A Word from Our Sponsor, Pevonia Botanica.... Safety Under the Sun

Much has been said about the consequences of long-term unprotected sun exposure, but it's not always heeded. You are at risk for sun damage if you are outdoors (or even near a window) in any season and whether the sky is sunny or overcast --particularly between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Experts recommend using sunscreen every single day. What to look for in a sunscreen, how to use it, and the answers to other frequently asked questions about sun protection follow.

What are the effects of sun overexposure? Ultraviolet rays (UVR) can cause skin health issues that include premature aging, abnormal pigmentation problems, reduced immune response, and, of course, cancers such as melanoma.

What is melanoma? A melanoma is a cancerous (malignant) tumor that begins in the melanocyte cells that produce pigment in the skin. They are found in the bottom of the epidermal layer. Melanoma causes the greatest number of skin-cancer-related deaths.

How can I reduce my risk of developing melanoma? Prevention is the key. Know what you can do to avoid melanoma, follow the precautions regarding sun exposure, check for suspicious lesions, and visit a dermatologist if you find any.

Here are some guidelines:

• Check the UV index in your local weather reports, and if the number is above 5, take special care to protect yourself.
• Avoid the outdoors when UV rays are at their peak, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Remain in the shade as much as possible.
• Hydrate your skin by drinking plenty of water and by applying high-quality moisturizing products.
• Wear a hat and high-quality UV-proof sunglasses to avoid damage to your delicate eye area.
• On any spa visit, ask your skin specialist to point out unusual moles or lesions, and make a doctor's appointment to have them checked out.
• Most important, use sunscreen on a regular basis.

How do sunscreens work? They use titanium dioxide and zinc oxide to block the sun's rays physically or absorbent ingredients that easily absorb the UV rays. Some sunscreen products use a combination of the two.

Does sunscreen reduce the risk of melanoma? Yes, say dermatologists, and it also reduces the chance of skin damage, if it is properly applied and worn daily, especially during outdoor activities. To be effective, it must be applied half an hour prior to sun exposure and reapplied every two or three hours if you are outdoors, more often if you are perspiring or swimming.

What about the SPF? The SPF --or Sun Protection Factor --indicates the relative length of time a product protects your skin before sunburn. A product rated SPF 15 allows you to stay in the sun without burning 15 times longer than without protection, and it screens about 93 to 95 percent of UVB rays. An SPF of 30, the strength most experts advise, screens about 97 percent of UVB rays. UVA protection is included in broad-spectrum sunscreens but is measured differently.

How is Pevonia's sunscreen different from others? The Hydrating Sunscreen SPF 30 by Pevonia provides broad protection against both UVA and UVB rays. It reduces the risk of sunburn and the development of skin cancers such as melanoma, and it protects against premature aging and unsightly pigmentation. It is richly hydrating and deeply moisturizing without leaving any oily residue, and its antioxidant ingredients offer additional benefits. It is a top-quality, highly efficient, revitalizing, all-in-one skin-care product.