F A L L   1 9 9 9

ADVICE: The ABC's of a Daily Sunscreen

Pass this information along to your friend. You'll not only help her maintain the health of her skin, but may help her avoid melanoma, the fastest-growing cancer. Use at least an SPF 15 broad spectrum (both UVA and UVB protection) sunscreen. As a rule the fairer the skin, the more likely it is to burn and develop skin cancer, therefore the SPF number should be higher (i.e. redheads with freckles should wear an SPF 30 sunscreen daily). Check the active ingredients of the sunscreen. Look for a sunscreen with Z-cote, transparent zinc oxide (our 1st recommendation), Parsol 1789 (also called avobenzone) or titanium dioxide.

The chart to the left illustrates the broad-spectrum protection provided by Z-Cote (transparent zinc oxide) found in Skinceuticals Ultimate UV Defense (pictured at the top of this page) and Daily Sun Defense.

Apply the sunscreen at least 30 minutes prior to any sun exposure (driving your car falls into this category, as UVA rays are able to penetrate through window glass). Apply the sunscreen to any exposed areas including the neck, ear lobes and hands. When you plan to be outdoors for longer than 2 hours, reapply the sunscreen. Remember to also reapply it when swimming, even if it tells you that it is waterproof. Important fact to remember: [SPF 8 moisturizer] plus [SPF 10 makeup] does not equal [SPF 18]