SUN GODDESS

By: Felicia York

As the temperature rises, we must be more mindful of basking in the sunshine . The risks of getting sunburn or skin cancer is high during the summer season and it is important to take the necessary precaution. Wear sunscreen! The damaging effects of the Sun can effect every and anyone, no matter the age or ethnicity.

Here’s what you should know:

• Wear sunscreen that has an SPF (Sun Protection Factor) of at least 30 or greater.
• Re-apply throughout the day as sunscreen tends to sweat off . Also, the potency of the sunscreen gets degraded by the Sun. It is best to reapply every 2 – 3 hours. The higher the SPF, the less frequent you need to apply.
• Check expiration dates to figure out if the sunscreen you loved last summer can be used this year.
• The best sunscreens provide a broad spectrum of protection. Read your labels. It should block UVA and UVB rays. It should also be water-resistant.
• Sunburns can be just as bad and equally as painful as regular burns. Over-exposure to the sun can take 24 hours to show up. First-degree sunburns will usually heal within a few days after the skin peels. Cool baths and hydrocortisone will ease the discomfort. Second-degree sunburns will blister. These are considered medical emergencies, especially if a large are has been affected. These should be covered with gauze. Do not pierce the blisters as this is the way the skin is healing itself.

Wearing Sunscreen Under Makeup

Wearing sunscreen under your makeup will give you a “halo” effect in your pictures, meaning skin will look pale or white. This is because the flash of the camera interacts with the ingredients in the sunscreen but it is a small price to pay to avoid sunburn, sunspots or skin cancer. Wearing sunscreen can also be a bit messy or appear greasy under foundation. Follow these steps and the process should be a bit easier:

• Wash your face as usal
• Pat dry
• Apply an even coat of sunscreen. 1/3 of a teaspoonful should be enough.
• Let the sunscreen soak into the skin
• Use a tissue to dab off the excess
• Apply your foundation as normal

Although some makeup brands claim to have SPF in them, it is still necessary to wear sunscreen under makeup to make sure that you have adequate protection. Check out these brands which have been rated the best sunscreen protection and are all $12 and under. They can be found at your local drugstore.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Dry-Touch Sunblock $, Banana Boat Sport Performance Dri-Block $ 9, Blue Lizard Sunscreen for Sensitive Skin $12, No-Ad Sunblock Lotion, $10.