The old notion that most damage to the skin is done by the time a person turns 18 isn't true, according to the Skin Care Foundation.
A new study by Dianne Godar of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration shows that people get less than 25 percent of their total sun exposure by age 18. That, the foundation says, means you shouldn't bypass preventative measures in your adult life, thinking the damage has already been done.
Some suggestions from the foundation for limiting damage to the skin and minimizing risk of skin cancer:
--Watch the time: Avoid sun exposure from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., when the sun is strongest.
--Sunscreen: The average adult should use about 1 ounce of sunscreen per application. Apply at least every two hours.
--Clothing: Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants, if possible. Or opt for clothing that is made specifically for sun protection, which is often more lightweight and more comfortable to wear.
--Hats: A hat with a brim of 3 to 4 inches around the hat goes a long way toward preventing skin cancer.
--Sunglasses: UV-blocking sunglasses with wraparound or large frames protect eyelids and the sensitive skin around your eyes -- both for skin cancer and wrinkles. To see more of the Journal-World, or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.ljworld.com/. Copyright (c) 2008, Journal-World, Lawrence, Kan. Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services. For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.
Copyright (C) 2008 Journal-World, Lawrence, Kan.