Rit Sunguard

With all we know now about the damage the sun can cause, you may feel as if you need to hide under an umbrella all summer. And no wonder: the exposure to UVA radiation from the sun promotes irregular pigment, fine lines, wrinkles, coarse texture, thin and dry skin. UVB burns and tanning. And it can lead to skin cancer, which number about one million new cases each year. But do not worry: you can play outside safely. "A good sunscreen will save your skin and your life," says dermatologist Sandra Read, MD Try these strategies sun smart:

- Use a sunscreen every day. Apply a golf ball size amount to exposed areas every day, cloudy or sunny all year. Reapply every two hours when outdoors.

- Choose a number. "Anything less than SPF 15 is unnecessary," said Mr. Read. Choose an SPF of at least 30.

- Make the right choice. The SPF in your makeup can be good when you spend most of the day at the office, but if you're exercising outdoors or splashing in the pool, use a sunscreen waterproof.

- Read labels. Some investors skin: benzophenone (oxybenzone), Sulisobenzone, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide and Parsol 1789. And last year, the FDA approved the ecamsule blocking UVA (brand name Mexoryl).

- Seek shade. Avoid direct sunlight in particular 10:00 to 4:00 p.m. and wear a broad brimmed hat.

- Consider clothing for sun protection. An ordinary cotton T-shirt has an SPF of only 5, but closely woven UV can block more than 97 percent of UV rays. Also available, notes Mr. Read: Rit SunGuard, rinse clothes with a special ingredient that effectively disperses UV rays.

- Do not forget your lips and eyes. Use lip balms and lipsticks that contain SPF, and choose sunglasses with UV protection lenses.

About our expert: Sandra Read, MD, is professor in the department of dermatology at Georgetown University in Washington, DC

SPARKLING BEAUTY

This summer, add a little bling to your makeup routine. "The colors this season are beautiful metallic colors, makeup artist Mally Roncal said. To create your own look bright:

1. Keep Foundation Fresh and pure. "I love powder foundation in the summer," said Roncal. "It is simple and helps to fight against oil and shine."

2. To help configure your eye shadow, start with a base eyeshadow. Then, use pure metal shade from lash line to crease. Choose a surface with a little noise, dust translucent powder.

3. Apply blush to the apples of the cheeks in a circular motion, then go to shimmer on the cheekbones.

4. Slick lip gloss! Use a simple "liner invisible lip", or a coating that matches your natural lip tone, gloss hold in place.

5. Polish nails to perfection with a cool, icy shadow. "This summer, polishes are shimmery washes of pastel-happy Italian ices think," said Robert Cleary, director of product development for Dashing Diva.

Follow these tips, skin care and makeup, and you'll not only prevent cancer of the skin, but look and feel great all summer!

Writer: Colleen Moriarty
Healthy Lifestyles Āc Medizin, second quarter 2007