Sun Skin Safety

Plenty of sunscreen is a must to keep your skin protected yearround.

- KRISTIN MAHONEY AND ROSE McNULTY

SKIN DAMAGE FROM sun exposure is a serious health concern. During the summer, that risk rises dramatically with the number of hours spent outdoors. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more people have had skin cancer than all other cancers combined over the past three decades. So it's no surprise that protecting your largest organ is seen as critical self-care.

"The minute you step outside, you increase your risk of skin damage from the sun," says Julia T. Hunter, M.D., founder of Wholistic Dermatology, in Beverly Hills, USA. "You need a nontoxic yet potent, science-based, daily skin health and environmental shield for protection to help restore, renew, and protect your skin." Hunter recommends applying broad spectrum SPF 30 sun protection (with zinc oxide) 30 minutes before sun exposure, and reapplying every two hours, or sooner if you're sweating or in the water. But here's a scary truth: Some ingredients in your regular sunscreen may be doing you more harm than good.

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