Sun protection with style and smarts

When the weather is warm, most folk want to wear less and feel the sun on their skin more. But while you’re showing off your summer wardrobe or angling for a more even skin tone, it’s important to remember that the best way to fight visible signs of aging is to wear sunblock.

Kenneth Cole for him (top) and her

Here are 17 tips on protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays, from sunscreen application to wise selection of accessories.

• Wear lightweight, layered garments. Be mindful that more tightly woven fabrics and darker colors help block the sun’s rays.
• Add to your wardrobe clothes that have sun protection factor built in. They’re becoming more common for children and adults.
• Wear a hat with a wide brim to protect the head and face. The fabric or material should breathe without having cracks or spaces that allow direct light through. Lab Series makes an effective one for men that works as well for women.
• Wear sunglasses that block at least 99% of UVA and UVB rays, especially if you have cataracts, macular degeneration or other eye problems. Shades labeled “UV 400″ keep out 99% of UV rays while polycarbonate absorbs 100%. Some of the better cosmetics that contain SPF are at Prescriptives, Clinique, Lavera, Bliss and Bobbi Brown.
• Before buying shades, check for scratches, distortions or imperfections on the lenses. The wisest choices cover the entire eye areas. There are hip styles at Nautica, dELiA*s, Buckle, AmeriMark and Overstock.com.
• Although some clear lenses can have total UV protection, dark lenses generally are better because they automatically screen out 75-90% of visible light.
• Polarized shades reduce glare while anti-reflective coatings and mirror lenses give some protection. When a lens gets scratched, replace the glasses for optimal protection.
• Because UV damage begins in childhood, kids — who are more vulnerable than adults — should wear sunglasses. Everyone should wear them even on overcast days because UV rays penetrate clouds.
• Wear broad-spectrum sunblock (that blocks both UVA and UVB rays) on any day where you’ll be outdoors for at least 15 minutes. There are some good options at benefit, Origins, DERMAdoctor, Glowology, AmeriMark, Beautorium and Walmart.
• Use a minimum SPF 30. Apply the equivalent of a teaspoon for an area the size of an arm at least 30 minutes before going out, and reapply at least every two hours if outdoors for a prolonged period.
• Use waterproof or sweatproof sunblock if you plan to engage in any applicable activity. Banana Boat has many options.
• For the face, use a sunscreen formulated especially for that more sensitive skin. Some of our favorites are by Clarins, Darphin and Hampton Sun. Apply to the neck and the upper chest just below.



• Don’t miss key areas such as lips, ears, nail beds and between the toes when sporting footwear that leaves feet or toes exposed. Skin cancer rates are increasing in all four areas. Also popular are options by Origins, Lavera, Zirh, benefit and Bobbi Brown.
• Jo Malone’s Vitamin E Lip Conditioner SPF 15 for men and women (pictured on right) protects and heals ($20).
• Choose hair grooming and scalp treatment products with SPF. More women are choosing lipsticks, foundations and other cosmetics that contain SPF.
• Rather than the widely used sunscreens, kids under the age of 6 and adults with sensitive skin should use zinc dioxide, titanium dioxide and other such topical sun barriers.
• Note expiration dates on products containing SPF. Toss them upon expiration, or save money by using them simply as moisturizers.
• If you seek the sun just for a tan, try self-tanning products that contain SPF. You’ll kill two birds with one stone. Bobbi Brown and Bliss have quality sunless tan products.