East Carolinian

Issue date: 10/23/08 Section: Features

Media Credit: staff photo

During summer months, sunscreen is a must for days spent outside in the sun. While sunscreen can be effective in protecting against the dreaded sunburn, the blocking of harmful rays can be beneficial in the long run, defending from more than just sunburns.

But don't be fooled by the shining sun and blistering heat, because skin care during the winter is just as important as during the summer.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States. Because of this, skin care methods are crucial year-round. During winter months, around 85 percent of the sun's rays penetrate clouds, and 85 percent of UV rays reflect through snow (even though we don't see much of that here in Greenville).

Dr. Elizabeth Hale of the Coppertone Solar Research Center offers five tips to help keep your skin safe this winter:

Protect your Face. While arms and legs are generally covered during cool seasons, your face is one of the only parts of the body that receives year-round sun exposure. Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen and apply it to the face, neck and chest before going outside to run or do other activities. Coppertone's Oil Free Faces SPF 30 and Sport Faces SPF 50 products provide protection from both UVB and UVA rays.

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