The new rules of sun safety

You’ve been following the rules when it comes to sunscreen for how long now? At this point, you’re a diligent daily sunscreen wearer, and you know to reapply every few hours when you’re at the beach or pool. (Sorry, no magical stay-all-day sunscreen on the market yet!) But, hey, it’s 2011—some of the old thinking no longer applies. So update your sun-safety habits, and keep your skin healthy long-term with these thoroughly modern strategies.
It’s no longer just about UV damage," says Fredric Brandt, MD, a dermatologist in New York City and Miami. "The sun also generates free radicals that break down your collagen and elastin fibers." Anti-oxidants in ingredients like soy, green tea, and vitamin C prevent free radicals from attacking, and they boost your protection level, too. Use a souped-up sunscreen that contains the powerful antioxidant idebenone. Or make sure your daily moisturizer has antioxidants in it so you’re covered from the start, then apply sunscreen as usual.

If you’re going to the beach, go higher than SPF 15, Dr. Brandt says. Most people don’t apply enough, so they may end up getting a protection level of 7 out of their 15. But if you’re slathering on 70? You’ll probably get at least a 30, so you’re good.

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