Health Leader MD Shares Sunscreen Best Practices to Protect Skin This Summer

New York, New York (PRWEB) July 22, 2013

Promoting safe health practices is important to the professionals at Health Leader MD. With summer well underway and more people spending time in the sun, it is essential to understand how to properly protect skin. According to a recent article on Glamour, applying sunscreen is important year-round, not only during the summer months.

Many people realize that wearing sunscreen is important for the health of their skin. Not everyone realizes that it is important to wear it throughout the year. The Food and Drug Administration has come out with new guidelines regarding sunscreen use. They include what type of sunscreen to use and how to apply it.

Experts recommend applying an antioxidant serum before putting on sunscreen. Applying it in the morning when getting ready can provide beneficial results. Many sunscreens contain zinc oxide to help protect against damage from the sun’s UV rays. A side effect of zinc oxide, however, is the production of free radicals. Free radicals are molecules that can cause damage to DNA. It is still safe to use sunscreens containing zinc oxide though because UV rays pose a greater threat than free radicals. Applying an antioxidant serum first can help to combat free radicals. Some companies are even producing sunscreens that already contain antioxidants as part of their ingredients.

Previous guidelines recommended using one ounce of sunscreen to cover the body. This is equivalent to approximately one shot glass worth of lotion. In order to provide adequate coverage and reduce the chances of missing spots, the new guidelines suggest using two shot glasses worth. This allows for more sunscreen to spread across the entire body. Missing spots can not only lead to random patches of burnt skin, but leaves parts of the skin vulnerable to harmful rays from the sun. It is better to use too much than too little.

While some sunscreens used to advertise that they were waterproof, the FDA has since prevented companies from labeling them this way. They are never truly waterproof, but may provide water-resistance for between 40 and 80 minutes. Instead of using a towel to dry the skin off after coming out of the water, doctors recommend letting it bead up naturally. This keeps the body cooler and preserves sunscreen on the skin. Using a towel to dry off wipes the sunscreen off along with the water. This reduces the effectiveness it provides. Reapplying is critical for skin care.

The professionals at Health Leader MD weigh in on the matter. “Sun damage today can affect your skin for many years to come,” reveals a representative of the company. “Not every sunscreen is created the same. Some let harmful rays through. There are also important trick on how to apply sunscreen. If you don’t know these tips, even the best sunscreen may let through harmful rays that could affect the health of your skin for years to come.” Reapplying sunscreen frequently, especially after getting out of the water, is also recommended by Health Leader MD professionals.

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Health Leader MD is a virtual online health coaching and consulting service. Members fill out and in-depth personal wellness profile and are provided with a personalized wellness program to meet their needs. Health coaches are available to answer questions, provide guidance and instruction, and provide support and motivation. Plans utilize natural and healthy alternatives to managing a variety of health issues.

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