Ready for a little fun in the sun? This season, keep your skin safe with a few tips from our friends at MyChelle

Sunscreen? Use It!
Sun protection only works if you apply it daily. Even if you are not planning on playing in the sun, wear it over your favorite nourishing cream in the am daily! If you are spending the day at the beach, reapply every two hours and after swimming.

No such thing as a healthy tan
The so called healthy glow (pink, red burned skin) that most think is a status symbol, is in fact a statement of ignorance. Smart, educated people use self tanners and sun shields (physical mineral blocks) to protect against skin cancer and premature aging of the skin. This pink, red color is actually a burn that causes inflammation of the skin, which leads to scar tissue and loss of elasticity. Repeated insults to the skin such as a sunburn ultimately lead to thick scarred skin that is unable to hold water and is void of collagen and elastin, much resembling the look of leather. Hyper pigmentation, brown spots and melasma are additional side effects of long term and repeated exposure.

Avoid peak heat
Avoid direct sun light between 10 am and 3 pm. This is the most intense time of day that the sun is most dangerous. Seek shade, wear a hat and limit direct sun exposure as much as possible. In addition to avoiding the direct sunlight, try to avoid intense heat, since it is thought to be a burden on the skin and may damage the skin's protein.

Sun facts

• Snow, sand, water, concrete and glass reflect sunlight.
• Clouds do not protect you from the damaging UV rays.
• The higher the altitude the more intense the sun gets (6 percent every 1000 feet).
• The sun is responsible for the majority of melanoma.
• The sun's UV rays can penetrate many types of clothing.
• Dry, dehydrated skin, burns more easily than well hydrated skin.
• The sun can damage your eyes, increasing the risk of cataracts, macular degeneration, and eyelid cancers.

Sun tips

• Protect newborns and children from the sun.
• Wear a hat to protect your scalp.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes.
• Apply sunblock to your ears.
• Use non-toxic mineral sunblocks such as ZinClear™ and titanium dioxide.
• Use a self tanner to achieve the desired tan look.
• Do not use Retin-A when you are planning on spending time in the sun.

MyChelle Dermaceuticals are available at Wild Oats and select Whole Foods stores nationwide plus online through their Web site www.mychelleusa.com.