Mischo Beauty: COPPERTONE

So I'm turning this post over to Dr. Patricia Agin of the Coppertone Solar Research Center. To help protect against fall and winter sun damage, she recommends the following five suncare tips:

1. Protect your face: While arms and legs are generally covered during cool seasons, your face is one part of the body that can receive year-round sun exposure. Choose a broad spectrum sunscreen and apply it to the face, neck and chest before leaving the house.

2. Don't forget the hands: If you aren't wearing gloves, the skin on your hands is just as susceptible to sun damage as the skin on your face. Smoothing on a sunscreen lotion daily may help moisturize dry skin and can help protect the skin from unintentional damage, helping to prevent premature skin aging.

3. You're never "above" damaging sun rays: Whether you are hiking up mountainous terrain or speeding down the slopes, the sun's rays become stronger as altitude increases. According to the Skin Cancer Foundation, UV exposure increases 8-10% for every 1,000 feet of elevation; therefore, choose a broad spectrum sunscreen with a high SPF. Skiers are especially susceptable to "google burn" as the snow reflects 80% of UV rays.

4. Be sun smart: UV rays are present year-round, reflecting off water, concrete and sand. The sun is the strongest between the hours 10am and 4pm. Some after-school sports take place when UV rays are strongest, so whether you are playing on the field or watching from the bleachers, it's important to protect yourself from potential sun damage.

5. Make sunscreen a "family affair": Most parents understand the need to protect their children from the sun. According to the 2008 Coppertone "Sun IQ" survey, 82% of parent respondents agreed it is important that their children use sunscreen with an SPF above 30. Unfortunately, these parents are not practicing what they preach as 45% were not using sunscreen themselves. To encourage healthy sun habits for the whole family, keep a bottle in the bathrooom and next to the door for easy , on-the-go application.

My hope is that you learned something new today and that you are better informed when making decisions on sun protection.

As an esthetician, you all can probably imagine how passionate I am about skincare. The one aspect I’m most passionate about is protection from the sun. A misconception exists with regards to wearing sunscreen in the winter and the bottom line is this- you need to protect yourself from the sun regardless of the time of year or the temperature outside!

Sun damage is the major external cause of aging and it causes 80-85% of aging. The UV rays of the sun reach the skin in two different forms, as UVB and UVA rays. UVB rays tan the skin, damage the skin’s melanin and cause cancer. Penetrating further into the skin are the UVA rays. These rays weaken the skin’s collagen and elastin fibers, causing wrinkling and sagging in the tissues. Though these fibers naturally weaken as we age, it happens at a much faster rate when exposed to UVA rays.

Not only does sun damage lead to skin cancer, aging, and collagen and elastin deterioration, but also to hyperpigmentation, capillary damage and free radical damage. Avoiding the sun and wearing sunscreen is the best protection for skin. Sunscreens absorb or reflect UV rays. SPF refers to the sun protection factor in sunscreens, so the higher the SPF, the more protection you’ll receive from the sun. Be sure the sunscreen has full spectrum protection (protects the skin from both UVA and UVB rays).

As you all know, sunscreen can be found in the form of a moisturizer and may come in various weights and formulas suitable for various skin types. Everyone needs to wear sunscreen- regardless of your complexion! My recommendation is to wear an SPF of 30 everyday, rain or shine!

Love your skin.