Tuesday, February 16, 2010

Heads or Tails #20 -- Light

I am of German-Irish descent, and what's more, I am the palest one in my family. So when I saw the prompt "light," my mind immediately went to my very light complexion.

And skin cancer. I have to remind myself that it's a winter issue, too. And, while I'm reminding myself, I'm going to take this opportunity to remind the blogosphere.

According to the American Cancer Society, we should all apply sunscreen every day, because even "brief sun exposures all year round can add up to skin damage." An SPF of at least 15 is recommended. In Chicago's winter, when carrying a tube of suntan lotion isn't exactly second nature, I make sure I use foundation and moisturizer formulated with sunscreen.

Sunglasses are important, too. Before you purchase, check the label and make sure the lenses block both UVA and UVB rays. "If there is no label, don't assume the sunglasses provide any protection."

Now have fun but be careful out there. And be sure to check out Heads or Tails here.
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7 comments:

  1. Barb12:03 PM

    Good advice... we often forget about sunscreen in Winter.

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  2. anthonynorth12:40 PM

    A subject we should all be aware of.

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  3. Grace3:34 PM

    Good reminder. I'm of German Scot/Irish background... so I know what you mean about light.

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  4. Karen8:13 PM

    I was surprised when I was sunburned while snow skiing.

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  5. Unknown9:09 AM

    Great post! I used to work with dermatologists, and I can tell you, winter, spring, summer, fall, if you're going to be outside for any length of time, you need sunscreen. Reapply throughout the day, and remember sunscreen needs 15-30 minutes to "sink in" before it's effective.

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  6. Gal Friday5:25 PM

    I just picked up a bottle of Aveeno Ultra Calming SPF 15 moisturiser today. I will try to remember to apply this every morning from now on. Even though I have oily skin(my part Greek heritage), I am also of German(and French) descent, too--and just read that the rays that cause sun damage are out even in winter.

    Then I decided to swing by your blog(which I am sorry I haven't visited in eons)and here is a another reminder!

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  7. Nikki Neurotic8:07 PM

    I'm guilty of only thinking about sunscreen in the summer when I know I'm going to be spending a lot of time outside.

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