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Protect Your Hide
Preventative maintenance is of utmost importance when the rays start to sear. ...
SPF S.O.S.
The array of available sunscreen products is daunting and choosing what to buy can be confusing. Here are some of...
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![Between burning you and causing premature aging, the sun can be a major pain. Here’s how to deal with its rays without completely disowning the big bugger. By <a href="http://sharpformen.com/author/alex-nino-gheciu/">Alex Nino Gheciu</a><div id='nr_fo_top_of_post'></div><p>Here comes the sun—to kick your ass, that is. You may be gunning for a walnut-brown Arnold tan this summer, but without proper protection, UV rays can give you tomato-red dragon scales instead. Oh c’mon now, don’t just give up and join the circus. You have other options.</p>
<p><strong>Choose a sunscreen. Wisely.</strong></p>
<p>“I think it’s important that everyone wears sunscreen daily,” says Dr. Davindra Singh, lead dermatologist at Toronto clinic AvantDerm. But you shouldn’t slap on just any old bottle of Coppertone. “The sun’s rays are split up into UVA rays (which cause premature aging) and UVB rays (which burn the skin). But a sunscreen’s SPF rating only measures UVB. In the past, everybody thought that UVB was the only important thing for skin cancer. But now we know that UVA causes cancer and melanoma and it’s most responsible for photoaging.”</p>
<p>Look for a sunscreen bottle that has “Broad Spectrum Protection” printed on the label. That means it’ll guard you from both UVA and UVB rays. <strong>La Roche-Posay’s Anthelios XL Ultra-Fluid Lotion SPF 60</strong> is a fine choice. It’s also oil-free and fast-absorbing, so it doesn’t leave a ghost face effect. $27, <a href="http://en.laroche-posay.ca" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://en.laroche-posay.ca']);">en.laroche-posay.ca</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Up the anti…oxidants.</strong></p>
<p>No, eating a pomegranate isn’t enough. You need to slather those antioxidants on your hide. “When the sun hits you it generates free radicals,” says Singh. “And sunscreens don’t block 100%. Antioxidants basically neutralize those.”</p>
<p>Singh recommends using an antioxidant-rich serum before you put on your sunscreen. Do it every day after a shower. He uses <strong>SkinCeuticals C E Ferulic</strong>, which defends against environmental aging with a combination of ferulic acid and vitamins C and E. If it’s good enough for a dermatologist, it’s good enough for you. $144, <a href="http://www.skinceuticals.com" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.skinceuticals.com']);">skinceuticals.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Don’t debate, exfoliate.</strong></p>
<p>“Guys probably don’t exfoliate enough,” Singh notes. “I like to do the protection thing with the antioxidant and suncreen in the morning, and then exfoliate at night. Use retinols—they’re basically vitamin A derivatives that reduce photoaging.”</p>
<p>He speaks the truth. Retinol speeds up cell regeneration, encouraging dead cells to be sloughed off by newer, healthier ones. <strong>Vichy Liftactiv Retinol Night HA</strong> helps reverse sun damage by reducing fine lines and dark spots. And no, it’s not girly. We’ve got thicker skin than women, so we need this more than they do. $44, <a href="http://www.vichy.com" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.vichy.com']);">vichy.com</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Beard up.</strong></p>
<p>We know beard season is in the dead of winter, but fuzzy facial locks can act as a great shield against the sun’s searing rays. “A beard protects you,” says Singh. “When men become bald, they get lots of sun damage and skin cancer on their scalps. The hair is an unbelievable protector. Someone with a full head of hair is extremely unlikely to ever find skin cancer on their scalps. It doesn’t happen; the hair blocks it.”</p>
<p><strong>Oh, behave.</strong></p>
<p>You may think sunscreen is your number one defense against the cruel solar deities, but it’s not. “Of the three components to protect yourself, sunscreen is the least important,” says Singh. “Number one is behaviour: so don’t go out around noon when the sun’s rays are most intense, or at least seek shade. Number two is clothing: if you wear loose, long sleeves and a hat, you’ll protect yourself a lot. Number three is sunscreen.”</p>
<p><strong>Obey the Tan Commandments.</strong></p>
<p>The first Commandment: Though shalt not use tanning beds. “Oh, those are a definite no-no,” says Singh. “They’ve been declared a class one carcinogen by the World Health Organization, the same as cigarette smoke and arsenic.”</p>
<p>So what’s the best way to bronze? “Self tanners,” he suggests. “There’s no risk to those.”</p>
<p>Your best bet is <strong>4VOO’s Moisturizing Self Tanner</strong>. Not only does it deliver anti-aging effects via an exclusive multi-peptide blend, it leaves you with the most radiant of faux glows. No sunlight required. Hasta la vista, baby. $80, <a href="http://www.4voo.com" onclick="javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackEvent','outbound-article','http://www.4voo.com']);">4voo.com</a>.</p>
<div id='nr_fo_bot_of_post'></div> <span id="pty_trigger"></span> Ain’t No Sun of Mine](http://sharpformen.com/wp-content/gallery/ain039t-no-sun-of-mine/vichy_new.jpg)