Sunrise-to-sunset skin protection: you don't have to hide inside to avoid sun-damaged skin. Follow these tips for protection from harmful rays

There is no such thing as a safe tan. A tan, like sunburn, is a skin injury. The sun, in effect, bakes the proteins in the skin and changes their appearance. A tan is a sign that the skin is defending itself against damaging exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light. But totally avoiding sunlight is not the answer--protecting against its harmful UV rays with a chemical-free sunscreen is.

You can face the sun without fear if you apply a sunscreen that contains micronized titanium dioxide or zinc oxide, minerals that naturally absorb and reflect rays away from the surface of the skin. Using a mineral-based sunscreen is vitally important--some research shows that chemical types of sunscreen may mimic estrogen and thereby possibly increase breast cancer risk or disrupt hormonal balance.

Sunlight consists of three types of ultraviolet rays: IAVA, UVB and UVC (the latter is screened out by the ozone layer). You need to protect against UVA and UVB bands, which are not filtered out. UVA rays are the "aging" rays, causing wrinkles, sagging skin and hyperpigmentation. They maintain their intensity all day long, all year long. UVB rays are the "burning" rays. They damage the epidermis, increasing the potential for skin cancer. UVB rays disrupt circulation and blood flow and eventually cause clumps of darkened cells that spot the skin's surface.

The Skin Cancer Foundation recommends applying a sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more at least 20 to 30 minutes before every exposure to the sun and reapplying frequently and liberally at least every two hours.

The higher the SPE the greater the protection from UVB rays. But this does not increase the length of time you can safely stay in the sun. You will have greater protection if you apply SPF 15 twice in four hours than if you use SPF 30 only once. Use sunscreen on cloudy days, too--up to 80 percent of the sun's rays reach the Earth when the sky is overcast.

THE SUNNY SIDE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

In addition to sunscreen certain antioxidants help prevent sun damage, reports the American Academy of Dermatology. Vitamin C is one of your skin's best defenses against free radicals. It binds to them and stops their destruction. Vitamin C also increases the production of collagen, one of your skin's most important building blocks. Experts suggest getting at least 500mg of vitamin C daily. Vitamin E, which is abundant in the outermost layer of the skin, is the first line of defense against UV damage. Many studies show that vitamin E reduces sun damage and helps prevent wrinkles. However, the vitamin is depleted by sunlight, so it needs replenishing.

A daily multivitamin containing 400 IU of vitamin E can provide the necessary protection. The latest studies show that carotenoids, including beta-carotene, lycopene and lutein, also protect your skin against sun damage. Get your carotenoids from carrots, cantaloupes, sweet potatoes, squash, tomatoes and melons. If you spend a lot of time outdoors, an antioxidant-rich supplement may provide an extra layer of sun protection.

QUICK TIP: Dab, Don't Slather

Pat mineral-based sunscreens onto your skin rather than smearing them on the reduce their characteristics chalky appearance.

Here Comes the Sun ...

Check out our roundup of chemical-free sunscreens for all ages, plus a natural product for taking the perfect tan and an all-in-one supplement formula.

Jason's SUNBRELLAS CHEMICAL FREE SUNBLOCK SPF 30+ with titanium dioxide and zinc oxide provides broad-spectrum protection, while chamomile and marigold extracts soothe skin.

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SAVING FACE SPRAY SPF 10 by Aubrey Organics is a light skin freshener that you can wear under makeup or spray over a sunscreen with a higher SPF for added protection.

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Try a safe alternative to tanning with MyChelle's DEL SOL SELF BRONZING SYSTEM, which contains dihydroxyacetone--a simple carbohydrate derive from sugar beets and sugar cane that interacts with proteins in the skin to produce a tan that does not wash off and provides a mild SPF 4

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CAROTENALL softgels from Jarrow Formulas has been designed to provide more major carotenoids, lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene) than five servings of fruits and vegetables.

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Protect the sensitive skin of children with Alba Botanica's KIDS MINERAL SUNSCREEN SPF 18 with natural titanium dioxide, plus healing vitamin E, lavender and aloe.

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