Sites to see: skin care

Summertime and the living’s not easy for your skin. The body’s largest organ must stay tough enough at this time of year to protect against dehydration, weather, and insects, yet soft enough to caress.

Even more important is protecting against skin cancer. While fairer skin is most likely to suffer sunburns associated with melanoma, a potentially deadly skin cancer, ultraviolet (UV) rays may also affect darker skin even without sunburn, according to the American Cancer Society. While they have a lower incidence of skin cancer, Hispanics and African Americans have higher death rates from the disease, often because the cancers are found at later stages, says the National Cancer Institute.

Here are ways to care for your skin.

Put it All On
With technology, some clothing fabrics now come with built-in sun protection and insect repellent. Ordinary T-shirts provide a sun protection factor (SPF) of 6.5, far below the minimum SPF 15 recommended by experts. But special resin coatings dramatically increase protection. Garment labeling indicates the cloth’s ultraviolet protection factor (UPF). But make sure to wear sunscreen in uncovered areas, says Flor Ana Mayoral, a dermatologist in South Miami.

Smooth on Some Shade
Two types of rays can hurt skin: UVB and UVA. UVB rays cause sunburn; UVA rays damage collagen, the protein that keeps skin plump. Both rays can lead to skin cancer, says Susan Goodlerner, a dermatologist in Torrance, California. Sunscreens usually block UVB, but no products keep out all UVA rays.

An SPF rating refers to a sunscreen’s ability to block only UVB rays. No rating system exists for UVA rays. “Some sunscreens say they offer UVB and UVA protection. If they don’t say UVA, check the ingredients…for zinc oxide, titanium dioxide, or avobenzone,” says Goodlerner.

For swimming and activities that make you sweat, SPF 30 to 45 is considered adequate. Antibiotics, antihistamines, and antidepressants may increase skin sensitivity to the sun. Resulting irregular pigmentation, more common with darker skin, can be treated with prescription fade creams, says Goodlerner.

Later, Alligator
Seawater, wind, and chemicals in pools can be rough on skin. After exposure, start with a shower and then apply moisturizer. Baby oil is a simple and economical moisturizer, suggests Mayoral.

Eat, Drink, and be Merry
Harvard researchers say the antioxidant lutein, found in dark-green leafy vegetables, can protect skin. Green tea extract applied topically seems to prevent UV-induced skin inflammation.

With a little extra attention, your skin will keep you covered—not only in the summer but all year long.