News Coverage
The Bare Essentials of Summer Skincare
Skin Safety Precautions for Summer Fun in the Sun
Published August 27, 2008
Summer is always a time to enjoy the outdoors, but in the face of global warming we have to reconsider more and more the detrimental effects the sun’s rays can have on our skin. Of course the sun also has its advantages: It promotes Vitamin D production and alleviates depression, especially during the winter months. But as mature — or, dare I say, aging men — we have to be smart about taking care of our body’s largest organ.
A recent article comparing 952 name-brand sunscreens, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that four out of five sunscreen products offer inadequate protection from the sun, or contain ingredients with significant safety concerns. Only 15% of those products analyzed met EWG’s criteria for safety and effectiveness, blocking both UVA and UVB radiation, remaining stable in sunlight, and containing few if any ingredients with significant known or suspected health hazards. Overall, just 143 products offered very good sun protection with ingredients that present minimal health risks to users. Top choices include products with high SPF ratings that are waterproof, or those that advertise “broad spectrum” protection.
I recommend applying a moisturizer with an SPF of 15 or higher and wearing sunglasses and a hat. At the beach, limit direct sun exposure to less than 15 minutes at a time. Sit under an umbrella and reapply sunscreen every two hours or as needed as it dissolves due to sweating and swimming. Avoid lying out at peak hours from 10 am to 2 pm, and cover with protective clothing and sunglasses even if the weather’s breezy or cloudy. Continue to use sunscreen not only on the face but also on the back of the neck, along the receding hairline and on the outer ears. Life’s too short to look like a bag from Bottega Veneta, and the earlier you start practicing sun safety, the happier your skin will be. //
Dr. Spinelli’s “The Advocate Guide to Gay Men’s Health and Wellness” (Alyson) is out now.
