunscreen” and adds,
“The best sunscreens use Parsol 1789 or a
physical block like titanium dioxide.”
Follow the directions for whichever product you buy. If you have any doubts about
what to use for your type of skin, ask your
pharmacist or physician. And, as Takeuchi
says, “Don’t be shy, reapply.”—Steve Fisher
The Costco Connection
Costco carries a variety of sun protection
products.