The Wide Angle Volume 2, Issue 4 June/July 1997

Summer Skin

by Kimberly Moore

Summer is here and in full swing. Do you still take risks when it comes to overexposure to the damaging rays of the sun? The American Cancer Society says melanoma is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, and yet it is still one of the most common. In spite of all the warnings and the products available to us, we risk permanent and possibly life threatening skin damage for a temporary tan.

Here in Southern California, it's easy to become lax about sun protection. We bask in the sun all year long and we often forget to prepare for increased outdoor activity. On a typical San Diego afternoon, the sun can begin to take its toll in as little as 15 minutes for fair skin, 20 minutes for medium skin and 30 minutes for dark skin. The strongest rays and peak danger zone occur between 11am and 1pm, but it is always important to avoid direct exposure.

There are dozens of skin care products that offer sun protection. From lip balms to sunscreens, makeup foundations to hair conditioners, there are many to choose from in a wide price range to fit anyone's budget. For the best protection, look for a sunscreen with a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 15. If you have very fair skin or will be spending more than an hour outdoors, go for a higher SPF.

Don't forget to protect your scalp. It can burn easily and the permanent damage can go undetected for a long time. So wear a wide-brimmed hat and add sunglasses to protect your eyes. There is a strong link between sun exposure and cataracts.

Sunburn is not the only skin problem we face during the summer months; skin rashes can also be a nuisance this time of year. If you're not careful, a simple irritation can turn into an infection. We fat people can have problems wherever we have skin folds. The condition can get out of control quickly, especially if you are diabetic or have circulatory problems. The best cure is prevention.

Bathe with a gentle cleanser and dry well before dressing. Use a fan or blow dryer on the cool setting to assure those hard-to-reach places get dry. If you can tolerate it, a powder containing baking soda may help absorb moisture. If you notice a patch of skin that is hot, red and itchy it could be a fungal infection. A small patch can become a large area in just hours, but it's easy to control with an over-the-counter antifungal powder. It's a good idea to keep some on hand to control flare-ups as soon as they appear.

Finally, here's one of my favorite ways to cool off on a warm summer afternoon. I keep a bottle of body splash in the refrigerator. A few quick splashes when the heat is getting to me makes a quick and refreshing pick-me-up. Enjoy the summer!

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