14 DAY TRIAL // In a previous article we talked about sun exposure and the best ways to keep your face protected from the harmful effects of UVA and UVB radiation, while soaking up all the health benefits of a day at the beach. It's time to move on to the next chapter of our little "suncare101" session and talk about some of the essentials of body care and the things we should all keep in mind in order to protect our skin from cancer and avoid premature aging.
Step one is to become aware of what skin care specialists call "forgotten areas". Take a minute to visualize yourself at the beach, applying sunscreen, and try to imagine which areas of your body you might be neglecting. "The most forgotten areas of the body when applying sunscreen are the ears, the V of the chest, the back of the neck, and the tops of the hands and feet", reveals Dr. Alysa Herman, dermatologist and educational spokesperson for The Skin Cancer Foundation, quoted by Elle. Make sure you become aware of the fact that these areas also need intense protection, especially when you reapply the sunscreen.
There are also areas on our bodies that we know we have to protect, but are quite difficult to reach - our backs, for instance. The best option under these circumstances is to go for a continuous sun spray which ensures good, even coverage. The key with sunscreens is to find one that you really enjoy wearing due to its texture or scent - this is vital since during the summer, sunscreens should be an everyday presence in our lives, much like the shower gel and the toothpaste. The principle is pretty much similar to the one that defines our tastes in fashion: we have to like what we wear in order to wear it comfortably and confidently.
One thing many of us ignore is that we do have to wear sunscreen even when we're wearing clothes, as sun rays can penetrate through clothing. "A thin white T-shirt has an SPF 4, so you should apply sunscreen underneath", one doctor advises. Another thing we should know is that some perfumes can damage our skin during summer, as they contain a series of chemicals that interact with UV rays and can stain the skin. "Bergamot oxidizes in the sun, causing brown streaks on the neck known as berloque dermatitis", Dr. Herman warns. "It's similar to putting lemon juice on your hair, which causes a chemical reaction that bleaches your color". Avoid any fragrances that contain bergamot and your skin will be safe.